Where's the problem?

[Rmsinsd]

I have a Modemo Type 1100 motorcar that try as I might, runs erratically. It seems to be bad electrical contact somewhere. I've tried cleaning the wheels with alcohol, but there's got to be another spot that needs attention. The track is reasonably fine, and other trams and of course heavier trains have no problems.

 

Any advice guys? Especially for these particular chassis types? Thanks in advance!

[kvp]

The usual suspects after the wheels are the wheel pickups as these tend to accumulate dirt and lint. The third area to check, especially for modemo cars are the bogie/chassis pickups.

[cteno4]

I have quite a few of these and never had stuttering with them, and not heard of any consistent complaints with the 3 bogie chassis.

 

I would agree with kvp that it's most likely gunk in the pickups from the chassis to the trucks or truck to wheels the if wheels and track are clean. Never had to tear one apart yet so unfortunately can't give any guidance there.

[Rmsinsd]

Thanks guys. I did find evidence of arcing at the contacts between the carriages. The rest of the contacts are clean, as are the wheels. The only place hard to get to is where the bogie contacts touch the wheel axles. A thorough cleaning helps, so maybe it's just the light weight of the car that requires extra attention. I was just wondering if there was something unique to the Modemo's.

 

As an aside, I gotta share this. I'm pulling out my n-scale stock from a few years absence. I have US, British and Japanese stock. The US stuff - Bachman, etc. literally has been falling apart! Axle bushings made of plastic that deteriorate and crack, screws that back out. The British stuff - Graham Farish, Hornby, Model Power etc. - are rough, but rugged. The Japanese products are superior by far!

 

Just thought I'd share...

[cteno4]

Hmm not seen arcing at the carriage joint. Wonder if the wipe is loose and not making good contact and then just intermittently touching. They seem to have enough weight in them when I run them on the Ttrak that has rougher track joints at module interfaces many times. The only modemo I've had issues with is the greenmover. It's articulation is cranky, sadly not near the 2 segment trams running quality.

 

Japanese trains really are the best bang for the buck out there, hard to bear the generally good quality and detail, good running, long life, wide variety and decent prices!

 

Jeff

[nah00]

A good way to clean wheels and contacts at the same time is to take a paper towel, put a goodly amount of rubbing alcohol on it, and then lay it on the tracks. Take the offending model (remove the shell to avoid getting alcohol on it) and turn the throttle about halfway up and leave one power truck on the track while putting the other on the paper towel and pushing down just enough so it contacts the rails. You'll be surprised how much grime you can pull off this way, also has the bonus of working alcohol in to all part of the power truck. Just remember to clean the track where you ran the car afterwards, it's likely going to have a bit of nasty on it.