Hornby Dublo A4 Golden Fleece help please

[StuartP]

Hi there,

I am looking for some advice if possible.

I inherited a Hornby Dublo class A4 loco from my late mother in law and I think it needs some work.

When placed on a track I can get it to go at a slow to moderate pace for a short duration before it dies and doesn't come back to life.

Is there somewhere where I can get this loco overhauled as I would love to run it on my DC layout.

Any help is much appreciated.

[brian1951]

It will no doubt need a good clean and service if it has been stored awhile, also it may need re-magnetising. There are a few Model shops in Edinburgh best try them. Welcome to the forum

[StuartP]

Thanks Brian

The magnet is week and the wires could probably do with a re solder too.
Brushes are worn but have at least a millimetre on the contact end.

Is there anything I can try myself as part of servicing? I've noticed you can by neodymium magnets as replacements. Can you still get the new springs and brushes too?

[brian1951]

Ebay is a good source for Dublo spares, the commutator will need a good cleaning,also the wheels and pick ups, new springs plus brushes will give it a new lease of life.

[StuartP]

Ebay is a good source for Dublo spares, the commutator will need a good cleaning,also the wheels and pick ups, new springs plus brushes will give it a new lease of life.

Thanks Brian, the wheels and pick ups are spotless but the commutator is in need of a good clean, whats best to clean it with?

Will look on ebay for new springs and brushes thanks

[brian1951]

IPA on a cotton bud works, isopropyl alcohol 99.9% its also on ebay.

[Rog (RJ)]

When placed on a track I can get it to go at a slow to moderate pace for a short duration before it dies and doesn't come back to life.

What controller are you using? The cheap standard controllers that come in modern sets have a quite low current capability. Older locos tend to draw more current and cause the controller to overload and cut out. If the old loco magnets are weak, the locos will draw even more current than they normally would.

[yelrow]

Excellent point Rog,all my Doblo run on H&M clippers or Duettes, both 2 and 3 rail locos . They draw too much for small controllers. Won’t matter about length of carbon brushes. I cut mine in half from new .

[StuartP]

When placed on a track I can get it to go at a slow to moderate pace for a short duration before it dies and doesn't come back to life.

What controller are you using? The cheap standard controllers that come in modern sets have a quite low current capability. Older locos tend to draw more current and cause the controller to overload and cut out. If the old loco magnets are weak, the locos will draw even more current than they normally would.

I'm using an R965 as a temporary controller as I know it can supply the appropriate amps for these older locos. To confirm the controller hasn't gone into thermal shutdown I test my Lima class 26 and it works fine so I know the Dublo A4 needs attention

Excellent point Rog,all my Doblo run on H&M clippers or Duettes, both 2 and 3 rail locos . They draw too much for small controllers. Won’t matter about length of carbon brushes. I cut mine in half from new .

What would be an ideal controller on a more permanent basis but wont break the bank. Would an HM2000 work?

[yelrow]

hi, Look on ebay foe H and M Duette or clipper. They have the grunt, and built like tanks. I use 9 of them on my layout for Hornby Dublo. Guagemaster, and Morley, are the best on the market, but expensive. Hornby 2000, are fine, but you wont go wrong with the 2 i have suggested. Cost about £20 ish. john