Model Railway Forum

Following on from a previous thread, I also have problems with a very slow running Heljan model, the class 35 "Hymek" on a DCC track. Although unlike the other thread my loco used to work perfectly OK, then it decided to have off days and now it just runs very slowly all the time - so it's nothing to do with the gearing and nothing to do with the track as other trains run OK. None of the CV settings have been changed (unless they've changed themselves!).

My main concern, and question, is about how much current this loco's motor would normally use. After disconnecting the motor, so it's running on pure DC with no fancy electronics, It draws just over 1amp at 9v and about 1.5amp at 12v. This seems excessively high to me, especially as, in its DCC mode, it is being controlled by a .9amp decoder.

So, how much current should the motor draw? Will it use less current in DCC mode rather than direct DC?
Is the motor knackered or is e decoder knackered or is the decoder just doing its job and shutting down when it sees such a high current?

Any help really would be gratefully recieved.
Thanks
EnGee

Hi
Firstly, welcome to the forum.

Secondly, Heljan locos re renown for drawing more current that other similar makes. However, your readings are excessive and virtually beyond what many DCC decoders could cope with continually.

I would initially suggest a full service. Ensure all gearing is lubricated with a tiny spot of oil or special grease designed for model use. Do not use WD40 style spray lubricants or thicker 3 in 1 types of oil. These are not suitable.
When oiling remember the golden rule.... If you can see it (the new oil) its probably too much! Lubricate all pivots and any bearings at each end of the motor. Test run the loco without anything being towed by it and allow a good ten minutes of medium speed running for the lubrication to work its way in. When oiling apply oil by dipping a sewing pin into the oil then apply the pins tip to the area needing the lubrication. The oil on the pin should run off onto the area needed. This avoids over lubrication which is harmful!
If the current is still excessively high look further for possible issues, such as something binding or even a defective motor.

Thanks for your reply, and thanks for the welcome.
Unfortunately none of your infomation is appropriate as all the readings were taken with the motor removed from the loco so absoluely nothing attached to it (except the flywheels) to oil! The motor seems to turn OK, and there's no obvious friction. Plus it's only a couple of months old, and I hope it doesn't need a service every month!!!!!

So it's looking like a knackered motor?

Return to retailer as defective under warranty?

Heljan had motor issues with the Class 17 regarding slow running and I seem to remember a lot going back because of this, your Class 35 may be suffering from a similar problem.

I own one that's a slow runner, fortunately it didn't cost me anything as it was given to me to use it as a test bed for decoders.

Thanks for the replies, especially confirming the current draw is too high.
I have spoken to the retailer this morning and it is now on its way back to them.

Hopefully I will get a working train back!

Thanks
EnGee

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2176

This was my post, too much of a reaction to avoid Heljan locomotives? Mine are all old Lima, great runners, Hornby and Bachman.

Train recieved back, tested and all working fine now.
So thanks for all the replies and thanks to Gaugemaster for thier excellent customer care.