Model Railway Forum

I have a Hornby Class 31 loco that has developed a really bad squeal when travelling in one direction. I can’t seem to trace where it is from and despite lubricating all the axles and worm gear as per instructions, the noise persists. It only squeals in one direction and only at mid-speed! Any suggestions? Otherwise, this loco always runs beautifully.

Does it have a rotating fan in the roof ?.....that can quite often be the culprit of the dreaded squeal. Mine went away after I removed the body and exercised the fan arrangement, but I believe for many people it is incurable and so they end up cutting the band that drives the fan and / or even remove the drive assy completely.

Hopefully this helps you eradicate the squeal - cheers Richard

Yes it does have a fan driven by a rubber belt. I will have a closer look at this....

Probably needs a drop on the shafts for the fan