Morning all.
There is an update on the Manning Wardle front, and it's not the best.
The noisey Bombay is going back. The noise levels developed to such an extent that there is clearly something amiss. The issue this identified is that there are some interesting decisions made regarding the components.
I think the noise in this case is down to a lack of lubrication. Given the amount of oil on the exterior of the baseplate on this particular example, I do wonder if this was identified at the factory and oil was squirted about in an attempt to address this. If so, it clearly didn't.
The ideal is to drop out the chassis. As far as I can see, you can't.
Okay, access the motor and apply some oil onto the bearings. Mmmmm......far from straightforward as this requires the removal of the saddle tank and there will be collateral damage and this is also required for decoder fitting.
As well as the motor, remove the baseplate from the chassis, drop out the wheels, remove excess oil, clean and lube the bearings and gears. Replace. Er........no. You cannot remove the base plate more than a couple of mm as the brake shoes are moulded onto the baseplate...not an issue BUT, the brake rods which are also part of the brake shoe/ base plate assembly run beneath the footplate.........to which they are seemingly glued.
Far from ideal..
Therefore, I am now on my second SECR example as extensive running has failed to loosen up a tight spot, tight enough to cause the loco to pause, mid rotation when pulling away or slowing down.
However, the second SE&CR example is an uneven runner, again despite extensive running in and dependent on how it emerges from more time on the rollers today, may well go back.
So, of the four which have so far passed through my paws, two have failed and a third is teetering on the edge of the abyss.......
Updates will follow
Rob
