PLASTIC MELTDOWN
Particularly those with rods and valve gear, locos should not be left
running unattended. A jam in the mechanism can stop the motor and subject
it to full stall current, resulting in burned out windings or melted plastic
parts. Both mishaps below occurred while using a 2 1/2 amp powerpack.
Although for over 15 years, excluding the hot summer, we ran an Athearn
S-12 with 5 cars in our store window during shop hours, accidents do happen.
Fortunately it required only cleaning and lubrication before running season
each fall.
On the other hand, during a distraction while testing a new Mantua
"Lindberg" Atlantic, a loose crank pin jammed the loco unnoticed. When
discovered the superstructure was completely distorted from heat. It was
not a pretty sight to a PRR buff. Fortunately the windings were not
damaged. Contacting and explaining the situation to Mantua, they replaced
all the damaged parts free.
A far worse case occurred while showing off my prized Varney AeroTrain
(after which our shop was named) complete with lights, Kemtron mechanism
with brass sideframes and other goodies. While unattended, during a
bull session distraction, a derailment jammed it with even worse results.
The DC-70 and the metal parts survived, but the plastic frame and shell were
ruined. There is no need to repeat the words I used or say how I felt.
After searching for many years to no avail, Bowser released their version,
but the frame was completely different and the paint job did not match the
original Kemtron journal equipped cars. Many more years passed before a
reasonably priced replacement was found at auction on the web. It is up and
running, but the plastic frame will be refabricated in brass and a heat
shield added, when I finally settle on the right design.
These examples should be very convincing, that precautions should be taken
in selcting protective devices. It happens even to those who should know
better.
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Authored on the POWER PC AMIGA using:
Text__CygnusEd Professional V4.2. 1999
Drawings__XCAD-3000 V1.1, 1992
Graphs__Math-Amation V1.0d, 1988
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Digital Camera__Kodak DC25, 1998
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