Messages

Hi jga1959,

          671 here. I have posted several articles about aftermarket smoker repair. Use the"SEARCH" from this site to find them. They should still be available. Years 2011-2013,14 ?
          I have detailed exactly what to buy and how to make smoke with the new unit.
Basically I purchase a LGB 5-6 volt (SEUTH) smoker unit from Trainland. Install this in place of the Williams unit.
The new smoker is a little larger in diameter and slightly lower in voltage need. Two diodes are needed inline with the supply board (7volts output) to smoker reduces the voltage. ( approx minus 0.7 volts per installed diode to reduce to 5.6 volts supplying the smoker unit.
Find one of my complete articles on this subject...The new unit smokes like the loco is on fire...approx 15-20 minutes smoke output per session. My smoker is still going strong after 10 plus years.

                               Hope this helps...671

Hi Lyle,

       671 here. Use this Bachmann website for "Parts". Under the heading of O scale Williams. On the second page of universal O scale parts is a True Blast II horn/bell sound system @ $ $61.38. This should be just what you need for the GG-1 unit.

             Hope this helps,

                  671

Hi Marcliff71,

          671 here....Try the website Trainz.  They have an extensive used equipment and parts inventory (all scales). Maybe you will find something that will aid you with your challenge.

                                  Keep'em smokin!
                                      671

Hi Cameraboy75,

                671 here.

Before you try a more powerful transformer ...

1.   Only run your locomotive by itself ... i.e. no other loads on that low powered transformer. (Lighted cars, accessories etc.)
2.   Clean center roller pick-ups and wheels with plastic friendly contact cleaner. Remove any and all built-up gunk. Scrape off wheel debris as needed.
3.   Lubricate center roller and wheel bushings with electrically conductive lubricant ( non-carbonizing oil/lube )
4.   Clean your track. Use a mild Scotch pad with a de-greaser like Windex to gently clean all rails of your track.

                                             Merry Christmas ... Hope this helps

                                                                671

Hi otww,

           671 here. Try  Dallee electronics on line. It sounds like you need a new voltage regulating board. Dallee should be able to help you with this, they supply many electronics to the hobby.

                               Happy Turkey Day,
                 
                               Keep'em Smokin...671

Hi Ruslsdad,

           671 here.
   
           Rubber universal replacement diesel tires are available on this website's parts section. Look under William's universal parts O gauge...Page  (3)  4 tires 2 bulbs $8.80.

           Install the tires to the wheels using rubber cement. This will give you much longer life from the tires. Rubber cement is available at stationary stores and hardware stores.
u
                             Hope this helps,

                                    671

Hi rad 400,

             671 here.

Look in this site's (Williams) universal O scale parts. It has a motor that fits FM units. I do not know if this is what you need...but it is worth a look.
Also look at Trainland web site. Williams O scale Diesels...you may find a deal on a loco that has your needed parts. Some items are at close to parts pricing if you break them down into component parts.

Give it try...Hope this helps...

                                           Give a Toot !
                                                 671

Hi rad 400,

          671 here.

The Williams Chugington loco is at Trainland. Close-out price of  $ 69.99.

This may have the same two trucks and motors that you are looking for. Check it out. Williams would not have "Tooled" up just for these locos.

                           Good Luck...Keep on Chuggin'

                                       671

Hi DaleS,

            671 here.

       Go to Trainland's on line site.

            "G" scale parts...Piko 5 volt regulating board # 36143...@$28.99 each.

      This will fill your needs.

                     White smoke = Happy loco

                                   671

Hi Winnipeg O gauge guy,

              671 here.

Try Trainland, they are showing a 6 wheel upgrade kit at $134.99 .... I am not sure if this is exactly what you need.
It is listed under Williams train parts in the accessory section.

                                     Hope this is it,

                                             671

                                         

Hi Winnipeg O gauge guy,

                      671 here.

Try website Nicholas Smith Trains.

He has listed a F-3 upgrade kit @ $129.99  This looks like a typo error.

Upon opening that F-3 page ... the picture is of the F-3 upgrade unit BUT the description is for the EP-5 kit along with E-7 and the Alco PA.
You may be in luck...look it up and contact them to make sure.

                                   Good Hunting

              Let smoke get in your eyes...Re-visit your childhood,

                                          671

Hi psm6519,

       671 here.

Here is your best bet ... Trainland currently has (3) Road name F-3's on sale. Southern, Boston Maine and Erie.
They are priced at $199.99 for each A-A set...(powered and dummy pair).
You can salvage the powered A unit for your needs. ( Chassis, trucks, motors, sound board...etc. You may only need to swap the plastic shell.
You will be left with two dummy units. Good static "yard display"
F-3 upgrade kits are nonexistent. They used to sell for approx. $140 - $150.00.
For $199.99 you get spare parts.

                 It is your choice...Hope this helps

           " Inn keeper, Another round of track for the boys! "

                     Keep'em smoke'n...671

Hi Winnipeg O gauge guy,

              671 here.

One thought on your upgrade. The can motors within your original 20 plus year old units, do they have visible rotating "Fly wheels" on the top outside of the can motors? If yes...the new replacement truck/motor combination should work well. The Fly wheels prevent abrupt stoppage of the motor. They aid in a more of a coasting stop.
If one loco has the non-coasting motors, and the other has the coasting motors ... operational performance may be compromised.

Just a thought...before money and time is spent.

Older Williams locos have non coasting motors. I do not know what year they changed to the coasting motors. I own a Williams dual motor loco with non-coasting motors. I upgraded it with new Williams' control and sound. Wired the motors in series. It runs well and pulls like an Ox.

                                 Just some thoughts...671

Hi Winnipeg O gauge guy,

                     671 here.

I will say yes; the new and older reverser boards will work. They both have the ability to control one or two "CAN" motors. The CAN motors are D/C current powered. The board has built into the circuitry rectifiers and relays.
The board  will rectify the A/C current to an usable synthetic D/C current that the CAN motors will accept as D/C current.

Trainland has that unit with lockout switch for $59.99.

I would strongly suggest that you look into wiring the motors in series rather than in a parallel format. In series the GG1 will travel at a slower more constant speed than if you wire the motors in parallel. The loco will not be affected as much by dirty track and other things that will cause voltage deviation.

You can check posts on this site or google on how to series wire Williams locomotives. There are some very knowledgeable guys and gals on this site that can help you with that simple wiring adaptation. I think you will be amazed at the better performance of your loco.          Glad to help...

                                          Keep 'em smok'n
                                                   671

Hi man631,
         
           671 here. 

This sounds like your power source, the transformer may be of a very low capacity ( 40-80-watts ).  This may be the problem. The transformer may be tripping on its' safety overload device.
The motors, the lights within the cars and any other 'load' that goes through the transformer adds to the strain upon the transformer.
Shutting off the transformer is a technique to reset the tripped circuit.

Try turning off all of the loads on that transformer, place just the one loco onto the track and see if it runs. If it does, the  low powered transformer is the problem.  Time to buy a more powerful transformer.

                                                Hope this helps...671