Improving AZL's GP electrical contact

[tom mann]

Has anyone removed the two traction tires from the AZL geep to improve electrical contact? How was pulling power degraded? I only need it to pull 2-3 cars for my switching layout.

[Missaberoad]

Not having one in front of me, but the first thought that comes to my mind would be the fact that you would need to track down replacement wheels since the traction tire wheels would have grooves cut into them.

DKS's writings on them make mention of the traction tires being a determent to contact, but no solution is offered.

http://web.archive.org/web/20100612012226/http://jamesriverbranch.net/review_1.htm
http://web.archive.org/web/20100611220849/http://jamesriverbranch.net/project_10.htm

If you can find the wheels I say go for it...

[tom mann]

It's not clear to me if there are groves in the wheels or not. 

The loco itself runs well, it just has an issue with starting reliably.

[ztrack]

Tom yes there are groove on the wheels. I suggest using a Conductalube on contact points of the GP38. I put a drop on the points where the contacts from the trucks touch the chassis. This is a key point since grease and grime (especially during the initial break in period) can build up on these contacts. If there is too much grease in the trucks, it can cause some binding which may be why you need a little more power to get the loco going. I find the AZL locos will run better and better as they break-in and the gears and lubricants mesh in.

I also add a drop where the PCB and the chassis contact meet. Good electrical contact with the PCB is key. We do have more information on reseating the PCB here:

http://www.americanzline.com/category/tech-tips/

Rob

[peteski]

It's not clear to me if there are groves in the wheels or not. 

If there was no groove then the the tire would easily slip off, plus the added thickens would make the truck not contact the rail with all 4 wheels.