Erratic loco

[Puddles]

I hope I have posted this problem in the right place as I have a Hornby A4 oo gauge loco that is about four years old which has started to run faster than normal,it also shudders sometimes in reverse. Has any one had this problem with a loco and can it be rectified?
It was purchased brand new and ran in correctly. It ran fine when new and has not had a iot of running time. It was sold as DCC ready but has only ever been run on a DC track straight from the box and never been tampered with so I don’t know if it has a chip in it.
Puddles

[Brian]

I reads as though the motor is beginning to fail or there is something wrong with the gearing?
DCC Ready does not have a DCC decoder fitted inside. It simply means its ready for conversion to DCC if ever required, in that it has a removable 'Blanking Plate' fitted and this is removed and the DCC decoder of choice is fitted in its place.
I would open it and lubricate all pivots and moving parts using only oil sold especially for model use. Do not use spray types of lubricant such as WD40 or thicker oils like 3 in 1 Remember the golden lubrication rule too... If you can see it (the oil) its probably too much! Apply oil with a sewing pin dipped into the oil and touched onto the area where its needed. Over lubrication can be blotted off with the aid of a kitchen paper towel or tissue.
Clean the wheel rims and rear of wheels where wipers rub and check all wipers are making light continual contact with the wheels.
Test run forward for 15 minutes at half speed then do the same in reverse If OK reassemble and enjoy. If it still gives problems as its not brand new I would contact Hornby Customer Care and ask for a returns number and then send it back for them to examine and repair etc if possible.

[Puddles]

Thank you Brian for your information and advice,I will lubricate and check the workings on the loco using your guidance.

Puddles

[Stese]

worth checking that all the wheels and pickups are clean, and free from general debris.

[Puddles]

Thank you Stese,I will check.
Puddles

[sandy]

I had a scotsman with the same thing as that. When I took the body off you could also see sparking from the motor. I put new motor in it and all was fine. These can motors are not serviceable far as I know. I remember I paid about £9 for the motor. Got motor from a shop in Cardiff. I cant remember name of shop, but could not get one from peter spares or Hornby at the time. You just have to search the net.

[RFS]

Had the same problem with 3 different Hornby motors. The shop I got my replacements from is Lendons of Cardiff - http://www.lendonsmodelshop.co.uk/

[sandy]

Had the same problem with 3 different Hornby motors. The shop I got my replacements from is Lendons of Cardiff - http://www.lendonsmodelshop.co.uk/

Yes that was the name Lendons Thank you RFS. He has huge spare parts lists. Things that others ran out of years ago. Most of his sales are are on line.

[sandy]

Any luck with the Scotsman Puddles.

[Puddles]

I have not had a chance to work on the loco yet Sandy, I have been working in the garden these past few days.
Going by the comments made I think I may have to get a new motor so I will order one, i will at least have a spare if it is not needed.
Thank you for asking.
Puddles