02-11-2018, 11:50 PM
Quite a bit of drive train noise can be attributed to slop, whether in the motor, gearbox, or drive couplings. Some years ago, Model Power had some really sweet-running E-units, but they often chattered, especially when getting underway. A couple of thin plastic shims in the universal joints cleaned-up the noise issue quite easily (once the source had been tracked down).
A little play in the worm is okay, but limiting it should quiet things a bit. NWSL has phosphor bronze thrust washers available in several sizes and thicknesses - I use part #1108-4, which are .010" thick, and have an inside diameter of .079" (2mm) and an outside diameter of .118. Since they're relatively thin, simply use multiples, as necessary, until the end-play is almost gone - if you make the fit too tight, you risk over-stressing the motor.
I often notice that some locomotives seem noisier in one direction, and in some cases, that may be caused by the worm not being centred over the worm gear (driven gear), especially if the lead-in of the tooth of the worm is in contact with the worm gear. Make sure that the worm is centred over the worm gear, either by moving the worm on its shaft, or, if it's mounted on the motor's shaft, by re-positioning the motor.
If you're using an open frame motor, you may wish to check for end-play there, too. While you're at it, don't forget to apply some oil to the felt pads at either end of the motor...over time, they dry out, and the oil needs to be periodically replenished.
Another upgrade for an open frame motor is to change-out the magnet for rare earth-type magnets. They can lower current draw and offer better low speed operation, too, along with improved pulling power.
Wayne
A little play in the worm is okay, but limiting it should quiet things a bit. NWSL has phosphor bronze thrust washers available in several sizes and thicknesses - I use part #1108-4, which are .010" thick, and have an inside diameter of .079" (2mm) and an outside diameter of .118. Since they're relatively thin, simply use multiples, as necessary, until the end-play is almost gone - if you make the fit too tight, you risk over-stressing the motor.
I often notice that some locomotives seem noisier in one direction, and in some cases, that may be caused by the worm not being centred over the worm gear (driven gear), especially if the lead-in of the tooth of the worm is in contact with the worm gear. Make sure that the worm is centred over the worm gear, either by moving the worm on its shaft, or, if it's mounted on the motor's shaft, by re-positioning the motor.
If you're using an open frame motor, you may wish to check for end-play there, too. While you're at it, don't forget to apply some oil to the felt pads at either end of the motor...over time, they dry out, and the oil needs to be periodically replenished.
Another upgrade for an open frame motor is to change-out the magnet for rare earth-type magnets. They can lower current draw and offer better low speed operation, too, along with improved pulling power.
Wayne