[Fireline]

I have recently bought a secondhand Bachmann motorised tamper, and I have found a strange problem. The motor seems to run ok at slow speed, but as soon as I try to go up to a slightly higher speed, the engine just grinds to a halt, and the motor simply spins. I am not sure if it is a gearing problem, or a lack of ballast weight. Has anyone else had a similar issue? All and any advice gratefully received.

 

[34C]

Likely to be a slightly loose gear, probably on the motor shaft. At low revs there's just enough friction for the gear to grip the shaft, but as the power to be transmitted rises it lets go. If this is the cause, best fixed immediately, as the more use it gets, the more wear and thus looseness. If you can get it properly degreased, a little cyanoacrylate adhesive will probably do the job of locking gear to shaft.