Murphy model 141 poor running question

[trainboy]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a new MM 141 loco from IRM with the speaker installed. The problem I have is that the loco is a very poor runner. I have several of the original 141s, purchased years ago, and the run smooth on my layout. I have cleaned the wheels and connectors to the wheels but the loco hardly runs. I think the problem is the copper connectors that pick up the current from the wheels. The don’t seem to have adequate contact. Does anyone know how to fix this problem? Is it easy to tweak these connectors without disconnecting wires. I have attached a pic below showing the wheels and truck. Thanks, Brendan

[Adrian]

Those connectors don’t look great. Some of them don’t seem to touch the wheels and one of them looks a bit black where it’s touching the wheel. I would try: 

1. use a small pliers to bend the connector back to touching the wheel

2. try using some isopropyl alcohol or track cleaner or Brasso (don’t let it touch on plastic) to clean the connectors

3. the wheels also look a bit dirty. I would give them a clean, personally I find Brasso does a great job of this 

[David Holman]

Agree with the above, though meths soaked on a cotton bud, then pressed on each wheel tread (and rear) while they are turning, also does the trick. A couple of crocodile leads from the track is all you need of you don't have a wheel cleaner set.

[enniscorthyman]

The wheel surface still look dirty.As was said, Isopropyl  Alcohol is very good with a cotton bud for cleaning.

Looks like you are missing  twin air tanks near the fuel/battery  box in the middle of the loco.

[DJ Dangerous]

Why does it say “Bachmann” on the underside? @WRENNEIRE posted last year that these were going to be produced entirely by Murphy Models, with no involvement from Bachmann.

[irishthump]

7 hours ago, DJ Dangerous said:

Why does it say “Bachmann” on the underside? @WRENNEIRE posted last year that these were going to be produced entirely by Murphy Models, with no involvement from Bachmann.

My guess is they used the same tooling as the earlier run of 141's.

[BosKonay]

5 minutes ago, irishthump said:

My guess is they used the same tooling as the earlier run of 141's.

They were made by Kader Industries / Bachmann. 

[trainboy]

Hi all,

Thanks for the valuable feedback. I tweaked the connectors and did some cleanup and the loco seems to be running better now. I do have the air tanks. They fell off when I was handling the model. Overall, the performance doesn’t seem to be as fluid as the old originals, but it’s acceptable. I do have a sound chip installed. Also, I find that I have to turn up the dial quite a bit to make the model go faster, compared to my original baby GMs. Anyway, thanks again for the info.

Regards, Brendan

[derek]

On 16/9/2024 at 3:18 PM, trainboy said:

Hi all,

Thanks for the valuable feedback. I tweaked the connectors and did some cleanup and the loco seems to be running better now. I do have the air tanks. They fell off when I was handling the model. Overall, the performance doesn’t seem to be as fluid as the old originals, but it’s acceptable. I do have a sound chip installed. Also, I find that I have to turn up the dial quite a bit to make the model go faster, compared to my original baby GMs. Anyway, thanks again for the info.

Regards, Brendan

Hi Brendan. Maybe you should just send it back to the lads at IRM under warranty. I had trouble with the 141/181 that I bought from the new batch too. As you say, my older one MM 141 is a far better runner. I found IRM (Patrick)great to deal with. When I wasn't happy with the first replacement they took it back again and it came back perfect. You should not have to "tweak" anything after paying out for a brand new product. As I say IRM were more than accommodating. Sorry fot the late reply

Derek