Repairs FAQs
Can I add a smoke generator to my newer starter set "Stainz" loco?
Yes. You can install a 65213 Smoke Generator in many LGB starter set locos built after 1997. To install the generator:
- Carefully pry the safety cover out of the top of the smoke stack.
- Remove the two screws at the front of the gearbox near the front coupler.
- Remove the two screws at the back of the gearbox near the rear coupler under the coupler spring.
- Remove the small hex screws at the top of the vertical side rods.
- Pull the gearbox out of the chassis.
- Push the smoke generator into the smoke stack, connecting wires first.
- Plug the yellow/brown wires of the smoke generator onto the unused pins on the loco circuit board.
- Reassemble. Make sure to reinstall the safety cover.
For best operation, fill the generator halfway with fluid. If the generator is overfilled, it will not convert the fluid into smoke.
For older starter set locos, see No. 1015.
Faq No: 1117
Can I add a smoke generator to my older starter set "Stainz" loco?
Yes. You can install a smoke generator in many LGB starter set locos built before 1998. These locos can be identified by the raised number "1" or "2" molded into the body on the side of the cab.
If you have one of these locos:
- You can install the 65203 Funnel Smoke Stack, 18 Volt. The 65203 is likely the same design as your original stack, and it is equipped with a smoke generator. However, it does NOT include all the hardware needed for installation. Your retailer can get those bits free of charge from LGB of America or Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk.
- You can install the "straight" 65103 stack or the "diamond" 65154 stack. Both include a smoke generator AND all the necessary hardware.
The installation requires a moderate level of mechanical and electrical ability.
For newer starter set locos, see No. 1117.
Faq No: 1115
Can I add sound to my loco?
Yes. The easiest way is get an LGB 65000-series sound unit. There are five different units:
- 65000 European Steam Sound Unit
- 65001 American Steam Sound Unit
- 65002 European Diesel Sound Unit
- 65003 American Diesel Sound Unit
- 65004 European Electric Loco Sound Unit
Faq No: 1046
Can I replace the wheels from LGB axles?
No. To ensure precision alignment and reliable operation, the wheels and axles on most current LGB trains are manufactured as a unit. To replace a wheel, replace the entire "wheel set," that is, the entire wheel-axle-wheel assembly.
Faq No: 1185
How can I remove LGB rail joiners?
Unlike other model railroad joiners, LGB rail joiners are connected both to the rails and to the ties. This system makes the assembled track stronger, but it also frustrates those who use brute force to try to pull the joiner off the end of the rail.
Instead, drill out the "dimple" underneath the rail joiner. Then slide the rail backward out of the rail joiner. It may be necessary to use a tool to "peel" the sides of the joiner outwards and loosen the joiner's grip on the rail. (Needle-nosed pliers work well.) Once the rail is free, lift the joiner out of the notch in the tie strip.
If you are building an outdoor layout, put a small dab of LGB 51010 Graphite Paste into the new joiner before you put it onto the rail. This will help keep moisture out of the joint and preserve the electrical connection. Use another dab of paste when joining one track section to another.
Faq No: 1034
How do I install a 65000-series sound unit in my loco?
It's easy. The new 65000-series sound units (65000, 65001, 65002, 65003 und 65004) are amazingly small. In one, compact box - just 60 mm x 68 mm x 23 mm (2.4 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches) - you get a complete digital sound system, including electronics, a volume control and a speaker.
The box will easily fit inside most LGB freight or passenger cars. (It will also fit in the cab of some LGB locomotives.) Just drop the unit in and connect it to track power. Typically, you can do that by using the multi-purpose socket on the back of your loco or by using the track power connections on LGB ball bearing wheel sets (67403). The connectors you need are included with the units.
Naturally, a lot of technically inclined LGB owners are going to install these little beauties inside, literally inside, their locos. Diesels and electrics usually have lots of room inside the body for doing that. Steamers will pose more of a challenge.
Also note that these units are equipped with their own integrated Multi-Train System sound decoders. You don't need an additional decoder for MTS operation, and you don't need to change anything to operate on an analog layout. The unit does all of that automatically ... making do-it-yourself installation even easier.
Hint: If you run regularly on an analog layout, get the 65011 Sound Unit Power Storage. It`s an add-on capacitor pack that stabilizes the power supply to the sound unit and also enables the sound unit to generate standing sounds. (Since MTS layouts have a constant track voltage, the 65011 isn't necessary on MTS layouts.)
Faq No: 1170
How do I order LGB parts?
If you need LGB parts, please contact Only Trains (1.800.789.5738). We carry a large supply of LGB parts and if we don't have them, we can direct you to a source that should be able to help you.
Faq No: 1089
I need to replace some broken couplers on my LGB trains, but which couplers should I use?
The 64407 Standard Coupler Set fits most LGB freight and passenger cars. It includes one coupler "loop" and one "hook-and-loop" set.
The other couplers listed in the LGB catalog and online Library are intended for older LGB trains.
Faq No: 1184
Idler Gears
If you are experiencing any of the following issues you may need to replace your idler gears:
Gearbox journals are worn out
Gear lids are slightly bend and motor doesn't engage fully
Not properly quartered axles and therefore the movement is impacted and leads to quick ware on idler gears
Loads being pulled are too heavy for engine
Sudden Stop or even worth quick reverse of voltage
Idler gears typically do not wear under normal operation, please make sure none of the above issues are having a negative impact on your gears.
If gears do need to be replaced here are the LGB item numbers - 62007 (newer Moguls), 28001110 (Rugen Engine), 62145s (LGB Starter Set Engines and Uintah Mallets)
Faq No: 1248
The cleaning wheels of my track cleaning loco don't spin freely. What can I do?
If the tracks are very dirty, wet or contaminated with tree sap, the cleaning wheels can stick and don't spin freely. If this is the case, a few drops of LGB 50010 Smoke and Cleaning Fluid reduces the friction of the cleaning wheels.
Faq No: 1114
The connections are all correct, but my loco still doesn't run. What's next?
Put the loco on the track section connected directly to the power supply. If the loco runs, there may be a problem with the rail joiners connecting the track sections. The joiners should fit snugly. If they don't, use pliers to gently squeeze the upper, open part of the joiners together. Also, clean track is critical to reliable loco operation.
Faq No: 1075
The power control switch is set correctly, but my loco still doesn't run. What's next?
Make sure that your power supply is operating and connected properly. Check the connections from the power supply to the house current outlet, and check the connections from the power supply to the track.
Also, an overload or a short circuit may be triggering the safety circuits in the power supply. Make sure there is nothing on the track that would cause a short circuit.
Faq No: 1074
The smoke generator pops and fizzes, but it doesn't make much smoke?
If you put too much fluid in the smoke generator, it won`t work properly. Turn the loco over to pour some of the fluid out.
Faq No: 1039
What maintenance do EPL drives require?
Just keep them clean and free of debris. You can open the case to clean any dirt that may be clogging the mechanism. But do not lubricate the mechanism. This will attract more dirt.
Faq No: 1070
When should I replace the cleaning wheels of my 20670 Track Cleaning Loco?
When cleaning the rails, the cleaning materials wear. Be sure to watch the wear of the cleaning wheels. Replace them when they have worn to the level of the outer discs. If the cleaning rings wear too far, they will lower the wheel discs until they cut off the nails molded into the track ties. This will destroy the track. The plastics used to make the ties cannot be glued!
See also No. 1164.
Faq No: 1165
Where can I get service for my LGB train?
Please call Only Trains at 1.800.789.5738 for information on repairing LGB items.
Faq No: 1014
Why does my front lantern come on when my loco runs backwards?
There are several possible causes. For example, the motor could be installed backwards (upside down), or the diode circuit board for the light could be wired incorrectly.
Faq No: 1033
Why does my locomotive lurch down the track?
The most common cause of spastic operation is dirty track. Clean your track using a 20670 Track Cleaning Loco, 50040 Track Cleaning Block or 50050 Track Cleaning Attachment.
However, if you have a loco with side rods that connect the drive wheels, it is possible that the wheels and rods are misaligned or "out of quarter." This can happen when a new motor is installed in the loco or if the loco has been unusually stressed, for example, from pulling a very heavy load.
If the wheels and rods are not properly aligned, the rods will bind as the wheels rotate. Here's the proper "quartering" procedure to solve that problem:
- Remove the motor from the gearbox.
- Before you put the motor back in the gearbox, rotate the drive wheels on one side so the mounting posts for the rod are pointed straight down. Lines drawn from the mounting posts through the axle centers should be at a 90 degree angle to the ground.
- Drop the motor into position, making sure the worm gear on the motor shaft meshes with the drive gear. Do not allow the wheels to rotate.
- Reattach the gearbox cover, locking the motor into position. Again, do not allow the wheels to rotate.
- Now, rotate the wheels by hand in 90 degree increments. Each time you stop, wiggle the connecting rods. The rods should move freely at every stop.
- Reinstall the gearbox in the loco.
You should follow this procedure whenever you replace the motor and whenever you move the motor to replace some other component, like the wheelsets.
Faq No: 1082
Why is the sound on my Mogul loco (2019S) unreliable?
The most likely cause is a broken wire in the cable connecting the tender to the engine, and if so, it is probably broken at the point where the cable goes into the plug. You can disassemble the plug, cut about 6 mm (1/4 inch) from the the cable and then reassemble the plug.
Attention! It is very important to pull on the plug, not the cable, when disconnecting the tender and engine.
Faq No: 1141
