Rocket tune-up:Rocket Launcher tune-up: From Chuck: 1- make sure the metal wheels are on the rail that is hooked to
the base post. 1a- make sure the contact between the truck shoe and the metal actuator rail is impeccably clean and you're getting a solid 15V or better
from the fixed voltage post on the transformer. 2- make sure the rocket is free in the tube. On some repros
I've had to bore out the tube a little to adequately clear the center post in
the launcher. 3- make sure the linkage that releases the rocket is really free.
You test this with the rocket out and spring uncocked. If it binds
anywhere at all that's trouble and the bind must be freed up. It's
easier to work on this if you remove the center plunger via the nut under
the car. 4- try a tiny dab of grease on the area where the release lever
contacts the washer at the top of the plunger. This is pretty much a last
resort suggestion.
Chuck Smith of the NASG, Rochester Area S Gaugers (RASG) and the S Gauge Chemung Valley Lines. http://home.eznet.net/~cesmith
From Tom: Have you tried squirting a small amount of WD-40 onto the solenoid plunger, rocker arm pivot, and other moving parts?
Worst case scenario is that the coil is partially burned out, not
producing enough magnetic pull. It is a simple solenoid, easy to rewind,
but you probably won't have to. There's probably some drag in the
mechanism somewhere.
Tom Jarcho
From Doug: Sounds like a lack of voltage reaching it. Those normally operate
very easily! Squirt a quick shot of tuner-cleaner, or LPS-1, into the slot where
the lever hooks. That may help. Don't use oil....it will only collect dust in there.
