LGB 'growler' drive block

T

Tim Brien

Registered
The other day I stripped a mint 'growler' for spares. Having the drive sitting around for a couple of days curiousity got the better of me and I had to see what made it tick. What was Wolfgang thinking back in the 1960's? While not a difficult block to service it is overly complicated as regards the gear train. The later 2100 drive block (around 1970) is simplicity itself.

Some parts were used from the growler in the 2100 block (wheels and power pickups). Once reassembled the drive ran amazingly smoothly, but alas, new grease does not cure that gear train howl.
 
The howl comes from the gears as they are straight cut, in the original box
 
I had one too. I also took it apart to see how it worked and to try and cure the scream. No chance!

I used it as much as I could, but the lack of sliders could make it a slightly erratic runner. I fitted a genuine LGB lighting socket to allow me to plug in a pick up van, which made it smoother and less jerky.

But as you say, the noise could not be reduced and it eventually caused me to trade it with a local dealer for Green/Ivory Steeple Cab that was on display at his shop. Since being liberated, has proved to be a very useful loco.

I think that the growlers are far more suited to being 'shelf queens', which is what mine became.


No regrets!
 
Just like the gears in my Mini Cooper!
 
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