Spectrum GP30 noise

[cmsluss]

Greetings all...

I just unboxed a Spectrum GP30 (split frame, dual fly wheel, directional lighting) and I was surprised to hear what sounds like gear noise!  I was anticipating (and hoping) the unit would glide quietly over the rails.  This unit sounds like a locomotive from a generation ago or more, when diesel models used to "grind" around layouts.  The locomotive has excellent detailing... I just wish it ran as good as it looks!

Has anyone else had the same or similar experience with a Spectrum GP30?

Thanks much!

[West Bound]

I didn't have a spectrum but I had two Bachmann Plus GP 30's that made noise. I never found the source.
12/28/17  I was wrong. I did have Spectrum. I hope grease helps. I tried grease, replaced drive linkage, nothing helped. Finally sold them. These had very nice detailed shells.

[Trainman203]

https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Labelle-106-1-2-fl-oz-Plastic-Compatible-Grease-PT-p/lab-106.htm

[cmsluss]

Thanks much for sharing!  It would be wonderful if greasing the gears would eliminate the noise!

[Trainman203]

Try it.  It rendered 3 very noisy engines virtually silent.

[cmsluss]

Greetings all -

I am truly impressed and grateful with everyone's input!

I used Labelle 106 on the wheel gears and the worm gear with no appreciable reduction in the noise.   I have tried to listen and identify if the noise is coming from the motor, flywheel, worm gear assembly or from the gears inside the trucks.  I see the split frame is pretty tight around the motor, so I would think any play in the drive assembly is coming from the flywheels on back to the worm gear.  Nothing looks abnormal, but... this little unit sounds like a locomotive from 40 years ago going around the track!

Thanks again for the wonderful input... I appreciate your time!