I have had trains since I was born in '61. I still have the Santa Fe Alco AA passenger set, and my first 2-6-4 2037 steam set that was purchased before I was born with S & H green stamps that my father earned from the trucking company he worked for. I have purchased several engines, diesels and complete sets over the years and they have all been used and in very good condition.
So here is my question what is the best way to break in a brand new diesel that is close to 35 years old and never see the rails before? I know I need to clean and oil the gears and axles, but what about running time and break in speeds on the layout.
An Uncle worked for the Santa Fe and his wife bought him a Santa Fe SD-18 powered and dummy set. That was one of the first diesels he ever drove so she got him a set. He never had a layout and they always just sat on a shelf in the livingroom. My uncle had passed away several years ago and my aunt is now breaking up house to move into an apartment now so she has given the set to me now. They have alway know I wanted a set like them but never figured I would get them.I have the orginal boxes also.
No break in needed, just clean ALL old dried up grease off and put on your favoritre new grease / oil. Also use a pen eraser on the commutator to clean off the corrosion. No need to use sand paper on a new one.
Gears and electric motors are not like engines, they do not have to break in.
Right, oil the axles, grease the gears and armature and just let it go to work.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
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