Couldn't agree more, Rock. Thanks for the input. The monetary value is nothing compared to what it means to my Dad and me. I don't know that I have much of a choice in who I have do my repairs/refurbishings. This is the only shop in South Jersey I can find that does them, and I know I'm too much of a novice to dare tinker w/ something I want to last for another 40 years.
MSB........I think CW has it right. The value in this piece to me would be its origins, your grandfather. You will probably get rid of your arms and legs before you part with that piece. But these postwar engines are functionally bulletproof and should give you decades of pleasure running yours.
Re CW's remark about whom you have service the unit was right on the money......the repair guys prefer for you to drop off the engines assembled, with the cab on. That way all of the internals remain protected to and fro. However, you want to make sure they treat the cosmetics as you would. "Return it as you got it." I wrap my engines up in cotton t-shirts and pack them up in my own box. Then I note the cosmetic condition with them when dropped off. And the repair guys respect my wishes. Yours is a special piece to you, and you want it to stay in primo condition, mechanically and cosmetically.
Jack
IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.
msbsouthpaw thanks CW. I priced it at $349.00. I don't know if that was the level of value you had in mind. I have the original orange/blue box and inner cardboard box for it. Is this thing too valuable to even run???
thanks CW. I priced it at $349.00. I don't know if that was the level of value you had in mind. I have the original orange/blue box and inner cardboard box for it. Is this thing too valuable to even run???
Not in my opinion. I suggest that you just be careful with it, and be selective about who you choose to have service it.
It's likely you are already aware, but just the same, please note that an original postwar 2349 Northern Pacific geep is considered a rather desireable engine, especially with the box.
When I lube my 736 Berkshire up, I usually pick it up so the rollers are still on the rail but the wheels aren't and break it in that way for a minute or two (you have to turn the power on too ) Running it around the layout is probably easier though and should do the same thing.
Thanks a lot for the objective feedback, it's very helpful. I will try the 10 minute "warm-up." I did try switching off the direction control underneath, to see if that would stop it, but that didn't work. I'll update the thread later w/ how it turns out.
Matt
I think you got your answer. There are only two things that could be buzzing, the motor and the E unit (that's really all that's in there except the lights and some wiring). You can lock the E unit into one direction with a metal lever that should be near the fuel tank underneath. That will shut the solenoid off and it won't be buzzing.
Postwar locomotives made some significant noise. Two distinct noises are from the Pul-Mor motor, commonly called growlers and the mechanicle reversing unit that made a buzzing noise. What you are hearing sounds like normal noises associated with Postwar locomotives. The smaller Postwar Vulcan switchers were really noisy. The smell could be what is called the Ozone Smell which is common with Pul-Mor motors.
Bill T.
Good Evening:
I recently received a Northern Pacific GP-9 (circa 1960) that was my grandfather's. It was box-kept, and last run about 40 years ago. It didn't run initially, but the lights came on, and it seemed to buzz just slightly when I first gave it a try the other week. I took it to a local train shop that does repairs, and they said they fixed it after about a week. I tried running it again, and it seems to move fine now, but there is an awfully loud buzzing noise and a strong metallic smell coming from it as soon as it begins to move. I'm thinking this probably isn't right, but I wasn't sure, since the engine is so old and I didn't know if this was normal for such an old piece.
Can anyone offer me some insight on this situation? It's a beautiful piece, and the last one my grandfather ever bought, so I'd really love to keep it running. Thanks very much for taking the time to read and reply!
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