Best way to break in a new loco?

[NP2626]

I feel it is worthwhile to give steamers a break in period, as there are many moving parts that may not have been properly tightened when assembled at the manufacturer, like: side rods, connecting rods; or, the valve gear.  I've had the screws holding these items back out, so running in both forward and reverse for a while, I would say is a good idea and would do the same as I previously described, an hour in both directions, then remove and closely inspect the tightness of each screw and re-lubricate and she should be ready to go.

[kbkchooch]

Make sure is is properly lubricated 1st,

then

Run it like you stole it!

Seriously, unless you are talking about some old open frame motored, cast gearbox piece of ancient history, just run it! Slick lubricants + plastic gears+ can motors = stuff that runs til you're sick of looking at it. 40 years in the hobby, and I haven't worn one out yet.  I've upgraded some, I've dropped a few,  I melted one (don't ask), but I've never worn one out.

[NP2626]

galaxy

For at least 15 mins each:

I run it at low speed forward

I run it at high speed reverse

I run it at high speed forward

I run it at low speed backwards

I run it at medium speed forward

adn medium speed backwards.

 

 

Then, I do this for 15 mins at least;:

Run at med fwd

then at low reverse

then at high fwd

then med reverse

then low fwd

then high reverse

then low fwd.

 

THen, I repeat the above second set WITH RR cars in tow.

 

then lube oil, and filter change for another 3000 miles

 

I do this so it gets a variety of speeds for break in, and doesn't get "wound up" at a certain running speed.

Works for me and mine 

Seems pretty simple!  I run for 5,000 miles before Oil and Filter, however 3,000 if all in reverse.

[galaxy]

For at least 15 mins each:

I run it at low speed forward

I run it at high speed reverse

I run it at high speed forward

I run it at low speed backwards

I run it at medium speed forward

adn medium speed backwards.

 

 

Then, I do this for 15 mins at least;:

Run at med fwd

then at low reverse

then at high fwd

then med reverse

then low fwd

then high reverse

then low fwd.

 

THen, I repeat the above second set WITH RR cars in tow.

 

then lube oil, and filter change for another 3000 miles

 

I do this so it gets a variety of speeds for break in, and doesn't get "wound up" at a certain running speed.

Works for me and mine

 

 

[NP2626]

I do what the manufacturer tells me to do, as far as "Break-in".  If no specific instructions are given, I run for one hour in forward and one hour in reverse.  I don't vary speed, as I have the ability to run in a continuous loop with varying grades and feel this does more for the "break-in" procedure.

From what I've seen using the above, I would agree, modern RTR locos probably don't need a "Break-in" excepting I feel more confident in the locomotive, if I follow a "Break-in procedure and the loco passes that procedure.

[jacon12]

For about an hour I run it at DIFFERENT speeds both forward and reverse, and I try to give equal time in both directions.

Jarrell

 

[richhotrain]

zstripe

Generally, speaking,,, A half, hour in forward,a half,hour in reverse....

I do the exact same thing.

[BRAKIE]

I use to think breaking in a locomotive was needed but not recently.All I did with my last three new engines is  I inspect the engine,coupler and trip pin height and  after a quick back and forth on my test track  the engine is ready for service.

[zstripe]

Generally, speaking,,, A half, hour in forward,a half,hour in reverse....

Cheers,

Frank

[bobwrght]

Run it just like any other engine i have. Just make sure it is lubricated after about 1 hour of use. It will eventually break it's self in and run a bit better.

Bob

[Bruce LA]

What do you do to break in a new locomotive?