Breaking in new (Old) Engines

[RoyalOaker]

QUOTE: Be sure to use plastic compatible oils and greese, like LaBelle. Check the armature and brushes for wear and dirt too

Thanks for the advice, I guess I would be surprised to see wear as this thing has never seen a track. (At least, I don't think it has) At first glance, the wheels are spotless. Its detail parts were still a sealed small brown envelope which included the horn couplers. I have already put on some Kaydee's in place of those.

I have heard some people talk of running new engines for a period of time, Is this a good idea?

here is a link of a cool prototype picture of the engine if anyone is interested
http://dti.railfan.net/Pototype_Images/Motive_Power/Diesel_Pics/DTI922NapoleonOHfeb65MS.jpg

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Railroading_Brit

I'd recommend checking the gearing for any existing grease - if there is some and it's still soft, you can keep it in there. Just put a drop of oil on both motor bearings and the worm gear bearings on the trucks to enable these to turn freely - I've noticed some big improvements in slow speed running through oiling the bearings. Hope this helps!

[#ditto]
Be sure to use plastic compatible oils and greese, like LaBelle. Check the armature and brushes for wear and dirt too

[Anonymous]

I'd recommend checking the gearing for any existing grease - if there is some and it's still soft, you can keep it in there. Just put a drop of oil on both motor bearings and the worm gear bearings on the trucks to enable these to turn freely - I've noticed some big improvements in slow speed running through oiling the bearings. Hope this helps!

[RoyalOaker]

I just bought a new (Old) engine at a train show this past week.

It is a small Athearn switcher (I want to say it's a CW-7, but that does not seem right and I am at work right now). I bought it because of the colors and because it is a switcher/transfer type engine. It's has the Ann Arbor name but it's in the DT&I orange and black.

Anyway, the engine runs fine, but I wanted to know the best way to break it in.

This particular switcher has been sitting in a box for many years and I am guessing it could use a little something around the wheels and the worm.

Thanks in advance for any advice you could offer.