I have been into HO for years but recently my wife and I together are doing a small N scale layout. We got some "used" rolling stock at a train show a couple weeks ago. I got an Atlas RS1 and a Kato GP 38 both with rapido style couplers so they are probably older. I lubed them and they run fine and I ran them both for about 20 min to break them in. I understand they were owned by a collector that displayed them. Both were warm after running but the Kato was VERY warm. Is this normal for these type of locos? My plan is to do a lot of slow speed running and switching like I do with the HO. Do I have potential trouble or am I going to be ok. Thanks
Bruce
My N scale GP-38's ran pretty warm. I think it is because Kato installed the largest motor possible and the shell is thin, so it might just seem warmer. If it does not smell, there might not be anything wrong with it.
.
One possibility is the lubricant hardened after sitting for so long, and the motor needs to wortk harder to overcome this additional physical resistance. If this is the case, only a good cleaning will fix it.
I stopped N scale about 20 years ago, these must be pretty old locomotives.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Kato also built the first run Atlas RS1's. Both of these locos have the same motor in them, just different flywheel arrangements. One reason that the GP38 feels warmer is that Kato used a big u-shaped metal piece that surround each side of the motor and goes over the top of the weight. It is used to conduct electricity, but it also seems to act like a heat sink and get warm.
I do agree that the motor might need to be lubed where the shafts stick out of the ends.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
SeeYou190My N scale GP-38's ran pretty warm.
I have to retract this... getting old... memory is slipping.
I never had any GP-38s, I had GP-35s. My last N scale layout was set in 1964.