Average life expectancy of a model locomotive ?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Paul Milenkovic

I have a Bachmann 2-8-2 steamer that has started making horrible screeching sounds when run at more than half voltage. I got the drivers off and it still makes that sound on the test bench with just the motor spinning and not doing anything. It took me the better part of the afternoon to get the drivers back on and thread the valve gear into the valve and piston guides. I tried dripping in a little silicone oild but it didn't change anything.

I tried searching the web about dissassembly of steam locom models and the news was discouraging. How do you disassemble one of those things to get access to the motor bearings for adding thrust washers or for oiling or brush changes?

I've had similar problems with some older locos - have you tried adding a drop of oil to each motor bearing? This cured the problem on my loco (A used Bachmann F7A, which now runs as quietly and smoothly as new Proto equipment).

[Anonymous]

I have a Roco PA-1 that was made in Austria in the 1960's. I converted to DCC in 2003. This is still a real work horse. The shell needs a new paint job, but what 45 year old diesel doesn't? Also an Athearn F-7, bought in the 70's is still going strong. Another Athearn, an SW-7 that was bought about 10 years ago has had the motor replaced. This was a warrenty replacement, so might just be one bad apple in the barrel.
Treat them with TLC, keep them clean and properly lubed, and they may out live you.
Now that we have DCC, try not to stage too many train wrecks. It is hard on the motive power.

[Anonymous]

>>One of the reasons I started this thread is to try and have evidence for my better half that spending money now is an investment :) I am only partially joking<<

Not a good way to create an estate. Good brass can be resold later, often at a profit. Not so with most plastic / scenery items / etc. JOHN

[Anonymous]

I bought a athern GP 9 in 1973 and it still runs like a champ. As long as you properly
maintain them in my opinion they will last for ever.

[Anonymous]

I would say relatively forever. I have several that are over 40 years old and run like champs. my roster/collection spans the mid 60's through now. The only ones that have ever 'died' were the el cheapo 'toy train' ones that weren't missed.

[cbq9911a]

Indefinite. I'm still running my father's Lionel 259E from ca. 1938.

[wccobb]

A problem with some of the very old locomotives is that the "pot metal" will crumble.

In general, any locomotive with a three pole motor ain't a winner - although there are a few exceptions.

If its got big "spools" on the axles and rubber bands,its probably a display model, not a "runner".

Gotta agee with the others - a little TLC can make all the difference.

[Anonymous]

I always thought the rods on a steamer would fail before any other part. The motor, gears, and wheels seem like they wear down slower.

[Anonymous]

I agree. If properly taken care of most will last a lifetime. I have in my collection, a Pennline Pacific steamer [first] purchased in the early 60s that is still running and several Athearn {some rubber band] from then as I added. None have had problems

[rogerhensley]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dimastep

One of the reasons I started this thread is to try and have evidence for my better half that spending money now is an investment :) I am only partially joking

I guess that you could say that... :-)

In any event my Athearn GP9 just developed a motor winding problem after 23 years of nearly daily usage. The Athearn GP 35 from 1984 still runs like a top and my Athearn SW1500 (SW7) from 1983 is still hauling grain cars for me. The motors were smaller and more prone to failure, but mine still plugs away. Also, my Atlas SD24 (1985) performs beautifully. For my Grandkids, I have a mantua critter circa 1975 and a Bachmann critter circa 1980 that still moves freight.

In my display case, I have a set of Varney die cast F3s that run well and several Marx (yes, they did make HO) engines from 1960 that perfrom great . All of my kids Tyco locos died within a year or two and I replaced the power unit with Mantua power trucks.

The new stuff probably is not going to last as long, but you should expect 10 to 15 years of normal usage.

[Anonymous]

I have a linberg SW1 switcher that is still in service. I bought it in 1962 when it first was introduced.

[jockellis]

At The Great Train Store in Atlanta, we used numerous locos under the bubbles. I found that the Bachmann Spectrum Baby Trainmaster ran longer than any of the other although the cheap four-wheel drive Bachmann out of the $39.95 set lasted a long time. All lasted longer than, say, Athearn or P2K. However, the P2K would run continuously at a speed of 2.5 inches in 20 minutes. My American Flyer 290 Pacific probably has run from New Haven to Atlanta in total miles and would still run but the blind center driver has a bigger diameter now because the front and rear drivers stayed on the track the entire time and I had lots of curved track.
Jock Ellis

[Anonymous]

I inherited a lot of trains that I have no idea how old they are, one of them is a rubberband drive, and it still runs, it just won't pull anything. Take care of them and they seem to last. I have a tyco from about 25 - 30 years ago that still runs. My older ones usually sit on display, but they still look good sitting on a siding, or sitting waiting for the ok to go through the diamond across my main line.

[pedromorgan]

i have a p2k loco that ran in a show window for about 2 years. it still runns althought the wheels now have groves in them.

Peter

[PennsyHoosier]

I have several locos that are more than 30 years old that are still running well and pulling decent sized trains.

[Tilden]

I still have my Mantua 040 tank switcher from my first train set, received for Christmas in 1959. It still runs, I put a can motor in a few years ago, just to make it runs smoother. The comments on maintenance are right on. Take care of it and it will take care of you

[Anonymous]

Depends how many times it falls on the floor.

[Anonymous]

My locomotives are all old, diecast stuff. They have been bulletproof. I am willing to bet the newer, high end equipment is just as good and will last just as long with proper care and handling. With the older locomotives like I have, the cheap stuff was, well, just plain cheap. I believe this still might be true today. Buyer beware!

Tom