I (like many others)run my locomotives at a slow (realistic) speed around my layouts as to me it looks completely wrong to see trains hurtling around. It's also one of my pet hates at exhibitions.
But........is it good for locomotives to give them a short burst of fast running once in a while? Either on the layout (as long as it doesn't derail) or on a test bed or wheel cleaning device.
What do others think?
Does the mechanism benefit from a good "thrash" very occasionally?
Quote from: port perran on February 18, 2019, 07:20:16 PM
I (like many others)run my locomotives at a slow (realistic) speed around my layouts as to me it looks completely wrong to see trains hurtling around. It's also one of my pet hates at exhibitions.
But........is it good for locomotives to give them a short burst of fast running once in a while? Either on the layout (as long as it doesn't derail) or on a test bed or wheel cleaning device.
What do others think?
Does the mechanism benefit from a good "thrash" very occasionally?
I would imagine that too high a speed would stress the motor both mechanically and electrically (higher voltage). For steamers there will be more stress on the motion linkages cos of all that reciprocating motion. That can result in jams and breakages. (been there got the T shirt)
For running in manufacturers recommend 'moderate' speed. Must be a reason for that.
Just my 2 pennerth. Could be wrong
:beers:
I must admit I give the locos on Claywell a little faster run every now and again as like Martin Claywell's locos run at scale speeds. I use about three quarter speed to not overstress them, I'm sure it helps.
With some of my older Poole Farish locomotives, I have to kick start them on full throttle to even get them going. Only after a few minutes of this do they seem to warm up and settle down to more realistic and controlable speeds.
Martin
I think that the answer is, within reason, yes.
Just like a motor car likes a run along a motorway at 70mph. In my days with old motorbicycles a 'fast flap' would often cure a machine that was a bit 'lumpy' in its running. I make sure that I give my Union Mills locomotives a brisk canter around the layout and they appear to enjoy it.
With regard to Bob's helpful post, I think the important bit here is 'canter' rather than a full-out gallop where the risk of a steam locomotive's motion tying itself in knots can be a worry.
And, by the way, I always make sure that my locomotives do a good bit of tender first running as well, so that they don't wear into a 'forward only' pattern. Likewise for clockwise and anti-clockwise running; they get a turn on both the Up and Down lines.
But, as you say, none of this is suitable for exhibition running!
Best wishes.
John
Quote from: Bealman on February 18, 2019, 07:58:55 PM
kick start them on full throttle to even get them going. Only after a few minutes of this do they seem to warm up
I think that applies to a few of us on the forum.
.
.
.
.
Oh sorry, were you talking about loco's? ;)
:laughabovepost:
Definitely applies to me at the moment! :uneasy:
And me :'(
Interesting. All my locos are "pre-owned" and some are a bit ancient (like myself!). I do find the older ones can be a bit reluctant on first running,, particularly if they haven't been run for a bit. But they do seem to ease up after a bit - as they get warm I expect and some do benefit from a a few extra volts and a good run. Fortunately these tend to be 0-6-0's as I too am somewhat concerned over minute valve gear, especially on the Dapol.
I'm just wondering - what would you say is it that "warm's up" and runs free-er? Are we talking old bearings, sticky oil or worm meshing with pinion? any thoughts?
Mike Fifer in his excellent video on loco lubrication suggests that oil and grease gradually evaporates in locos left lying around leaving sticky residues that impair loco running. So, running them for a while after they have been left frees up the mechanism so that they will run better. However, this is no substitute for keeping the locos properly lubricated.
Webbo
In response to Old Crow's post above, the locos I refer to in my post #4 are indeed 0-6-0s. I'm talking about an early GP tank, pannier tank and in particular the old gronk without outside frames.
I can understand people's concern about intricate gear on steam locomotives at high speed. The ultra simple rod in the 08 has a tendency to dislodge at full throttle!
That old Poole 08 model is still one of my favourites, though.... it was sent to me by my late mother, and I still use it as a test loco when diagnosing track electrical problems, plus it clears my curved platforms.
Long term members of this parish may remember what happened to my outside-framed 08 when it encountered the platform at Castle Eden!
Quote from: Bealman on February 19, 2019, 03:24:14 AM
Long term members of this parish may remember what happened to my outside-framed 08 when it encountered the platform at Castle Eden!
Was that the one which achieved escape velocity?
I have an older Fleischmann loco which needs a few laps at maximum controller output to "warm up"; I assume due to a worsening case of internal sticky residue, and it is now out of action pending round tuits.
On the whole, I think running a locomotive which is in good condition at maximum speed for a while is unlikely to do any direct harm, though I suppose there's a risk of side-effects particularly with kettles and their delicate valve-roddy bits.
I imagine doing it with a loco which is in not so good condition may actually make things worse, even if it appears to improve things.
I do from time to time acquire older 2nd hand Japanese stock for very little money which needs degunking and strategic lubrication; in those cases I do run them at speed for a while as it seems to help the lubrication spread to where it is needed.
I do also give the Shinkansens a good blast every now and then, but they're designed for it, and even then I wouldn't do that for a long period (one keeps hearing tales of people who burn out their Shinkansen motors).
But usually I like things to run at a nice slow trundle.
I'd forgotten about that video! Must see if I can find it.
No, the light speed gronk was the original Poole one.
Quote from: railsquid on February 19, 2019, 04:55:37 AM
Quote from: Bealman on February 19, 2019, 03:24:14 AM
Long term members of this parish may remember what happened to my outside-framed 08 when it encountered the platform at Castle Eden!
Was that the one which achieved escape velocity?
No. It was the one that stood on its nose, if I recall.
The 08 Squiddy is referring to was the Poole one. The one doing cartwheels was the newer model.
However, referring to the OP, running the Poole model full blast does not seem to have done it any harm, in fact I have to do that to get it going!
I agree with previous comment here, though. I don't think running models flat chat frequently does them any good in the long term - I wouldn't do that with my Blue Pullman, for example.
Yes! I have a couple of Poole Jinty's with the "iron" gears and big flanges which make a wonderful noise and are good and heavy too. Like myself, they requite some impetus to get going from rest.
As others have said, like ourselves, our locos sometimes need a bit of a blast to get going, and I think we have all been guilty of seeing how fast a loco will go at some stage or other :-[
I do sometimes give my Terrier a run at high speed, and it does seem to blow the cobwebs away.
Although a tiny loco, it is very robust, and runs really well. It somehow even survived the trauma I put it through filing the flanges off the centre wheels so it would go round the tight (4" radius) curves on the upper level of Windmill Hill.
:worried: :o :worried:
I took advantage of this thread (hope you don't mind Martin) to give me an excuse to practice videoing. I made a video of the Terrier. It is uploading to Youtube now, and when that's done I will link to it here.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/74/5755-190219220106-742721770.jpeg)
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
:hellosign:
Wow ...... what an age it takes to upload a video to youtube. Over 2 hours for a two and a bit minute clip :worried:
Anyway, hope you like the Terrier belting round. The bit with the controller set at 3 is the usual speed, but maybe even that is a tad fast for normal running :hmmm:
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
Wow.... it's a wonder the resulting vortex didn't suck the pub up and away!
I was half expecting Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton arriving with their gear, and a cow come hurtling by!!
Cool! :thumbsup:
That made me feel giddy just watching - heaven knows what it was like for the driver and fireman :D
Very impressive that the tran stayed on the track though.
The washing would have dried going round and round at that speed!
Great fun, Kevin! You had perhaps change the name of your absolutely spiffing layout to 'Brooklands' for these enthusiastic occasions.
John
Driver, fireman and guard must have thought they'd been put in a centrifuge! :goggleeyes:
Spinal Tap would have had that up to 11 :D
im certain its going round on 3 wheels at the end!
Hi Guys,
So glad you liked the video :D
It's almost lie one of those "Runaway Train" rides at a theme park :o :o :o
I loved the Spinal Tap reference Mick .....I must mark an 11 on the controller ;)
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
Great video, started to get motion sickness looking at the faster speeds! :worried: :)
the loco did well to stay on the track at warp speed :o
Thanks Caz,
A great remedy for motion sickness is port and brandy, so if you fancy a drink, the video gives you an excuse :beers:
And I too have no idea how it managed to stay on, Philip ;)
I promise the next video will be more gentle. I am having some issues on the lower level track, so will probably do one of the Windmill turning, and it's new light next as I want to practice videos.
All best wishes
Kevin
:NGF: :beers:
Quote from: Phoenix on February 20, 2019, 03:50:18 AM
Wow ...... what an age it takes to upload a video to youtube. Over 2 hours for a two and a bit minute clip
I get the same problem if I upload a finished video file to YouTube. However, if I share the video straight to YouTube from within the video editing software (iMovie on a Mac in my case) it only takes a couple of minutes. Worth looking to see if your software can do the same?
A most excellent video, quite had me dizzy; did well to stay on the track. Must admit I've had my Coronation Pacific well over 70mph with 8 coaches and coming out of a straight, over some points and into a curve it's terrifying! But fun!
The Doc says it would help me overcome my poor night-time sleeping problem by relaxing my mind in the hours before bedtime.
I have just watched your video Kevin. :o
I anticipate being awake all night now. :doh:
Ah well, at least I'll be awake with a huge smile on my face. :thumbsup:
Quote from: Phoenix on February 20, 2019, 03:50:18 AM
:hellosign:
Anyway, hope you like the Terrier belting round.
Kevin, you've obviously done a great job laying your track! I enjoyed the video, though as others have said I was a bit giddy by the end.
Leon
Fast enough?
https://youtu.be/fxvBGmPh53Q?t=45
(sorry, it doesn't seem possible to embed it from a specified start time)
Fast enough for me to be unable to see if that was a Shinkansen or an ICE! :hmmm:
Thanks all,
:sorrysign:
Sorry Martin, I seem to have butted in and overtaken your thread :-[
After breakfast I will repost the runaway train on the Windmill Hill topic, and we can carry on there.
I want to do a video of the Windmill, so thanks for your advice re. uploading to Youtube Steve, and I promise this one will be more relaxing ;)
All best wishes
Kevin
:beers:
Quote from: Old Crow on February 20, 2019, 10:17:23 PM
A most excellent video, quite had me dizzy; did well to stay on the track. Must admit I've had my Coronation Pacific well over 70mph with 8 coaches and coming out of a straight, over some points and into a curve it's terrifying! But fun!
Didn't that happen in real life when and driver was attempting a speed record on the West Coast Mainline?