Do locos need to be run in?

[PhilR]

Hi
The question is in the title and I ask because when I was modelling OO stuff 20+ years ago, it was usually beneficial to run a new loco continuously for 30+ minutes.
Is it the same today with N gauge?

Phil

[JonMann]

Yes it is recommended to run in your locos, usually it will state in the instruction leaflet the desired amount of time

[Bealman]

There are several threads on this subject.

I have several new models which have not been out of their boxes, but I do worry about their performance when they do eventually see the light of day!

Many members have running in tracks. A figure eight seems to be popular, because of the work out the locomotive gets! 

[Steven B]

It's a good idea to test run a new loco as a range of speeds and over a variety of track to make sure you've not bought a dud.

Otherwise just use it - it should better as the gears bed in but this will continue long after a nominal 30 minutes running at half speed on a figure of eight.

Steven B.

[Chris Morris]

I always like to "run in" mechanical items be it a new car or a new loco regardless of instructions. It certainly won't do it any harm and it may well be a good thing. In the case of N gauge locos they are a small delicate mechanism and half an hour in each direction at moderate speed with no load will allow the gears to bed in, if they aren't already bedded in. I think this is also a very good thing for steam outline locos with lots of valve gear. I always oil every moving part on the valve gear before running in.

The running in period is also a good chance to check the loco sounds right and looks right on the track. Also check the lights and couplings are in good order. A loco is a reasonable size investment so it is well worth investing a bit of time and care on it.

Once run in mine normally go into the workshop to have front coupling removed, buffer beam details added and given a subtle weathering. At that point they are ready to become part of the fleet.

[ntpntpntp]

Run it in on a figure eight circuit both forward and backward, to distribute any lubrication around the gear train and bearings (factory applied lube or applied by yourself if recommended in the instructions).  It will also allow the gears and moving parts to bed in, and should reveal any faulty assembly (rods or valve gear catching or falling off etc.)

Also worth remembering that as more electronics get incorporated into our models it's good to power up and look out for any "infant mortality" of components.  Check all lights are functioning, and DCC sounds if fitted. 

Best to do this as soon as you receive the model, don't plonk it in a drawer for testing months later!