Lionel 1666 Prairie 2-6-2 Locomotive Pull Test

[@Tool-Meister]

Joe! I didn’t know you’re afflicted with model train sickness! Now I know why I enjoy you and your channel so much. I’m afflicted with American Flyer disease since 1954. There’s no permanent cure. The symptoms always recur. 😜

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I used to really enjoy playing with them as a child. Learned some electrical basics and helped to jump start a long career in electronics. Most of what I have left is in pretty rough condition. I've bought a few bits for parts to rebuild some of what I have. The one video shows an old Marx that I ended up rewinding the motor for. Sadly I none of the American Flyer survived outside of an old decoupler.

[@Tool-Meister]

@@joesmith-je3tq I’m a bit more “invested “. I have over 35 steam engines, over 40 diesels, and hundreds of rolling stock. I’ve been collecting and operating for over 70 years. Only TWO diesels currently need repair and I’ve already ordered the parts. All my steam engines are presently all ready to run. We’ve recently moved so most items are still in storage bins, about 45 of them…About 25% of the collection is contemporary while the rest are all pre 1960. It’s a sickness….

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I have the three engines shown along with a maybe 10 cars. Most of what survived is old tinplate and some plastic. I have a few switches and some other track but it's in poor condition and there is not enough to setup any sort of layout. Also, no transformer. This is why I am testing with DC in these videos. The surviving parts that have been serviced are sitting on display now.

[@Okurka.]

Now do a transient test on it.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

I do have a few meters left to run.

[@Mark-Harding]

Why does it go woo - woo - woo rather than being perfectly even ? I guess the piston only delivers power on the push stroke.

[@joesmith-je3tq]

Guessing the spring scale, track friction and motor get into resonance. Good physics question. With no load you could see it is indeed very smooth and even.

[@shazam6274]

"...piston delivers power..." 🤣