The importance of running in and how best to do it with N15 class

The importance of running in and how best to do it.
Featuring my new Hornby King Arthur class loco.
I’ve been asked about running in and the fact that I always start with a 20 minute in each direction slow speed run in, followed by a further 20 mins in each direction at a more moderate speed.
And always, watched carefully.
The manufactures usually say to run in at half speed in either direction for 30 mins, but given the delicate complex mechanisms of today’s models this is a bit like asking you or I to wake up, jump out of bed and run a mile at full speed! I know how I’d feel after that and I am sure you would to.
No, it’s far better to run at a slow speed for 20 mins in each direction first to let any tight spots sort out and the lubricant to spread within the systems.
In fact, I always lubricate the coupling rods, valve gear, axles and drive gear before ever running a new locomotive.
#modelrailways #modelrailroad #modeltrains

[@NWRJ_WStudios]

Great loco Cheers Willow & Jasper

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks for watching

[@OlivierGabin]

I'll take your procedure in the future for my engines. One thing I notice, is that UK engines are always blatantly overspeeding. I have recently bought a Brawa BR 57 0-10-0 and, at half throttle, it was running at slightly above pace speed ! I need to open the throttle at full speed to have what you get at 40% with an N15 with my German (freight) engine...

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Cheers, yes you are so right about the speed

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

Very interesting. I will follow your advice, thank you.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks, good luck with it

[@MrSnooze]

That runs nicely Mike, seems like a great buy. All the best to you

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks, yes she has passed her initial trials.

[@johnd8892]

Some good advice here. I had a similar procedure starting with my first Wrenn 4MT over 45 years ago. I added the refinement of recording the current draw to confirm the running in was loosening things up and so reducing the current draw. Much later a Roco built loco showed a worsening indicating a problem with the motor for which I got a replacement under warranty. The reference current draw recordings gave me a good feel for what different types of mechanism should normally draw in good condition

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hey John very good point, I have ammeters on my layout but did not mention it as I felt not everyone can do so. But absolutely right, my N15 has stayed at 70mA which is OK I think. Thanks for watching

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Good advice -Thanks

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RobA500]

Some good advice, I shall adopt that from now on. I have always tested in both directions before sending of on a run in session at around 30-40% speed in both directions.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Cheers Rob, glad it was of help

[@ciaranburke3243]

Goodnight advice mike, glad she runs well, definitely a bargain at 114 quid 👍

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Many thanks

[@phil36310]

I fully agree with you Mike! Like you I start at slow speed in both directions on the rolling road and gradually speeding up with a few 'kicks' to top speed. All nice and gently. I then proceed to install a DCC sound decoder and have another run in on the layout, eventually adjusting CV's if necessary. Anyway, your N15 seems a fine free runner and I wish you many happy model railway hours with this lovely steamer. Instead of buying this model I'll save up for the coming new GWR Manor by AccuraScale. This seems a very promising model and even with sound at a far better price than Hornby or Bachmann DCC ready steamers. Hope it will be worth the wait ! Success and thanks for sharing! Cheers, Filip

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks Filip, good to hear we have it right.

[@paulc9588]

Exactly how I do it. 15 minutes forward at slow speed followed by 15 minutes in reverse at slow speed. Then repeat at moderate speed. Observe and also listen carefully for anything that indicates an issue, e.g. a clicking sound which could mean pick-ups or valve gear catching. After an hour or so running light engine then test the locomotive with a modest load at moderate speed.

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Paul, exactly right. Thanks for watching

[@bryanpalmer8111]

I agree with you Mike I like to run in new locos slowly. But I have just bought a N guage Sonic GWR Tank .they recommend a running in speed of medium speed for 1 hour then 1 hrs in the opposite direction??? But I still like to run new engines less than half speed . But thanks again for the video Bryan

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Best way, take care, Mike

[@andydavidson7595]

Hi Mike i wonder if you can give me some advice, I purchased my N15 30453 named King Arthur when it was first released by Hornby. Since then it has never been run and only been displayed in a cabinet, would you recommend a full service or just lube the running gear? Also have you covered a service of the N15 ever?.I dont want to attempt a body removal without full knowledge as its rather delicate.....many thanks Andy

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Andy, I've never done the N15 but imagine it's similar to the S15. Yeah if it's been sat about a few drops of oil to reflow the old gear grease etc would be good

[@AdiPullen]

hi mike hope you are well? some great advice there i do all my locos for 45min til 1hour at 30 on gaugemaster combi seem to do the job for me keep safe arp

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Nice one Adi, yes gently is best

[@britanniaolivercromwell5006]

How do you calculate the scale speed cause it would be interesting to see how my locos scale to their basis

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks for watching, if you look back over my videos there is one called 'how to measure scale speed' kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHeWmpireduDnKc

[@hamshackleton]

If you don't want all the messng about with stopwatches and tape measures, to fnd out how fast your loco's are running, have a look here - tramfabriek.nl/speedometer.html

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Thanks, quite a price, wonder if I could make my own? Interesting thanks for posting