break in

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m a proud owner of a brand new GP-38-2 made by Athearn. Is there a break in period and if there is just was is the way to go about it? It’s my first engine and my wife bought it for me,so, i would really like to give it the best life I can.Any help would be great.
Thanks,
Diesel

2

I’m not sure about Athearn’s break in procedure, but most manufacturers do have a procedure of some sort, usually included in the instructions. Basically, you want to follow those instructions, if possible. The recommended procedure for one of my P2K diesel locomotives is to operate at varying speeds, starting and stopping frequently while running in both forward and reverse for an hour or so. The main purpose of this is to “seat” the motor brushes to improve operation for the life of the locomotive (or until the brushes need to be replaced). The procedure for an Athearn diesel locomotive like yours should not be very different.

3

The only papers I got with it was a parts list with an exploded view of it . There was nothing saying anything about a break in .I just don’t know

Thanks
Diesel

4

You should be fine if you use the P2K procedure. Again, the purpose of the break in period is to allow the motor brushes to seat properly. By varying speed and direction as well as starting and stopping frequently for about an hour, you should achieve this goal.

5

i have a figure of 8 track that i run new loco’s for 45 minutes in each direction. this beds the gears down very nicely. afterwards i put a dab of oil on the bearings.

Peter

6

Thanks for all the imput,it helps out alot, Thanks again
Diesel

7

The way I break all of my engines in regardless of the brand is I run them both ways for 45 minutes…

8

While we are on the subject, I have 3 P2K’s I bought 3 years ago at a train show that are still in the box never opened. Being they have been dormant all this time,Is there any thing additional I should do before I start running them being they sat so long?