Climax loco by Roundhouse

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I came across a Climax loco in HO scale. It runs fine but has a “grinding” sound, forward and reverse.I know it is used in the logging industry, so it has no speed. Is this normal?

Thanks in advance

2

Low speed is normal. The grinding may just be a lack of lubrication. That’s a pretty old product because Roundhouse has been out of business for around 10 years now, and the brand name is owned by Athearn.

3

These were noisy by most standards when new. “Grinding” sound may well indicate that some lubrication on the gears would be helpful.

This locomotive has the same mechanism as the Boxcab from Roundhouse. They fashioned this other shell to simulate a “Class A” Climax logging locomotive. The result is actually quite oversize for a Class A Climax, but could pass as a heavily rebuilt one in the absence of other affordable Climax locomotive models. The very low speed is part of the design and gearing… an actual Class A Climax likely had a top speed of around 15 mph. I have one of these models as #1 on my logging/mining line.

These were generally quite durable model locomotives, especially suitable for tight curves or mini-layouts. If you are interested in improving it, Google “Lafever Climax” for a fellow that re-motors the chassis and makes it operable on 15" radius curves.

Bill

4

The Climax loco hardly ever went over 10 mph. They are geared down quite a lot. Do a Google search for Climax locomotive. You will get thousands of links. I have a lot of links myself.

The MDC/Roundhouse loco has a noisy gear drive and the plastic shell you might say, amplifies the noise.

If you are adventurous, you cam modify them a lot and install a can motor.

I have one with a rebuilt drive and Tsunami decoder.

Below is someones idea.

http://www.2guyzandsumtrains.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2095/postdays=0/postorder=asc/highlight=climax/start=0.html

Rich

5

I have also heard that the Bachmann GE 44 ton loco mechanism is a direct fit for the plastic body of the Box cab, so it may also work for the Climax.

6

The below link could be, They Say or I Heard. Store the link in Favorites and look though all his stuff.

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2009_09_25_archive.html

Rich

7

The Roundhouse model resembles the prototype as well as Dolly Parton resembles Whitney Houston does.

8

Don’t recall anyone being concerned about prototypical looking. We are boys playing with toys.

Rich

9

The Roundhouse Climax was known as being a bit of a slow speed coffee grinder.

Part of their character.

They crawl along, geared way down. Consistent with their full size use on irregular rails in logging operations.

If you look closely at this exploded diagram from Hoseeker you will see there is a lot going on in the way of gear boxes & drives. All of which contribute to the noise. If it moves along back & forth ok without binding & stopping, then ignore the noise & go with it. You can tweak them, but that is a whole other sub-cult.

http://hoseeker.com/assemblyexplosionMdc/roundhouse18lClimaxpg4.jpg

TE

10

Good Morning

I repowered my Climax with a Bachmann 44 tonner chassis. I followed the instructions at this site from Geared Steam. http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2009_09_25_archive.html

The Climax runs real smooth & quiet now. Also I modified the body. I found an article in the December 1982 issue of Model Railroader. It lowers the boiler & extends the front pilot. My Climax looks more presentable now.

Later!

Ed Radz

11

I’m unsure of why every self proclaimed “expert” makes this claim, 15 seconds of a Google search will tell you your wrong. Everyone knows Dolly Pardon is a blonde, yeesh.