I am now the proud owner of a BEEP (photos on Sunday) and I have a question for you guys that own one of these little critters. Is it necessary to do an oil and lube job when it is new?
Currently, it is in conventional mode but most likely will change it out to TMCC/Railsounds shortly.
Buckeye,
We have one (B&M). It’s cute and all, but I don’t see what all the fuss was about. It runs a little too slow for me. Ours isn’t dead quiet when it’s running either. Kinda sounds like a blender on low. I opened it up and greased the 2 worm gears and oiled the bearings. It didn’t sound any different after the lube job, but it runs ok. Except when it’s cold in the basement. Then it stutters a little bit until it warms up. The kid’s Thomas does the exact same thing though.
I oil and lube everything, new or old, the minute it comes out of the box.
Jim
I have a NYC Beep. It too, runs slow. But I think it is suppose to. May need a new traction tire. Will only pull about 3 box cars, then wheels slip.
Nice little engine. needs a horn. Or bell. Good for switching. Needs to run awhile to warm up. Stutters on initial start up, then run good.
Chuck
Buckeye, the Beeps are pretty much ready to run, so I wouldn’t recommend over-doing the lubrication. Let it run in a few hours first, then give it some grease and oil. Like has been said, these are geared to run slower than a lot of toy engines.
By the way, what road name did you get?
WOW! Hope I didn’t make a mistake!!! After reading the “Beep” posts last week, I ordered one. Scheduled to be delivered tommorrow. Do you think I will be disappointed? Thanks.
BUCKEYE remember they are like fine women break em in gently.(wink)
laz57
People either love or hate the beep. Most love them. They are really good because kids can not make them go too fast. Mine pulls very well. I pull an animated chase car, a railsounds car (both heavy), a lighted caboose and a few box cars on my Christmas layout. It even does well up hill. However, it took me a while to figure out why my wheels would spin going up hill. The problem was the track suddenly transitions up and then the overhang on the back of the shell rubbed against the rails lifting the wheel and making it spin.
Jim H
I rank among the devoted BEEP enthusiasts! I really like them! Yes, they are geared to operate at slower and more realistic speeds, just as any switching locomotive would do. I’ve sure not found noise to be a problem at all, and I have about 10 of the little buggers.
The BEEPs aren’t for everyone (no toy train item ever produced would appeal to everyone); they’re just for those who want a nicely done, fanciful piece of motive power at a very good price.
I have never lubricated any of my BEEPs since none of them have needed it to this point.
I’m of the school that prefers a little too much lubrication than not enough. But that’s my whole philosophy towards life in general.
Jim
Jim/Allan: Thanks for your posts. I have four traditional 6462 gondolas, a light weight tank car and caboose on a flat O27 tubular roadbed that are awaiting the new Beep. I’ll see. Thanks again.
Walter (RMT) once told me to not lubricate the BEEP. Since they are his babies, I’ve taken him at his word and have had no running problems. Yes, they make a little noise but so do real world locos. I’ve never had any wheel spin but I regularly clean my track, too. I also watch what I hook up to the locos – try to keep the consists focused on semi-scale rolling stock. Speed wise, the BEEPs max out at about 16 volts. Oh yes, I usually run my BEEPs in MU configuration which besides being more real world-like, allows longer consists. BTW, they are nice for younger children to play with.
Poppyl
I’ve had mine lubricated for well over a year now with no ill effects. My Beep that is.
I think you will be happy with the beep, it is geared low to be a puller for its size. Most who like the beep usaly buy a second or third. Only you will be able to tell if you like it. I think that RMT Buddy zips along compared to the Beep from what I have heard.[2c]
Next question: How do you get at the gears to lublucate them, assuming you want to do so? Does the plate come off the bottom, or do you have to dismantle things from the inside?
Thanks.
Richard Bjorkman
Thanks for all the info. I’m glad to hear that it is geared slow. [:D]
I think the Beeps run plenty fast enough. I believe they run a bit better than the Buddy. Run two Beeps at a time and they will pull a pretty good sized train. Right now I have two Beeps pulling 10 cars of various makes on level 0-31track with no problems. Like them alot.
Depending on what transformer you use (I have tried several), I’ve found that the BUDDYs tend to run far too fast for my liking. I have had good experience in operating the BUDDYs with an old Lionel 1033, but did not like how they performed with more modern transformers, such as the MTH Z750 and others.
I guess what I was trying to say about the speed of a Beep is that they go plenty fast to suit me. The slow speed is pretty darn good for an inexpensive engine. I’ve got other more expensive engines that I don’t think run nearly as well. As far as the Buddys go they don’t seem as smooth running at slower speeds or as quiet as the Beeps. That being said, I still like the pair of Buddys I have. At present I’m using 3 different MRC transformers: 60, 100, and a new 270 watt duel power which I’m very happy with.
I bought one, and that’s enough. For the money, you get what you paid for.
Richard,
The shell has to be removed. If memory serves, you then unscrew the bottom plate. Then on top, lift out the circuit board and unscrew the two screws under that. This will expose the gears of each motor. If I could do it, anyone can.
Jim