2343 F units

Here's a YouTube video I found of the 2343 locomotive in action.  It is indeed noisy.

https://youtu.be/sg6tyIwalaY

Rick   If it is a PW 2343 ( and not a modern Conventional Classic 2343) with two horizontal motors in the powered  A-then expect it to growl some. I have had the opportunity to run a few which had not been serviced in 50-60 years and the growl is louder-but even when properly cleaned and oiled/greased,  they still have a distinct and appealing growl. If you are not familiar with these motors, be sure to get some directions for a thorough cleaning and lubrication.   Enjoy-it is is a great engine- turtle7

Rick:

If my well serviced NYC set is any example, I would say the growl is normal. I would add that they are geared to run slower then the later vertical motor locomotives, which I view as a plus.

I hope you enjoy your set as much as I enjoy mine!

Part of the growl (and charm) of Postwar Lionel locomotives is the AC buzz from the E-units. They were set up with universal motors which could run on AC or DC current. If you don't use the horn battery (or a whistling tender), you can run them on DC and they're a bit quieter. I have a 2353 ABBA set which I don't run much any more and it's noisy, but fun.

Here is one with replacement cabs but the chassis are original and run well.

Picked up a NYC as part of a collection about ten years ago.  Pulled the trucks off, cleaned the truck and motor gears and installed new brushes on a clean commuter surface and it has been running ever since.  Watch out for the little insulation washers around the truck screws when you remove the trucks!

I still have mine and run them every now and then. They sure don't make them like that anymore. When they growl they sound like they mean business. Also I will say that the growl was the first rail sounds from Lionel.........Paul 2

c.sam, great video, on a grand layout. 
Brian, nice blackguard!  Don Winslow great photo of an admirable favorites of mine too. Rick Rubino, the noise of these postwar F3 work horses adds to the appeal! Just a power house of an engine. Growl indeed.

neat thread.

My F3s don't growl anymore once I figured out how to lube them properly 15-20 years ago(with the advent of really good synthetic lubricants - Mobil 1 & the Lucas #2 grease).

Nice Rob!

Could those RS-1 Transformers be a factor in reducing the noise as well?

Square wave AC does reduce noise.  TMCC in Conv. one can get this to almost a crawl. 

@Don Winslow posted:

Could those RS-1 Transformers be a factor in reducing the noise as well?

No, this was at unclipped sine wave full throttle.

@Dominic Mazoch posted:

Square wave AC does reduce noise.  TMCC in Conv. one can get this to almost a crawl. 

Would have to scope that output, I'm not aware of any square wave Lionel power supplies, only phase modified.

Here is my 1951 vintage 2343.  It has been upgraded with an AC Commander and sound.  It is more noisy than today's can motor versions.  Also the horizontal motor version has more gears hence more noise.  Mine has white lithium grease but I think the viscosity is too low.  Next overhaul it will get red and tacky, as Rob mentioned.  These locomotives are good pullers especially with rolling stock having modern trucks.  This locomotive can pull 25-30 modern cars plus the dummy A and B units with no trouble.