In this video we take a look at a 27 year old engine that is still holding up well. I hope you enjoy a look at this engine that graced the cover in 1996!
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I think there are still gears out there
Another FANTASTIC a review MARTYE!!!ππ Yes I too am running some of the older engines and liking the roars, smells, and just plain fun in having them run with the newer stuff. Keep em coming MARTY.
@Dave Koehler posted:I think there are still gears out there
I think so too. I'm not particularly worried but I do know for some it's an issue worth mentioning.
@laz1957 posted:Another FANTASTIC a review MARTYE!!!ππ Yes I too am running some of the older engines and liking the roars, smells, and just plain fun in having them run with the newer stuff. Keep em coming MARTY.
Thanks Laz. I hopefully have a good one lined up for a couple of weeks from now. I think 10 to 12 minutes seem to be the sweet spot for viewers given the subject matter and my small layout. I got a few more Pullmors to go through so I think I'll continue that series for the near future. They do run a little rough but that growl...
The sounds from that era hold up well. Nice review!
A blast from the past!
Peter
I have quite a few of the early TMMC diesels, they seem to be quite bullet proof.
These models sound great! Love the start up and horn. One of my trucks is actually in the mail for repair (finally). The plastic axle gear won't stay put so it's getting a brass one.
Still operate and have mine and still love it, it's a beast of the 90s generation!!
this tooling needs to come back for the traditional lionchief line a santa fe or Fast Fright Service version would be on my must have list
@ed h posted:I have quite a few of the early TMMC diesels, they seem to be quite bullet proof.
I think you're right. Even though electronic in nature they seem to be pretty tough!
@dk122trains posted:Still operate and have mine and still love it, it's a beast of the 90s generation!!
It is a work horse. I think folks tend to overlook these gems because they don't have the latest wiz bang but they are good runners.
@PRRick posted:These models sound great! Love the start up and horn. One of my trucks is actually in the mail for repair (finally). The plastic axle gear won't stay put so it's getting a brass one.
If you couldn't tell I love the start up of this engine and the horn for its time is fantastic! So far my gears are hanging in there.
@paigetrain posted:this tooling needs to come back for the traditional lionchief line a santa fe or Fast Fright Service version would be on my must have list
I suspect Lionel has a more modern tooling but who knows. It is a nice engine though so if they did manage to keep it I think it would be a winner.
Thanks everyone for watching! This video has gotten the most watches in the shortest amount of time!
@MartyE and others... You don't need to make apologies for the Pullmor motors or lack of speed control. Everyone should watch closely at 7:19 to about 7:22 of your video. It does a lot to explain why I like Lionel's Pullmor motors and back-driveable gearing. It's not about going around the layout at a constant five scale mph (although I'm pretty sure your GE demonstrator could have run slower than you were running it in the video.) The initial movement between zero and 3 scale mph is just as important, if not more important to the illusion of realism. For you physics nerds, I refer to these as "precious moments." Surging from zero to 4 or 5 scale MPH (about when the speed control circuitry catches up) pops that bubble every time!
Here's another example that was shared by a different Forum member a long time ago:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...list=WL&index=21
I'm pretty sure if you subjected our trains to lab testing with a stroboscope or high-speed camera, it would end any arguments on this subject. The initial movement on a dual Pullmor-equipped diesel like this one is better and more gradual than any diesel with two can motors except perhaps the recent Legacy / Liondrive, which also have back-driveable gears. The little Mabuchis and even Pittmans just don't get into the linear part of their speed-voltage curve until they reach about 800 RPM (which is usually around 8-10 mph.) In the range from zero to five and five to zero, the speed control tuning can sometimes make the motion more robotic and less train-like.
If you just want to turn your train on and let it run, then I guess none of this really matters. But if you like to RUN your train hands-on, switching, coupling, taking up slack, etc., a diesel with two AC motors will put a smile on my face every time! Thanks for sharing!!
@Ted S posted:@MartyE and others... You don't need to make apologies for the Pullmor motors or lack of speed control. Everyone should watch closely at 7:19 to about 7:22 of your video. It does a lot to explain why I like Lionel's Pullmor motors and back-driveable gearing. It's not about going around the layout at a constant five scale mph (although I'm pretty sure your GE demonstrator could have run slower than you were running it in the video.) The initial movement between zero and 3 scale mph is just as important, if not more important to the illusion of realism. For you physics nerds, I refer to these as "precious moments." Surging from zero to 4 or 5 scale MPH (about when the speed control circuitry catches up) pops that bubble every time!
Actually I was surprised how smoothly it started out. Yes they can be some smooth starters and runners once the stall voltage is set and you tweak your own mindset on the differences of a Legacy engine and a Pullmor equipped TMCC. If the Pullmor is well maintained it can definitely compete on the low end speed scale.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
@ed h posted:I have quite a few of the early TMMC diesels, they seem to be quite bullet proof.
I think you're right. Even though electronic in nature they seem to be pretty tough!
@dk122trains posted:Still operate and have mine and still love it, it's a beast of the 90s generation!!
It is a work horse. I think folks tend to overlook these gems because they don't have the latest wiz bang but they are good runners.
Agree. The engines from this era are great runners, very reliable and generally bulletproof. And operating these engines with Legacy control (not to mention installing ERR AC Commanders in them) makes them even better. There's been discussion over the years about the TMCC/RS Geeps of this era, too. Great engines, and due to various factors, some of the best sounds ever to come out of a diesel engine.
https://ogrforum.com/...e-lionel-bnsf-dash-9
I have the BNSF version of the Dash 9. I have put a lot of miles on it, so much so that the axels were gouged out. I did a tune up a while ago replacing the bushings with ball bearings. I have always liked the stout muscular look of these units.
@paigetrain posted:this tooling needs to come back for the traditional lionchief line a santa fe or Fast Fright Service version would be on my must have list
Agree, these would make a great LionChief locomotive, along with the Rock Island type 4-8-4 northern. However, Lionel may not have the tooling.