I've contacted Lionel and they say there is no recommended break-in period for a new Lionel engine. Maybe not, but I'm wondering what the collective vast experience of this forum would say. I have several new or near new (less than two hours runtime) locomotives. I've oiled any that I've run before hand. Is there a recommendation for breaking in a new locomotive or is it just "Go for it"?
Thanks,
Ron
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Today's locomotives need very little (if any) break-in time. I usually just lubricate them per the instructions and then give them a bit of run time in both directions and at various speeds just to make sure everything is seated properly and working okay.
After lubricating as specified in the manual, I normally run my locomotives in gently for about 30-45 minutes in each direction at a moderate speed with no load before putting them into revenue service. I don't know if this is necessary these days, but I've been doing this for the past 50 years, and it doesn't seem to do any harm. 
Seems to be unanimous. I think I'll follow Allan's and NODY's advice. Plus, it's an excuse to run the trains. Thanks.
Ron
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