I was wondering if it is a good idea to run the engines forward and backwards. Is it good to let the engine and gears turn both ways instead of just forward?
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This is all mth and i run regularly in both directions with the NS (1/2 way through the video)consist as the cars weigh the same. The Guilford PanAm one direction only with consist as cars would strngline.The 5 engines buy themselves back and forth in switchyard mode.
Originally Posted by Bagelman:
I was wondering if it is a good idea to run the engines forward and backwards. Is it good to let the engine and gears turn both ways instead of just forward?
I rarely operate any of my steam locomotive models in reverse, on the main lines.
As a normal course of running, I do not go out of my way to run in both directions.
When and engine is brand new however, I will run it in both directions without a load (no trains cars in tow) for a short period of time. My own self imposed "break in". I don't know if any of the manufacturers have a specific guide to break in, just my preference.
Mark
Yes I do. It probably doesn't matter but it makes me think that it serves some good purpose.
If it's a hood style diesel, yeah. The technical term would be "long hood forward" but sure, they look cool running that way. If I have a cab unit diesel, say, an F-3, I'll put it facing reverse & trailing a dummy just to run it that way sometimes.
It's rare to run mine backwards. Most of the time I lock them in forward so that the kids can drive them.
A worm-and-gear or spur gears are equally happy running in either direction. So are diesel outline locomotives, model or real.
Steamers, real or model, are just more awkward to operate if reversing long distance at higher speeds. That practice was avoided as much as possible. Also, it just looks baaaaad.
The only time I've seen a steamer run a long distance in reverse is on excursions. The A&A runs back from Curriers, NY to Arcade that way & I'm sure some other short lines do it too. Yard jobs might have done it back in the day when they would be out doing their work around town here or there.
From a mechanical point of view, it is a good idea to run model locos in both direction. The gears, motors, Motor bushings/bearings, motor brushes and the axles running in bearings or bushing all benefit from change of direction. They will wear evenly and, in my opinion the model loco will "loosen up" and run better. This applies for Steam and Diesel. I find that out to be true with MTH Diesels, they seem to run great down to 2 Smph after a good run in period in both direction. Not all will but most will.
Originally Posted by Bagelman:
I was wondering if it is a good idea to run the engines forward and backwards. Is it good to let the engine and gears turn both ways instead of just forward?
I tend to consist my diesels, so they get run short hood forward, long hood forward, as lead, as pushers, and as trailing or middle units.
Originally Posted by BigBoy4014:
From a mechanical point of view, it is a good idea to run model locos in both direction. The gears, motors, Motor bushings/bearings, motor brushes and the axles running in bearings or bushing all benefit from change of direction. They will wear evenly and, in my opinion the model loco will "loosen up" and run better. This applies for Steam and Diesel. I find that out to be true with MTH Diesels, they seem to run great down to 2 Smph after a good run in period in both direction. Not all will but most will.
Originally Posted by Bagelman:
I was wondering if it is a good idea to run the engines forward and backwards. Is it good to let the engine and gears turn both ways instead of just forward?
I totally agree. I make an effort to run all of my motive power in both directions for the purpose of balanced wear on brushes, bearings and bushings. My Grandfather taught me to do this as a little boy and I think his advice has served me well. The bulk of what I own is mostly post-war and everything at least seems to benefit from this type of operation. I do it with my modern era stuff as well.
What about locos without a reverse?
I'll run in reverse if I don't feel like running around the layout again to reposition an engine or consist or whatever. I do have a 0-6-0 switcher with front operating couplers. Once in a blue moon, I'll run it "tender first" on a freight train for a slight change and variety.
I run my locomotives both ways ... on the tracks ... and sometimes off the tracks
All kidding aside I run diesels and steam switchers in both directions on the mainline. As for the big streamers, mostly forward. The big streamers are put in reverse when setting out cars onto a siding.... or in reverse for short stints to pick up a string of cars or an entire train.
Originally Posted by handyandy:
What about locos without a reverse?
That's "redumbdant"....
In theory running both directions equally would wear evenly & maybe last longer
In practice, a break-in starts in fwd, but I'll run extra time in "reverse" because it will be used less.
I don't do much pushing or switching, and since adulthood, tend to just lock steam in fwd.
Long nose forward on diesels and rectifiers.
But its not written in stone.
I only have two steamers that even could run in "reverse". (this "thing" & a modified "General" for double heading).
Thinking out of the box....
The Schrödinger Special.
Simultaneously goes backwards and forward at the same time
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Sounds good to me............. Yes. Just like a car.
According to the book I have on the Norfolk & Portsmouth Belt Line, they ran their engines backwards 50% of the time or greater. So do it like the real RRs did 
My RK Imperial 0-6-0 gets a lot of run time going both directions, like a real switcher should, my mainline freights and passenger engines, not as much. If I can't get them to run in both directions on my layout I find out why and fix it.
Originally Posted by Adriatic:
Long nose forward on diesels and rectifiers.
Now that's just plain dumb. And nobody called me on it? Come on
..
I've actually seen examples of post war and MPC engines that have been run in forward so much that they are incapable of running in reverse due to brush or gear wear. It's not common, but it can happen.
If the engine has a front coupler, I might occasionally run it in reverse. If not, it only goes in reverse to back into the sidings, or if I overshoot an accessory.
