Growlers

The postwar Varney motors with the metal gears were really loud too.  A friend of mine called them "cabbage cutters" because of the grinding noise they made.

@Steam Crazy, John, you have hit the nail on the head, Lionel’s first F3’s, Sante Fe, New York Centrals, Texas Special, and possibly the GG1’s, all had the grinding sounds but at the time, we considered those iconic diesels to be the best available. I had the 2353 Sante Fe’s and they were fun to run diesels. Then, later, 1966, I bought the later 2383 Sante Fe diesels and they were equipped with pul-mor motors, ran smoother, pulled great. This is a great thread and you’ll get a bunch of thoughts. From the ideal magne-traction, to todays maintenance free motors and traction tire equipped trucks. Happy Railroading Everyone

A nice 2344 AA headed your way

I've said it before and I'll say it again: to me, nothing says "Postwar Lionel Trains" like the growl of the F3s. I love that sound!!

my 628 center cab switcher is really loud

pullmor motors are the best

wish lionel still used them

does anyone know when they stopped

2343s built in 1950. Gotta love those horizontal motors. I may have the latest Legacy F3s but those do not prevent these beauties from putting in some work.

@Steam Crazy posted:

Let’s see/hear your Growlers!

@leapinlarry posted:

...all had the grinding sounds...

@BlueComet400 posted:

...nothing says "Postwar Lionel Trains" like the growl of the F3s...

If those motors are lubed correctly with modern synthetics, they quiet right down.

Rob, what fun is that (LOL)?

John

Yeah, sorry John.

Mine did growl more then it should have when I got it last year. After I cleaned and serviced her she quiets up once  warmed up and runs pretty nice and smooth. But, still louder then a canned motor for sure. I love the quality and weight to those units.  I need to hunt for either a 2333,2343, or 2353 Santa Fe AA in the near future. Maybe some nice aluminum passenger cars....

I have to put on the brakes concerning the older horizontal motors, and also the pul-mor motors, both of these motors were great, for their time in history, I just have to give a nod to the newer can motors and the best being Pittman can motors (maintenance free) that have taken their place. Yes, I’m into the more scale diesels and steamers of this modern era and love the new rail sounds and legacy operation. Growling sounds are fine, however Legacy railsounds appeal to me much more. To each their own, I got back into the hobby in 1997 because of TMCC, and purchased the Century Club One 5 locomotive set, all with pul-mor motors, and they are on the shelf. The newer models with good maintenance free can motors running slow with the legacy control with actual railroad sounds are my favorites. I’m in no way knocking the Growlers, it’s simply 2022, not 1953. Great thread and I enjoy others view. Happy Railroading Everyone

Here is my 2343 repaint in GM&O livery:

Since joining a train club a couple of years ago, I've had the opportunity to watch and hear all varieties of 3-rail O gauge/scale locomotives:  typically can motor diesels and steamers with sound systems, as well as more traditional TMCC locomotives and my growlers.

Having recently purchased my first TMCC Pullmor motor-equipped F-3s, and listened to some wonderful sound systems, my personal view is sound, whether horizontal motor growlers or modern sound systems replicating steamer or diesels, is best appreciated in moderation--quieter is better except for brief periods.  A cacophony of sounds of circulating locomotives on a club layout with as many as four locomotives operating at once is no joy for me.

But, there's no denying the technical accomplishments of today's products and the nostalgia of the growlers.

@Pingman posted:

Having recently purchased my first TMCC Pullmor motor-equipped F-3s, and listened to some wonderful sound systems, my personal view is sound, whether horizontal motor growlers or modern sound systems replicating steamer or diesels, is best appreciated in moderation--quieter is better except for brief periods.  A cacophony of sounds of circulating locomotives on a club layout with as many as four locomotives operating at once is no joy for me.

I am in total agreement.  There is such a thing as too much sound.  I often enjoy just the sound of wheels rolling on the track.  Very relaxing.

Having read some of your thoughtful comments, all I can say is I agree!  I agree modern locomotives are far superior to postwar Lionel, and too much sound is too much, but I find operating both is a lot of fun!

Most of my collection is modern Lionel, MTH, K-line and Williams.  I operate my modern trains most of the time,  I almost sold my small postwar collection, but - on advice of friends - I hung on to it.  I'm grateful for their advice, because I thoroughly enjoy "going back" and running my postwar Lionel.

One of the best things about this hobby is everyone's entitled to their favorite trains.  You run and collect what pleases you.  Whether it's "Growlers" or the latest Legacy or DCS locomotives, you're right!

John

Well guys, I don't have too much to offer.  I have both the horizontal NYC and Santa Fe but the SF is in storage and the NYC is back in Texas without any video's (we are on vacation).  So here is all I have today.  The 2240 Wabash AB from 1956.  I like the "unit" type diesels as my small layout cannot handle the more modern locomotives they are just too long.  I really have no solid preference on motor type, my most modern engines are Williams and they run really nice plus have diesel sound so it does not seem to matter.  So here is a video of my Wabash 2240.

Best wishes everyone.

Don

Don. for a guy that doesn't have much to offer, those are really nice diesels!  I'm glad you're not on vacation from the Forum!

John

oh my word,thats exactly what my dad used to call our 2353 that i still have

I agree with everyone liking what they do. I don't like seeing people arguing about this loco being better than this one. Everyone has I believe a special reason why they prefer certain eras of trains over others. I've had and have modern canned motor engines. Talk about nice quiet and reliable units. I had MTH proto 2 e7s. Loved setting those at a creeping speed and the sounds! But, for me the pre and postwar just appeal to me. It reminds me of what my dad had, or dreamed of having when he was a kid and my age now. He didn't have a lot of money , but even if he did he would've helped others. But man, those dual horizonal growlers just amaze me.

I have the NYC ABA  and love them but the gearboxes trash the center rail with grease. Not sure if I'm using the recommended grease. Does anyone know of a lube for the gears that will help? Thanks

@charles mcdaniel posted:

...Does anyone know of a lube for the gears that will help? Thanks

I use the Lucas Red N Tacky. Stays put.

Charles, I've never heard of "growlers" trashing the center rail with grease, but I'm not a postwar repairman.  Maybe that could happen with too much grease?

I used "Lionel Lubricant" back in the day, now I use LaBelle 106 with good results.  I'm sure there are Forum folks out there who know more about this than me.  Enjoy the NYC ABA, I always wanted that set!  I used to see them on the B&A line in MA near my home.

John

@Steam Crazy: thank you for your nice compliment on my Wabash. I will admit they are fun and they work well on my tight clearance layout.

Best wishes

Don

Thanks for the input, going to give those a try.