Is the Lionel Postwar 1615 a Good Runner?

They run well, if a wee bit fast for a switching locomotive.  And they're very durable.  If it were me, I'd get it.

I purchased one that needed restoration. It runs very well around a loop of track, though a bit fast. Unfortunately, mine would not make a good switching engine. It stall going over O-22 switches if run too slow. Don't know if that is common, since mine was a bit worn when purchased.

Lionel put a copper strip under the drawbar to help with the switch problem, but on mine it just isn't quite enough to perform switching operations.

great little engine, I love mine.

Yes, this is a nice engine. Being Conventional, one will have to watch it carefully as it wants to fly. I suggest you use Cab 1 control. (or Cab 2 Legacy). There may be a way to add TMCC to this nice switch engine. Happy Railroading.

Great runner-get it !!

great runner, be careful not to run to fast as you can easily break off a marker light 

They are nice runner for the era, but they run rather fast and their slow-speed smoothness and controlability are far below what you've come to expect with can motors today.  

Thanks for all the info.  I'm getting it! 

Funny thing- I wanted a 1615 but they were always pricey-I thought but I bought an 8310 2-4-0 that uses the same boiler shell. Took the front truck off, added some weights to the front after removing the pilot and I had a good running switcher.  Both run and pull good.

Yes they are good runners with an excellent PW motor.

I bought mine with a broken marker I assume the previous owner made the running it too fast mistake. It's still a wonderful little engine.

I believe it has magnetraction but you can make it spin wheels with high enough voltage surges.  I love mine.  One of the first pieces of postwar I bought.  In order to get the best effect, run with a good PW transformer like an LW.  the direction button allows you to trigger the e-unit rapidly producing the desired effect!  Its virtually indestructible.  Also check out the 1656 Bell ringer.  A bit more rare but every PW collection should have one. Both of mine have intact market lights (diecast metal), but my 1615 has no jewels while my 1656 has ruby jewels... Is that normal?  

They are nice engines for that era,I had mine geared down 50% and it ran well at slow speeds,they dont have  Magnetraction.

Mikey how did you "have yours geared down?"  Did Frank Timko do the job, any chance you could post pics of the new gears?  IMO a lot of postwar steam locos could benefit from this kind of modification!

Thanks,

Ted

IMO get a 224. They run better than a Swiss watch. 

Giving this a bump hoping that Mikey will see it.  Inquiring minds want to know!