K-Line tank loco info needed

I have two, and both operate very nicely, if you do NOT try to run them too fast. I up-graded both of mine to 4-chuffs, but discovered that the rate of 4-chuffs does NOT increase past a certain speed as the model accelerates past THAT speed (about 30 to 40 MPH maybe). I also notice that if you try to run them too fast, they get a bit "jerky". Luckily, I don't operate any of my stuff all that fast anyway, so I have no problems with the K-Line 4-6-6T tank models, plus they are exquisitely detailed.

K-Line Cruise is a step above Odyssey I and TAS EOB but not as smooth as ERR Cruise or Odessey II. Sound quality is largely determined by speaker and enclosure size given the limited sounds of RS4. Some of the K-Line sensor vanes came with plastic flash filling some of the slots. Its a good idea to check them out. A sharp Xacto will clean them up.

Pete

I love mine!  Very nicely detailed, great smoker, and once locked in to a speed step- steady as a Chevy.  A common problem is they don't transition through the speed steps very gracefully in the form of jerkiness or "machine gunning" (rapid chuffing).  There is (was) a modification on the forum some years ago involving the addition of a diode to address this, I've never bothered.  The engine can crawl very steady, and is best at slower speeds (IMHO).  Works great as a MOW lead.

Stack  

I have the GTW version and it runs very well indeed.

Can't recall if its the plunger style or fan driven. I believe it is fan driven and puffs nicely.

Rod

Hi, I'm new to this forum.  I have tried searching for information and it's difficult to say the least.. I did find some though.  I just got one of these K-Line 4-6-6T Tank Engine, I really like it.   I run the MTH DCS Remote Commander with TIU and AIUs, so I am trying to get a hold of a Lionel TMCC command base to integrate with so I can fully run this engine.  This engine is NOS, never run, so I oiled and greased the two points marks underneath, but it still runs kind of jerky at different speeds.  I am attributing this to the crappy MTH Z Controller I am running the engine on conventionally at the moment.  My box says lighted cab interior and fire glow, but I don't see those, also don't hear any crew or tower chat, but I think that needs the TMCC base.  I did see a couple wires running into the cab but you can't really see in there.  Someone told me the cab light won't work unless you have the TMCC base as well.  Is there a worm gear on the motor that needs grease as well.  It's hard finding info as K-Line is no longer around.  Thanks.

I have the IC one.

Don't recall any operational issues, other than occasionally stopping on (ahem) K-Line O-72 switches.

Some of the chuff patterns can grate on my nerves after a while.

You have to be careful when you pick it up that you don't tip the unit over, because there is a cover on the 'tender' over the various controls.

What's nice is since its one unit, you can pick it up with one hand.

Illinois Central had tank engines for commuter service but they didn't look like this.

I have a CNJ one that has received the ERR Cruise Commander M upgrade, it runs like a top.  It does indeed have fan driven smoke.

Mine's the B&A, it's really nice, I like that it has very good detail, on par with a MTH Premier.  I also picked up a NOS Lionel TMCC 4-6-0 Mogul as well, that one is Boston-Maine.  It's very nice as well, but haven't run this one yet.  I will be doing the diode fix on the tank engine soon, I have the parts.  One thing I really like about the tank engine is it has an amazing whistle sound.  Still trying to come up with a TMCC base unit, but I have the MTH cable to connect it to my TIU.

Mine has never run that well.  It is beautiful and I love it, but above about 35 scale mph it is jerky and the sound sort of warbles all the time.  I bought it used so I do not know which of its flaws is original and which are due to abuse but the previous owner.  Most of the time it sits on the shelf because it runs so poorly - but it is a beautiful loco. I wish whichever manufacturer owns the dies for its castings now would re-issue it.

Lee, treat it to a Cruise Commander M, you'll have it back on the rails in no time.

The tank engine seems to be smoothing out the more I run it, could have been some slight burrs on the gears, who knows, but running pretty good now.  These are my first two steam engines, is it normal for them to labor up inclines?  Both of these seem to do that.  BTW, I made a mistake on the Mogul, it's a 2-6-0.

Oh BTW, for those of you wanting to add some detail on the tankers and connect your bell, I used the magnet wire from Radio shack, it's perfect thickness and comes in a pack of three spools, gold/ red/ green.  They all have a nice metallic shine and very easy to thread through the holes and into the cab, and it's easy to reform into a perfect shape after you route it.  It adds a nice effect to the engine.

Radio Shack part # 278-134.

I have a CNJ model and initially it ran jerky as well.  Conventional response left much to be desired but the addition of command control to the layout, some lube and an apparent break in period has fixed that issue.  Smokes like a demon and set to cruise it travels the layout as smooth as can be.  My favorite loco.

Hi, can someone post a photo of the underneath of the 6-wheel truck under the tender?  I see a post there, closest to the rear axle that's threaded, but nothing in it.  Am I missing a part, I seem to be having some issue. with the rear truck not holding the track properly.

Nothing on the post, and mine has no issues with the rear truck.

@gunrunnerjohn, Thank you John, I appreciate it, it's weird that post is threaded like something should go there, maybe a spring stabilizer, but glad to know it's not just me.   I tried the diode fix on mine today, and it makes a difference, but not a lot.  Mine seems to be shorting out on certain areas of the track, and is still a bit jerky.  I am hoping all this goes away once I get the TMCC base hooked up.

Also John, when I had the shell off to do the diode thing, i noticed the motor mount was loose and the motor was wobbly.  I tightened up those screws and the motor was not loose after that.  Did I do the right thing?

I confess I've never run mine in conventional mode.

The motor most certainly shouldn't be loose, so that was the right thing to do!