Lionel 773 Hudson - 1964 Version

The 773 is geared with a much different ratio than its contemporaries and has a much slower speed. Still worth giving it some love and care by carrying out a basic lube job.

My first thought would be the track. Were you running this engine on 027? If so that kind of curve might be too small for that engine. My second thought is that the engine needs to have a good cleaning of the brushes and so forth. Finally, my last thought would be that the gearing ratio, for that engine, was made so that it would go at a more "prototypical" speed. 

@Trainmaster04, the engine is clearly being operated on traditional O gauge track with O-31 minimum curves, which is the locomotives rating.

It is actually running on 031 but even on the straights it don't pick up speed. It is smooth as silk otherwise. I will give it the once over and see if it improves. The seller claims it was "greased & oiled" but who knows I need to get in there. They probably didn't touch the brushes. 

Thanks  -  AL

The scale sized Postwar (and some modern era) Hudsons are geared at 18:1.  Even at a full 20 volts they are not the speed demons we are used to.  The gear ratio is in the Lionel service documents as well as the lower top speed.

Other than a lube job, it looks pretty nice. A quick servicing should be all it needs. The 773, IMO, is one of the nicest running Postwar steamers. I also don't like speed demons, despite loving Postwar, and find the 773 to be a perfect engine to run. I've got a nice, clean 1950 version. I'd like to get a 60s version as well someday in the future. 

bmoran4 posted:

The 773 is geared with a much different ratio than its contemporaries and has a much slower speed.

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning. 

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

That’s the speed they run at. I have the 1950 version that had almost 0 hours run time when I got it. After cleaning and a proper lube it runs the same speed as yours. 

With the double worm I would say that engine is more on pulling than speed.

As has been stated the 1950 and also the 1964 to 1966 773 Hudsons were geared at an 18:1 ratio enabling them to run at what was considered to be a more prototypical speed as compared to almost all other Lionel steamers of those eras.  I have both the 1950 and 1966 versions of the 773, both of which are fully serviced, and while the 1950 version runs a tad faster than the 1966 version the difference is infinitesimal.    I think your 773 runs just about right but it still wouldn't hurt to re-check its servicing.  Good luck with your great engine.

I totally agree with some of the above replies that say that prototypically slow speed is highly desirable. Sounds like Al (Fisherdoc) has got himself a gem of an engine. Arnold

Looks like it runs well; notice how it does not even slow down appreciably on the curves.

These locos run better the more you run them; when new all the 700E-derived locos are stiff and slow. They just get better. If yours is low-mileage, "it's not even broken in yet".

Why Lionel put that dinky little tender behind that beautiful scale sized loco, I will never know.

But since Lionel did it, it must be correct, right?

RoyBoy posted:

Why Lionel put that dinky little tender behind that beautiful scale sized loco, I will never know.

But since Lionel did it, it must be correct, right?

Well, I guess they were pretty much on the skids by then and weren't about to put the money into the big, heavy 2426 tender like they did in 1950.  To make matters even worse they put the water scoop on backwards on the 1966 NYC "streamlined" tender.  Like I said they had hit the skids.

I am not sure how much faster you would like it to go but it is running pretty fast from my experience.  However if you have a chance to pick up a real tender I would go for it.

Ted S posted:

bmoran4 posted:

The 773 is geared with a much different ratio than its contemporaries and has a much slower speed.

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning. 

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

First of all a plethora of thanks to you all!  I am new to this model and not familiar with it. I am not looking for a speed demon I just wanted to ensure that nothing was wrong with it since all I am used to are the Lionel engines that ARE speed demons. I appreciate the comments. I paid dearly for this engine and all I want is a good engine. I like the scale speed it doesn't bother me one bit - as long as its normal.

As far as the tender goes, that is NOT the tender that came with the engine LOL! That is MY fault - I was just testing the engine since I literally just got it and didn't bother switching tenders LOL. That tender goes with another Lionel engine. I DO have the original longer NYC Tender that it came with. 

I understand the servicing - I have a 2056 that literally would barely run a few inches and stall. A good cleaning of the motor brushes etc. and a good lube and it is now a speed demon LOL.

I also purchased the 1950 version of this 773 which will be here this Saturday. This one has no tender so I need to get the proper tender which I think is the 2326W? Supposedly the 1950 version did not use the NY Central Lettering it was Lionel Lines. 

Yes, I am spoiling myself FINALLY! 

Thanks - AL

Remember to check and clean commutator . and clean out the slots. They fill up with used carbon . the commutator should not have any black burn marks.

fisherdoc posted:

First of all a plethora of thanks to you all!  I am new to this model and not familiar with it. I am not looking for a speed demon I just wanted to ensure that nothing was wrong with it since all I am used to are the Lionel engines that ARE speed demons. I appreciate the comments. I paid dearly for this engine and all I want is a good engine. I like the scale speed it doesn't bother me one bit - as long as its normal.

As far as the tender goes, that is NOT the tender that came with the engine LOL! That is MY fault - I was just testing the engine since I literally just got it and didn't bother switching tenders LOL. That tender goes with another Lionel engine. I DO have the original longer NYC Tender that it came with. 

I understand the servicing - I have a 2056 that literally would barely run a few inches and stall. A good cleaning of the motor brushes etc. and a good lube and it is now a speed demon LOL.

I also purchased the 1950 version of this 773 which will be here this Saturday. This one has no tender so I need to get the proper tender which I think is the 2326W? Supposedly the 1950 version did not use the NY Central Lettering it was Lionel Lines. 

Yes, I am spoiling myself FINALLY! 

Thanks - AL

If you are not too worried about 100% originality, from time to time, 2426RS tender comes up on the popular auction sites. This tender is almost 100% identical to the postwar 2426W tender. It was made much later and features a very descent sound system. It has a nice diecast shell just like it’s grandpa has.............Pat

Williams also offered a separate sale 2426 tender lettered for New York Central but the lettering could be redone to match Lionel's font.

Pete

RoyBoy posted:

Why Lionel put that dinky little tender behind that beautiful scale sized loco, I will never know.

But since Lionel did it, it must be correct, right?

I stand corrected! That IS the tender that came with the 773! I looked at the video again I guess I forgot I switched it out to the correct tender. Yes, it appears to just be one of the usual plastic streamlined tenders lettered for NYC. From what I can tell this is the tender that came with the engine.

I'm not sure which tender is the correct one for the 1950 773?

Thanks! - AL

fisherdoc posted:

I'm not sure which tender is the correct one for the 1950 773?

Thanks! - AL

The 2426W:

Note, Lionel reissued this tender many times since the 80s, so be cautious if you care about originality.

"One sweet dream - came true - today" (Lyric from the 2nd side of the Beatles' Abbey Road album):

Lionel Postwar 773 with NY Central tender, 1964 model.

Here it is in action:

Arnold

So Arnold, based upon your lyrical choice is this a new member for your fleet? If so.....congratulations and enjoy.

@Rich Wiemann posted:

So Arnold, based upon your lyrical choice is this a new member for your fleet? If so.....congratulations and enjoy.

Yes, Rich, I've dreamed of getting a 773 for many years.

By the way, Rich, I just visited your Forum profile, and love the picture of your daughter or granddaughter running your or her trains.

Hey Arnold,  Fendermain here...longtime sir.  That engine is top notch...top notch.  I am delighted that you were able to acquire a fine example.

@Fendermain posted:

Hey Arnold,  Fendermain here...longtime sir.  That engine is top notch...top notch.  I am delighted that you were able to acquire a fine example.

I just re-visited your profile, Fendermain. In addition to trains and guitars, we now have something else in common: hiking, a brand new passion of mine. After getting outfitted at REI with 2 pairs of hiking boots and a back pack this week, I was going to go on my first hike this morning with a hiking group at Anthony's Nose along the Hudson near the Bear Mountain Bridge, but the leader says that hike is too strenuous for a 1st time hiker.

Back to trains, the 773 is marvelous mechanically, such a smooth as silk runner. I'm thrilled with it and wish all Forum members who like Postwar can have one.

After doing O Gauge for 67 years, I have a fair amount of Postwar and modern Lionel and modern MTH, K Line, and Williams. Comparisons can be odious and there is something I find appealing about each locomotive I have, but this 773 is definitely my #1 Postwar engine, and may be my #1 over all. Certainly, it is for today. Its between the 773, an MTH Proto 3 RS3 smoking diesel, and an LC+ Jersey Central Pacific. Arnold

.

There was a poster in a hobby shop I frequented before it came out for $565 I think and me being new to the hobby figured I'll never spend that much on a engine. A few years later I paid $750 for mine and that was a good deal back then.

My 1964 773 next to the Williams 1980's brass version.  While I am not a die-hard postwar collector, the 773 does a good job of holding it's own on details.  I won mine through my TCA Desert Division annual raffle and I'm proud to have it.

Congratulations Arnold. Enjoy the 773.

MELGAR

Arnold!
your 773 dream come true!
awesome video, thx for sharing.

now  want one! Lol.

@Leroof posted:

Arnold!
your 773 dream come true!
awesome video, thx for sharing.

now  want one! Lol.

Leroof, I would love for you to one day get one, especially because I know you love quality Postwar.

Another gorgeous Postwar locomotive, which tends to be substantially less expensive, is the 736 Berkshire.  Arnold

@Ted S posted:

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning.

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

Does anyone have a copy of the document linked to the above post as the justtrains website seems to not be working likely due to the recent passing of Dennis Waldron?

Thanks,

Bill T

the motors on the 64-65 773s were considered the least well made of the series of Hudson motors.  Compared, for example, with the 1950s.   I have read that they were made in Japan and not especially well.

The original 773 (1950) motor was an application of the 622 switcher motor, which means it was never really designed for the situation.  Toss in weight and mediocre manufacturing and you get - - - slow.

For $50 and a rectifier, a Timko motor will make your 773 into a ton of fun!

John

Different spacing on the NYC lettering on some '60s versions.

fisherdoc - Further to harmonyards comment about perhaps pairing a different tender with this engine, another alternative would be Lionel's die-cast 2046 long streamlined 'unmarked' tender (6-19820) equipped with RailSounds II which was released in 1995-96.

@WftTrains posted:

Does anyone have a copy of the document linked to the above post as the justtrains website seems to not be working likely due to the recent passing of Dennis Waldron?

Thanks,

Bill T

I also had saved that website link  but it is no longer available.  Maybe start a new topic for a link to the hudson upgrades?  I'd be interested in a follow up also.

@Dan65train posted:

I also had saved that website link  but it is no longer available.  Maybe start a new topic for a link to the hudson upgrades?  I'd be interested in a follow up also.

Dan:

THanks for the good suggestion, so I just did it.  Hopefully we'll get some responses.

Bill T

@Dan65train posted:

I also had saved that website link  but it is no longer available.

@WftTrains posted:

Does anyone have a copy of the document linked to the above post as the justtrains website seems to not be working likely due to the recent passing of Dennis Waldron?

The front page is archived HERE but it appears the rest of the article has not been imaged in the Wayback Machine. Too bad.