I think I'd like to get one of these. Would probably use it to pull a couple cars on Atlas O-36 track and curves. I seem to remember some problems with these engines, but not sure. Any information would be helpful. Thanks in advance.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Well, the several I've had have been somewhat fragile, especially some of the running gear. Don't even think about opening them up to work on them! 
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Don't even think about opening them up to work on them!
Thats not too bad. The porters are the scary ones 
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Don't even think about opening them up to work on them!
Agreed! I have about six of them, and all have performed well. But I would not even attempt to open one up if something goes amiss. As it is, I've run several for a good number of hours and have not had any problems. I really like the little critters!
I have nine of them and absolutely love them. great light show at night....pretty good smoker too!!! We have a local train club that has lay-outs in all gauges and allows you to bring engines up to run. When I bring the Plymouth's up, everyone gets a kick out of them and usually ends up adding one to there collection.
On a side note, one of my clients is Plymouth Locomotive Services in Shiloh, Ohio. The owners originally worked at the Plymouth plant until closing then started their own business refurbishing them. Matter of fact, Thomas the Tank Engine is on a Plymouth chassis.
I've owned two over the years and both we're good for what they are---a small basic engine to pull a few cars for switching or loop running.
--Greg
I had to work on one of mine. It's been so long I can't remember the problem but I do recall wishing I had my grade school sized fingers again! They are fun little engines and are indeed good smokers. They have a nice heft to them as well, giving you more of a quality feel than some of the plastic motorized units of similar size.
Originally Posted by SantaFe158:
Originally Posted by gunrunnerjohn:
Don't even think about opening them up to work on them!
Thats not too bad. The porters are the scary ones
The Porter is worse, I agree!
I have 2 and they run just fine. One will pull several Weaver cars up a 4%grade. Charlie
I bought one in a set and it runs nice, turned off the smoke feature.
Only one bad thing that I have noticed, the little rods, that are there for decoration to make it look like the real Plymouth engine, come loose, some glue will fix that.
With the set of the Plymouth engine and cars you get at least one, maybe two, differant style replacement couplers if you want to go to Lionel size couplers.
Lee F.
It has been a while. As I recall, that little thing had the very best lighted marker lights I have yet seen.
I have two and really like them. They are nice and heavy for their size so they will pull a decent load. Mine are in C&O and B&O scheme. The B&O version looks awesome...mine is in all blue. The C&O version has a horrible yellow that is borderline fluorescent. It is still fun to run though. If you get one, try to find a set of the little ballast cars to go with it. They make for a nice train.
Didn't half of them die within the first year?
Oh wait ... never mind. 
