Postwar 1615 is it worth it

Here is a link to the Tandem Associates web page on the 1615. They comment on the operating characteristics. Here are the service manual pages

I have not run one for quite some time. It has a three position e-unit. No magnetraction or tire traction. It does have a metal body for some weight.

As I recall, they run well. I wouldn't expect it to pull many Postwar cars. Modern era stuff rolls a lot easier.

 

They are decent runners, as long as it is kept in top running condition.  The original came in set 1527 (1955), as a work train.  1615, 1615T, 6462, 6560 crane, & 6119 caboose.  I actually have four 1615's & one 1625.  Only run one at Xmas time, and no problems on any of them.  I wouldn't expect it to pull any real heavy cars, of a long consist though.  

Get it....you will love it. Remember...it is a switcher.....

Here is 2 quick videos of mine pulling modern era cars on MTH Realtrack ...this was pulled off the shelf dry and ran without any fresh lube.

 

 

 

 

pushing through switches

I have all four of the post war 0-4-0 switchers.  I prefer the earlier 1656.  But if you are willing to step back a little, the prewar 203 switcher, 0-6-0 is a very fine engine.  Or go back a little farther and get the 227. It is the same as the scale 701 0-6-0, but has wheels with larger flanges to run on hi rail track.  The front coupler and light assembly used in the 1656 will fit into both the 203 and 227 so they can be used with post war couplers.  That coupler assembly, 403- something, is still available at several parts dealers.  The only problem will be the front steps will need to be moved of left off, as it hits the post war coupler.  I believe that 18000 is the Modern Lionel remake of the 227.  I have seen it described as the best loco Lionel ever made, but I have no first hand experience with it.  The down side of the 227 is it uses a rare e unit from the OO Hudson, for which getting a replacement or any parts could be very difficult. 

I like mine although the pulling power is limited. Before I had the 1615 I had/still have an 8310. Sam shell and rollers. Took the front 2 wheel truck off and put a pilot beam on made out of lead weights. No front coupler though. Buy it.

Hmm.  Four-wheel switchers like the 1615 and its modern descendants are nostalgic, but like al postwar steam locos they are geared tall and run too fast.  The large number of used examples with broken marker lights attests to this.  The prewar switchers David mentioned like the 203 and 227 are geared lower but would need to have its couplers replaced.  If you really want a smooth-running small switcher with good features, I would look at the Lionel/K-Line 0-4-0, or a RailKing 0-6-0.

They are cool little switchers. I have both the 1615 and 1656. As said before they are switchers so they are not intended to pull long strings of cars.

By the way, both of mine are for sale.

Mike

I have one that came with my first train set in about 1954. I have run the heck out of it, never done any repairs to it. This past year, after 26 years of storage, I pulled the old 1615 out and let my 3 tear old grandson run it. He had a blast. Just like when it was new, it ran perfect, ran way too fast for 027 curves, and ended up on its side numerous times. I am not sure if running it around, or watching it fall over on curves, is the most fun. Sure brings back fond memories. This is a great little engine that is fun to run.

Jeff

I bought mine in the Seventies.  Still running just fine.  No smoke, LED lighting, command control, rubber tires, crew talk, depleting coal loads or operating crew toilets.  It just runs, reliably and smoothly.

 

A little while ago I hooked mine to my "old train", 7 cars from 46-47 and the 1615 pulled them easily plus a weinermobile on the flat car.  Not bad.

I have dealt with several 1615 over the years.  They run badly.  A wound field motor is what it is.  They are good lookers.

I have both a 1615 and a 1656, they are both great runners. They do run fast as stated in other responses but they are a lot of fun and they are great on a small layout. I like to put heavier cars behind the 1615 and run it. I get some wheel slip and it is just a lot of fun to run it. My one complaint is the tender is very light and it requires weight added to it to make it be able to pull some heavier cars. I would say if you see one for a good price get it you will enjoy it.

 

Keaton.

One word caution - If you use Ross switches on your layout the gears on this engine will hit the guard rail on the switch and the engine will derail.

 

Thanks,

 

Richard

I have a 1656 that runs like a top. My layout is small, so I only pull two or three cars with it. It is a great little engine that does what it was intended to do very well. It is fast, but that was the toy train norm when it first appeared in the market place.

 

 

I ran my 1615 again wit 7 old cars and got it down to a nice slow crawl. Maybe the cars helped-no wheel slip either. Using a nice z transformer which is smooth. Will try just two cars and a metal caboose.

I would spend a little more and get a 1656 switcher. It has a metal tender with a back-up light.

The 1615 is a good motored engine. So it's a safe buy.

However I do like the newer DC motored switchers too, and they have smoke.

Many of us have different standards on what we consider good running engines.  If you have any engine that you enjoy running, have fun and enjoy.

I picked up my 1615 a few years ago. It runs great like all my Pre & Postwar steamers. It looks great pulling a few Postwar or MPC cars, and one or two on the front as well. Or even pulling a crane and work caboose. Get one, you'll be happy with it, and then you can post on Switcher Saturday!

 

 

I agree with Eddie G above.......I have a 1656 and use it to head a work train. Nice looking engine, but it does kind of bang through switches. 

 

Roger

Now this thread has me pumped to play with the 1615 more. I did run it in reverse but a lash up with cars in front and back sounds cool plus I want to put my work train on the track again.  I would love the 1656 tender but my 1615 looks like new. When you live on a retirement income "a little more money" means a lot more-trust me on that.

on her morning rounds to the dairy,Post Office, and the sawmill....

Folks are mentioning the 1656 - that has a different mechanism than the later 1615.  The 1656 and the earlier prewar 0-4-0s have a mechanism where you get some nice coasting when the power is cut.  The 1615 can be a bit slippery with a heavy load, and will run like a rocket with full throttle from a ZW.    Since it's pretty light, it won't pull a long train like the heavier postwar engines, but as seen in the video clips it can pull a reasonably sized train - it is a switch engine, after all...

At present I have my 1615 on my shortest loop with  old(1945-46) in front and  in back plus a caboose. Plenty for a switch engine. No problem with slipping and I have a layout full of engines that will go like a rocket on full throttle.

I have both the 1615 and the 1656 with diecast tender and thermostatic bell and that is the major difference between the two.I had the 1615 geared 50% under back in the sixties and it now will creep and pull a decent load,I posted pics of the gearing early this year.

Mikey

Thanks for my favorite topic, steam switchers.

I have them all...if you are looking for postwar to fit with your rolling stock/couplers, I would recommend the 1656. I would also recommend the bell ringing tender. The 1615 was a cheaper version with a plastic tender, no bell, no back-up light. I have a 1656 that runs like the day it came out of the factory. I have a couple of the 1615's too. All run fine, it may just be a matter of preference and what price you want to spend. I think someone else mentioned prewar...Ahhh! Those are the real stars, in my opinion. 

 

Tom