We have just received a SANTA FE #634 diesel switcher today and it is in great condition. Needs a little motor cleaning and lube. This is the one with no safety stripes so it also has no marker lighting just an internal head light bulb.
We are thinking about up grading it with LED lighting which would include the red & green marker lights. Maybe even a DALLEE electronic reversing unit.
What do you all thing about the up grade idea?
Dave, LBR
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Dave,
Your upgrades sound good so far. How about adding the following, yellow strobe on cab, operating sounds system (prime mover, horn & bell). A bit much?...I dunno!
Recent completed auctions from the bay put your 634 in a range from 32 to 112 dollars, add parts and labor = a happy postwar Santa Fe operator...
enjoy your trains...
I'd rather see those features in real runner like a 623 switcher. Those later SW's weren't very good pullers
Dave,
Your upgrades sound good so far. How about adding the following, yellow strobe on cab, operating sounds system (prime mover, horn & bell). A bit much?...I dunno!
Pappy,
Yes, the up grades you mention would be a bit much for an auction unit of this grade but if we repainted it and decaled another railroad on it. Maybe....
What railroad would be a prime seller?
Dave, LBR
As Jim implied, the 634 is a low end locomotive that does not have the best operating characteristics. The axles run directly in the frame of the motor truck. No bushings / bearings.
I'd rather see those features in real runner like a 623 switcher. Those later SW's weren't very good pullers
Jim,
If we do an up grade on the power truck by making it a four wheel traction truck as we have done with American Flyer #355 Baldwin switchers and add a lot more weight I would suspect that it will pull more cars than anyone ever suspected.
Dave, LBR
All depends on how much $ you want to put into an $80 switcher I guess. After all that, it might be a keeper! I'd get yourself a buyer first.
As Jim implied, the 634 is a low end locomotive that does not have the best operating characteristics. The axles run directly in the frame of the motor truck. No bushings / bearings.
CW,
True about the axles but then again most of the later diesel engines in "O" & "S" did also. This does not make them run any worse or better than bushed engines if lubricated properly.
This one runs so well that I think we will just add additional weight to the chassis and add the LED up grades as mentioned plus window film.
Dave, LBR
quote:True about the axles but then again most of the later diesel engines in "O" & "S" did also. This does not make them run any worse or better than bushed engines if lubricated properly.
But used ones frequently are improperly lubricated. Either too little or too much. Then the axle holes get sloppy.
Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of Postwar Lionel locomotives made without axle bearings, but that is as collectors items, not for running. For running, its hard to beat the 622/623 style switchers.
Remember, you asked for opinions 
quote:True about the axles but then again most of the later diesel engines in "O" & "S" did also. This does not make them run any worse or better than bushed engines if lubricated properly.
But used ones frequently are frequently improperly lubricated. Either too little or too much. Then the axle holes get sloppy.
Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of Postwar Lionel locomotives made without axle bearings, but that is as collectors items, not for running. For running, its hard to beat the 622/623 style switchers.
Remember, you asked for opinions
CW,
Yes, we did ask for opimions and we really appreciate each and everyone.
Dave, LBR
If we did a repaint on this one what would be the best railroad to assign it to? 
Dave, LBR
Dave,
Your upgrades sound good so far. How about adding the following, yellow strobe on cab, operating sounds system (prime mover, horn & bell). A bit much?...I dunno!
Pappy,
Yes, the up grades you mention would be a bit much for an auction unit of this grade but if we repainted it and decaled another railroad on it. Maybe....
What railroad would be a prime seller?
Dave, LBR
Dave,
I really like these little switchers. So much so that I own two of the early 600's with two axle magne-traction. Another feature I like is that many of the early shells are interchangeable.(NOS parts are still available) I like then with clear/frosted windows installed. As always, my opinion.
As for repaint..Southern Pacific, Cotton Belt, Northern Pacific or UP
All depends on how much $ you want to put into an $80 switcher I guess. After all that, it might be a keeper! I'd get yourself a buyer first.
Jim,
I beleive we are going with the four wheel traction and additional weight plus LED up grade at this time.
Dave, LBR
Good luck with the conversion - sound like it will be a nice loco when done. By the way, you have LOTS of clever and useful products on your website. Really neat stuff - and unique.
Jim
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