Most N scale steam locomotives require an extensive break-in period
which is partially due to all of the moving parts of the locomotive. A
new steam locomotive should at first be run at various speeds and in
both directions without a load for at least three hours. As the amount
of running time increases you can gradually add cars for the locomotive
to pull and push.
Most Bachmann Spectrum locomotives require more than three hours of running time for the locomotive to be initially "broken in". The locomotive must run at various speeds in both directions without a load during this
initial break-in period. Steam locomotives reach their optimum performance after 15-20 hours of running time ( See Photo # 1 ).
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| Photo # 1 Bachmann Spectrum Southern 2-8-0 on a siding west of San Marino |
There is one caveat to remember when running steam locomotives. If the locomotive is stored away for several weeks without any running time after an extensive break-in period, this break-in period must be done again to a lesser degree to again reach optimum performance. Unfortunately this is the norm for most N scale steam locomotives. You must take into consideration all the moving parts in a N scale steam locomotive.
This is also true for the Kato Mikado ( See Photo # 2 ). With an increased break-in period
the performance of the Kato Mikado and most steam locomotives improves
dramatically. This happens after about 15-20 hours of running time.The Kato Mikado will perform admirably after a traction tire driver is installed on the # 4 driver. This is an add-on installation. The traction tire driver must be purchased separately and isn't included with the Kato Mikado. You can also add a second traction tire driver to the # 2 driver. This will increase performance by another 10% on average. Your results will vary depending on the locomotive and especially the condition of your track. The track must be free of dirt and debris.
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| Photo # 2 Southern Ms-4 Mikado on the mainline in the center of San Marino |
One of the only N scale steam locomotives that doesn't require a
break-in period and can be run with a full load of cars right out of the
box is the MDC/Athearn 2-8-0. This small 2-8-0 is an extraordinary small steam locomotive. The motor is located in the tender. If you want a fine small steam locomotive, this small 2-8-0 is the one to purchase. They are only made by Athearn as MDC was taken over by Athearn several years ago. New releases of the Athearn 2-8-0 haven't happened in awhile. If you do find one in good running order, it's worth a purchase.
If you do get a new steam locomotive or have one that hasn't been run in
quite a while, I suggest performing a significant break-in period for
that steam locomotive in order to obtain optimum performance.
Some of the newer steam locomotives such as the Athearn "Challenger" and
"Big Boy" and the Intermountain Cab Forward AC-12 require less of a
break-in period ( See Photo's # 3, # 4 & # 5 ). The newer Bachmann Spectrum releases also require a shorter break-in period.
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| Photo # 3 UP "Challenger" # 3985 on the mainline in the center of San Marino |
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| Photo # 4 UP "Big Boy" #4006 on the mainline with the town of San Marino in the background |
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| Photo # 5 SP AC Cab Forward # 4287 on a mainline track with the Switching Yard in the background |
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