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johnreid

Update on my Loco Adventures New Mamod and the SL3

I installed a valance around the layout this morning and decided that it would be a good time to give the two Locos a good workout.
The SL3 is turning into a really nice Loco, I fill the boiler and it runs till the boiler is empty, it is picking up speed and power each time I run it. It was my thought that I would run the SL3 on the inner track and at the same time the New Mamod Loco on the outer track, well, the  New Loco jammed in the points after about two anemic laps, I checked for damage, and relit the burner, after that if just primed and leaked water from the reverser. So I ran the SL3 for an hour or so, YES AN HOUR AND IT RAN PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE TIME!! All I needed to do was oil it refill the boiler and burner, I do believe it is ready to pull cars now.
I packed everything up and brought them back into the house. For one thing the wheels on the New Loco were out of gauge again, this time I used Locktite and I can almost guarantee that will NOT happen again. While the wheels were off, I decided to Polish and Lap the Cylinder Faces and Port Faces, I also removed the reverser and found that they now have a gasket in the reverser block, I coated the gasket with oil and I polished and lapped the main surface of the reverser block, the gasket was stuck on the handle part and IMHO it was not worth the risk of damaging the gasket. I then reassembled the New Mamod Loco and decided to see if what I did was to any results.
I took the Loco, a Thermos of hot water, Oil and a the remainder of the butane I had out to the layout and prepared the Loco for a run.
The thing goes way too fast, even with the regulator turned down, a boiler of water lasts about 20 to 25 minutes and as it ran it kept speeding up, not a leak to be found, I do believe that this one will pull a good train and runs like a scalded dog.
In conclusion, I have two Locos that perform better than I ever imagined they would, if you buy a New Mamod Loco, put a drop of the heavy duty Locktite on the wheels so the do not spread wide on the axles, Polish and Lap the Cylinder and Port Faces, if the reverser doesnt leak dont mess with it.

The New Mamod Loco would beat my Bowman 234 in a speed race any day, and the 234 goes way too fast unless some of the wicks are capped off.
Next time I am going to run the Mamod trains, I will bring cars out with them as I do believe the Locos are both to where they will pull cars. I am soooo happy with them both now.

All I need now is some cars for the 234 to pull. I am thinking Lionel.
MooseMan

That is brilliant to hear John - must be even sweeter for all the work you've  put into them!

If you're looking for Bowman coaches, I think your best bet would be to find some gauge 1 stuff and regauge it...the 234 really is a gauge 1 loco on an 0 gauge chassis.
johnreid

WIll do, the Mamod coaches just do not look right with the 234
Graham-Jilly

great news John Im glad you have them sorted and you have a couple of great runners
need video net time mate
johnreid

I am kind of ashamed, I am currently unable to read a tape measure and it was a bit difficu;t cutting the pieces. I plan on eventually putting splices between the pieces so they line up better, but still maintain the ability to take it apart and move it. Once it gets moved into the house, I will paint the valance to resemble scenery of sorts.

No video of the New Mamod Train ( they need a better name IMHO, just wait till they come out with the Newer Mamod Train, and then after that the Even Newer Mamod Train  something like SL10 or NML1 )

Here is just a few clips of  the SL3, it just kept on going, so any more video would be boring.

rangerssteamtoys

That things Fast now    Good runner.

Just for fun,  pull that little red handle next to the track when the loco is about to pass it  
Graham-Jilly

John you have done a marvelous job there looking forward to seeing it pulling a rake of trucks
MooseMan

Just goes to show that if you're willing to put in the hours and do a bit of legwork, the humble Mamod loco will outperform anything else in its class.
johnreid

LOL Ranger, the inner sets of points are O27, they will derail the Locos at speed. I wish they were O42 but for now I will just have to ise them to move things about under hand power.
made-in-england

Nice one John, are you gonna get a battery loco or two to support the steam fleet?

Will
Les

That is hard to believe it is the same loco what wouldn't run a few weeks ago, your perseverence has certainly paid off.      
Sandman

Great job there John.

That little engine is now running like a good un.

Well done.
peejay999

Hi John

You mentioned obtaining carriages for your Bowman 234. As the proper Bowman carriages are virtually impossible to obtain I went for the Lionel option as you are thinking of doing. I managed to get some "Harry Potter" ones off of ebay (the Hogwarts stickers are unobtrusive and can be removed if you like). I had to modify them from 45 mm gauge to 32 mm gauge but that was all. I also have some Triang big big train carriages which with a little packing of the swivels on the bogies match up with the Bowman quite well too.

Pete
johnreid

I will investigate those. Thanks.
Mamodman123

Yes Yes thats more like it John. I'm so glad you got this going well, and didn't give up on it. When they run well these Mamod locos are very very good. Personally I can't see the need for anything bigger  
Titan

Thats lovely, goes just how a standard Mamod should!  I once thought that I would do the usual garden railway thing, start off with a Mamod, then move on to something bigger, but I have found that I am sticking with Mamods because I like them so much!
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