Has anyone had any experience with Varney Loco's ?? I have a chance to pick up a A-B set ( both powered ) , with a dummy A also from another manufacturer.... The A and B both run ( a little rough , I think all they need is a good cleaning and lubing ) for $25 .... I like they way they are powered .. They have a ( spring like ) drive with , driveshafts going to BOTH the front and rear trucks... Any suggestions would be appreciated !! Bryan.
Posted by Tom H (Member # 53) on :
I have had several Varney loco's in the past - all were very good runners, and pulled like crazy!
Tom H Have fun & Keep on Railroading!
Posted by NewHavenFan (Member # 2150) on :
So Tom , seeing how both powered units run , ( although slightly rough ) , do you think this a decent buy ??
Posted by NewHavenFan (Member # 2150) on :
Oh , BTW ... When were Varney's made and how long have they been out of production ???
Posted by Tom H (Member # 53) on :
I don't know exactly how far back Varney goes, but I bought some of their equipment in 1949 - when F7's were all metal, and they all ran very good. Most problems I have had came from dirty armature's, and sometimes with the gearing. For the gearing, (and this applies to any engine you are buying, or building), if you can take the gear boxes apart, put a small amount of jeweler's rouge on the gears (only if they are metal), and run the loco upside down for 1/2 hour each in forward and reverse. Then clean out the gears and gearbox REAL GOOD and lubricate the gears, put the whole thing back together and you should have one of the smoothest running locos (assuming that there is nothing else wrong such as misaligned or bent drive shafts or axels).
Tom H Have fun & Keep On Railroading!
PS Yes, that is a decent buy.
[This message has been edited by Tom H (edited 02-09-2003).]
Posted by Cthetrains (Member # 2148) on :
If you need parts, I think I might know someone who has something. He used to collect Varney, A.C. Gilbert, Am. Flyer, and might have a few left.