Hi coolwaldo,
671 here. I think you mean the J 4-8-4 Streamlined steamer. If so, I just purchased and have in hand a J 4-8-4 B&O Royal Blue Steamer. Same loco different paint job. I have several WbyB Steamers and Diesels. Here are my observations and opinions on this loco.
1. The smoke unit that came with my loco is under performing. I will need to contact Williams and have a replacement sent. ( This happens time to time with their Seuthe smoke units ).
2. The loco has a very efficient motor, causing the loco to run at a high speed at low voltage settings. I correct this by using the Joe Satnik method of reducing voltage going to the motor. Rectifier diodes in series with the motor power wires. I use the Dallee wiring diagram found on their web site. I use One 8 amp bridge rectifier along with two 6 amp rectifier diodes. The performance of the loco is greatly enhanced. Creeping speed to too fast. Better Blast II performance due to the higher track voltage. Brighter lighting in passenger cars.
3. I " Broke in " my Loco, well before pulling cars. Oil and grease as in the instructions. 1 1/2 hour run without cars at all reasonable speeds, checking motor temperature every 10 minutes for overheating. The loco is a 'smooooth' runner and good puller. I like it.
4. The Madison cars are nice. Lubricate them as well. Use a noncarbonizing oil on the rollers. The wrong oil will cause the rollers not to turn, this will ruin them.
5. I changed the headlamp bulb from a 10 volt bulb to a 6 volt bulb. I liked it brighter. It is being powered by the smoker/light board at 7.9 volts. This will shorten the life of the bulb, but that is OK.
I hope you caught the sale at Trainland...Loco $199.99 Madison 4 car set @ $99.99
Enjoy...671
671 here. I think you mean the J 4-8-4 Streamlined steamer. If so, I just purchased and have in hand a J 4-8-4 B&O Royal Blue Steamer. Same loco different paint job. I have several WbyB Steamers and Diesels. Here are my observations and opinions on this loco.
1. The smoke unit that came with my loco is under performing. I will need to contact Williams and have a replacement sent. ( This happens time to time with their Seuthe smoke units ).
2. The loco has a very efficient motor, causing the loco to run at a high speed at low voltage settings. I correct this by using the Joe Satnik method of reducing voltage going to the motor. Rectifier diodes in series with the motor power wires. I use the Dallee wiring diagram found on their web site. I use One 8 amp bridge rectifier along with two 6 amp rectifier diodes. The performance of the loco is greatly enhanced. Creeping speed to too fast. Better Blast II performance due to the higher track voltage. Brighter lighting in passenger cars.
3. I " Broke in " my Loco, well before pulling cars. Oil and grease as in the instructions. 1 1/2 hour run without cars at all reasonable speeds, checking motor temperature every 10 minutes for overheating. The loco is a 'smooooth' runner and good puller. I like it.
4. The Madison cars are nice. Lubricate them as well. Use a noncarbonizing oil on the rollers. The wrong oil will cause the rollers not to turn, this will ruin them.
5. I changed the headlamp bulb from a 10 volt bulb to a 6 volt bulb. I liked it brighter. It is being powered by the smoker/light board at 7.9 volts. This will shorten the life of the bulb, but that is OK.
I hope you caught the sale at Trainland...Loco $199.99 Madison 4 car set @ $99.99
Enjoy...671