Sigwally posted:Just bought and received a brand new ,sealed in wrap Lionel Century Club 773 Hudson from Ebay. Have not opened it yet as I was going to gift wrap it and give it to "Myself" on Christmas morning as a much needed gift. My faithful 2037 and 243W tender have provided 60 years of dedicated service and enjoyment. But I have always wanted a "Real" Hudson so my dreams have come true.
My question is this: Can I unwrap it Christmas morning and run it, or should I wait till AFTER the holidays and have it professionally serviced? My fear is that over 20 years have passed and I am afraid the oils and greases, although new in 1999 , may have hardened and cause damage. Please advise, and thank you all VERY much!
P.S. I was forced to spend last Christmas at the V>A> Hospital and some group brought in trains for us vets there. If anyone knows who it was I wanted to thank them from the bottom of my heart. you should of seen all the smiles and fun as even WW2 vets ( in their 90's now... wow ) were having a ball. It was Bay Pines V.A. Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. In the CLC 2.
As others have stated, I would (or have someone qualified) check over your CC 773 before running it. Be sure that there is enough smoke fluid in the puffer unit. Then, re-wrap it for Christmas. If it might make you feel more confident, I am an original owner of a CC 773 and it still operates superbly. This 773, BTW, is a TMCC engine and will run the best under TMCC control.
Having been on a TCA factory tour in Chesterfield, MI during the period that Lionel was assembling the CC 773's, I have an extra nostalgic fondness for this engine ... made in the good ol' USA!
Enjoy!
Bob
