1950 773 from aaaaahhhh to ah.

My 773 is the 1965 version. Very smooth  runner and navigates my 031 curves beautifully for such a big locomotive.

Also, it's geared down so it runs conventionally almost as slow and smooth as an MTH Proto 3 running on DCS.

I consider my 773 to be a mechanical marvel.

From what I understand, the 1950 version is even nicer, especially the tender. Arnold

Nice job @VHubbard!  How about posting a video of yours in operation!?

Attaboy! 

Mitch

Here is a video of the 773 and 2426.

Wow!  You're right, that's about the quietest 773 I've ever (not) heard!  I would love to know what's going on inside of these mechanical Stradivarii that make some much quieter and smoother-running than others.  @VHubbard was yours ever worked over by Madison Hardware or another well-known repair center?

If they weren't all at least $1000, I would buy about five of them on eBay.  Test them head-to-head, and then perform vivisection on the best one to find out how to improve the others.  The basic design is sound and most of them run well, but a lot noiser than what's being shared here.

I got the 773 from the long term owner.   I was told it was untouched except proper oiling and it was run, not a shelf queen.   From what I saw this is correct.

I was in manufacturing for over 40 years.   Quality products are a management decision. Be it a rocket or a "toy".  I  worked on a 783 and found many problems.   Where the tolerances on the 783 intentionally made bigger for cost or just sloppy manufacturing from lack of attention or both?  Either way I believe it was a decision from the top to build and ship the product that way.  That is why I like my 1950's era engines, they still run well.  70+ years later.

Air whistle works great too>  I love that family tree!

Good for another 73 years

@VHubbard posted:

..was not a flat mica plate, but had what looks like a bakelight piece on top...  Haven't seen one like it...

The 671-225 heating element is ubiquitous in postwar era applications.

@VHubbard posted:

Upgraded to liquid smoke unit.

You may want to re-think that move to what could be considered a downgrade liquid element.  The original 671-225 style and the metal cap are designed and built to last a lot longer and produce better smoke without the need to keep the wicking and element wet, and will work as well with smoke fluids(or pellets at your whim).  As you said, Quality products are a management decision.

@ADCX Rob posted:

The 671-225 heating element is ubiquitous in postwar era applications.

You may want to re-think that move to what could be considered a downgrade liquid element.  The original 671-225 style and the metal cap are designed and built to last a lot longer and produce better smoke without the need to keep the wicking and element wet, and will work as well with smoke fluids(or pellets at your whim).  As you said, Quality products are a management decision.

I have the 671-225 on order.  I kept the original cap.  I didn't have one in my parts supply at the time of the repair.  I do like to keep the 773 as original as possible.