Skip to main content

I just purchased one of these from a dealer and it seems OK but I'm not too sure it should be so S L O W! Here is a video of this thing at full voltage - and while it was operating I measured the track voltage at 19 vac (ZW). Any other engine I have would fly through the wall at that voltage! Here is a video of it at 19 vac.

Is this normal or does my engine have an issue? Many thanks! AL

Attachments

Videos (1)
773 Hudson - 1964 Version
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

My first thought would be the track. Were you running this engine on 027? If so that kind of curve might be too small for that engine. My second thought is that the engine needs to have a good cleaning of the brushes and so forth. Finally, my last thought would be that the gearing ratio, for that engine, was made so that it would go at a more "prototypical" speed. 

Other than a lube job, it looks pretty nice. A quick servicing should be all it needs. The 773, IMO, is one of the nicest running Postwar steamers. I also don't like speed demons, despite loving Postwar, and find the 773 to be a perfect engine to run. I've got a nice, clean 1950 version. I'd like to get a 60s version as well someday in the future. 

bmoran4 posted:

The 773 is geared with a much different ratio than its contemporaries and has a much slower speed.

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning. 

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

As has been stated the 1950 and also the 1964 to 1966 773 Hudsons were geared at an 18:1 ratio enabling them to run at what was considered to be a more prototypical speed as compared to almost all other Lionel steamers of those eras.  I have both the 1950 and 1966 versions of the 773, both of which are fully serviced, and while the 1950 version runs a tad faster than the 1966 version the difference is infinitesimal.    I think your 773 runs just about right but it still wouldn't hurt to re-check its servicing.  Good luck with your great engine.

Last edited by OKHIKER
RoyBoy posted:

Why Lionel put that dinky little tender behind that beautiful scale sized loco, I will never know.

But since Lionel did it, it must be correct, right?

Well, I guess they were pretty much on the skids by then and weren't about to put the money into the big, heavy 2426 tender like they did in 1950.  To make matters even worse they put the water scoop on backwards on the 1966 NYC "streamlined" tender.  Like I said they had hit the skids.

Ted S posted:
bmoran4 posted:

The 773 is geared with a much different ratio than its contemporaries and has a much slower speed.

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning. 

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

 

First of all a plethora of thanks to you all!  I am new to this model and not familiar with it. I am not looking for a speed demon I just wanted to ensure that nothing was wrong with it since all I am used to are the Lionel engines that ARE speed demons. I appreciate the comments. I paid dearly for this engine and all I want is a good engine. I like the scale speed it doesn't bother me one bit - as long as its normal.

As far as the tender goes, that is NOT the tender that came with the engine LOL! That is MY fault - I was just testing the engine since I literally just got it and didn't bother switching tenders LOL. That tender goes with another Lionel engine. I DO have the original longer NYC Tender that it came with. 

I understand the servicing - I have a 2056 that literally would barely run a few inches and stall. A good cleaning of the motor brushes etc. and a good lube and it is now a speed demon LOL.

I also purchased the 1950 version of this 773 which will be here this Saturday. This one has no tender so I need to get the proper tender which I think is the 2326W? Supposedly the 1950 version did not use the NY Central Lettering it was Lionel Lines. 

Yes, I am spoiling myself FINALLY! 

Thanks - AL

fisherdoc posted:

First of all a plethora of thanks to you all!  I am new to this model and not familiar with it. I am not looking for a speed demon I just wanted to ensure that nothing was wrong with it since all I am used to are the Lionel engines that ARE speed demons. I appreciate the comments. I paid dearly for this engine and all I want is a good engine. I like the scale speed it doesn't bother me one bit - as long as its normal.

As far as the tender goes, that is NOT the tender that came with the engine LOL! That is MY fault - I was just testing the engine since I literally just got it and didn't bother switching tenders LOL. That tender goes with another Lionel engine. I DO have the original longer NYC Tender that it came with. 

I understand the servicing - I have a 2056 that literally would barely run a few inches and stall. A good cleaning of the motor brushes etc. and a good lube and it is now a speed demon LOL.

I also purchased the 1950 version of this 773 which will be here this Saturday. This one has no tender so I need to get the proper tender which I think is the 2326W? Supposedly the 1950 version did not use the NY Central Lettering it was Lionel Lines. 

Yes, I am spoiling myself FINALLY! 

Thanks - AL

If you are not too worried about 100% originality, from time to time, 2426RS tender comes up on the popular auction sites. This tender is almost 100% identical to the postwar 2426W tender. It was made much later and features a very descent sound system. It has a nice diecast shell just like it’s grandpa has.............Pat

Last edited by harmonyards
RoyBoy posted:

Why Lionel put that dinky little tender behind that beautiful scale sized loco, I will never know.

But since Lionel did it, it must be correct, right?

I stand corrected! That IS the tender that came with the 773! I looked at the video again I guess I forgot I switched it out to the correct tender. Yes, it appears to just be one of the usual plastic streamlined tenders lettered for NYC. From what I can tell this is the tender that came with the engine.

I'm not sure which tender is the correct one for the 1950 773?

Thanks! - AL

So Arnold, based upon your lyrical choice is this a new member for your fleet? If so.....congratulations and enjoy.

Yes, Rich, I've dreamed of getting a 773 for many years.

By the way, Rich, I just visited your Forum profile, and love the picture of your daughter or granddaughter running your or her trains.

Last edited by Arnold D. Cribari
@Fendermain posted:

Hey Arnold,  Fendermain here...longtime sir.  That engine is top notch...top notch.  I am delighted that you were able to acquire a fine example.

I just re-visited your profile, Fendermain. In addition to trains and guitars, we now have something else in common: hiking, a brand new passion of mine. After getting outfitted at REI with 2 pairs of hiking boots and a back pack this week, I was going to go on my first hike this morning with a hiking group at Anthony's Nose along the Hudson near the Bear Mountain Bridge, but the leader says that hike is too strenuous for a 1st time hiker.

Back to trains, the 773 is marvelous mechanically, such a smooth as silk runner. I'm thrilled with it and wish all Forum members who like Postwar can have one.

After doing O Gauge for 67 years, I have a fair amount of Postwar and modern Lionel and modern MTH, K Line, and Williams. Comparisons can be odious and there is something I find appealing about each locomotive I have, but this 773 is definitely my #1 Postwar engine, and may be my #1 over all. Certainly, it is for today. Its between the 773, an MTH Proto 3 RS3 smoking diesel, and an LC+ Jersey Central Pacific. Arnold

.

@Ted S posted:

To clarify, what JohnsGG1 said is true.  All of the 700-series Hudsons, beginning in the 2nd year of production (1939) right up through the Vision model are geared at 18:1.  Even with those large wheels, the top speed is muted compared to other Postwar steam locos AND IT'S A BEAUTIFUL THING!  Unlike the smaller locos, these were aimed at adult modelers from the very beginning.

Another key point is that the motor is rated for 20 volts.  A small transformer, or an older ZW in need of reconditioning won't cut it.

Dennis Waldron (JustTrains) has published some tune-up tips for the Hudsons, but yours seems to run very well, so I would tread carefully:

https://www.justtrains.com/Hudson/773-1.asp

Before you begin, please note that nothing will turn it into a speed demon.  If that's what you want, I'll gladly trade you my 2046 straight across   You have a great runner on your hands.  Enjoy it!!

Does anyone have a copy of the document linked to the above post as the justtrains website seems to not be working likely due to the recent passing of Dennis Waldron?

Thanks,

Bill T

the motors on the 64-65 773s were considered the least well made of the series of Hudson motors.  Compared, for example, with the 1950s.   I have read that they were made in Japan and not especially well.

The original 773 (1950) motor was an application of the 622 switcher motor, which means it was never really designed for the situation.  Toss in weight and mediocre manufacturing and you get - - - slow.

For $50 and a rectifier, a Timko motor will make your 773 into a ton of fun!

John

Last edited by CPF3
@Dan65train posted:

I also had saved that website link  but it is no longer available.

@WftTrains posted:

Does anyone have a copy of the document linked to the above post as the justtrains website seems to not be working likely due to the recent passing of Dennis Waldron?

The front page is archived HERE but it appears the rest of the article has not been imaged in the Wayback Machine. Too bad.

Last edited by ADCX Rob

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×