RB wrote: >Chuck, there is much I do not like about the operation of Flyonel , >but I have found them to be very dependable and to pull long trains >for extended stretches of time with no problems.
As I mentioned, the Flyonel locos I had (still have one) were pre- 1990 single-motored Geeps. An improved motor was introduced in the 1990 line. I installed the newer motor in my sick SF Geep. Its endurance has improved significantly, though still nowhere near any SHS or AM diesel. As somebody else mentioned, they have also avoided the overheating problems I experienced, but only by resorting to short run times. I took the same precautions with the Souther Geep I eventually sold. The SF was inadvertently allowed to run for about 45 minutes (I was involved in a conversation with a show guest) which fried the motor. 45 minutes of continuous run time is no problem for SHS or AM locos. I've run mine for eight hours at a time pulling maximum loads. In that time they get lukewarm to the touch. OTOH, I have talked with others in TTOS who have run the pre 1990 Flyonel diesels without damage. They have admitted limiting runs to 10 minutes "or so," and have noticed "hot enamel" odors coming from the engines right after stopping them. VERY bad signs. >The only true "dogs" that I know of are the Erie PAs. Yes, they are single-motored and pre 1990. Many people demanded that they pull dummy engines in their consists, which was a recipe for disaster. >In fact, I have had more problems with one sample of a diesel from >your favorite brand (to go unmentioned <grin> but now resolved) than >with all of my Flyonel I have taken delivery of nine AM diesels, and a few of them needed "tweaking". (I can always find something to tweak, anyway.) Two others underwent significant work, one due to freight damage, the other because of me being in my fussy "scale mode." Even when there is a quality control issue with AM (never had any probs with SHS) the repairs were doable by myself (no return shipping hassles) and were not design problems. Flyonel locos STILL have significant design shortcomings imo, and they involve much more than flywheels. Chuck F. S-Trains list sponsor: http://www.americanflyertrains.com All the Flyer you desire...books and accessories too! To UNSUBSCRIBE from this list send a note to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
