first time owner of a brass diesel

[markt]

I just purchased this Hallmark F9 and was wondering if anyone had any experience with these models.  I understand they are known to have questionable mechanisms, but I don't mind fiddling with gears and motors.  Not sure about the balance or electrical contact issues.   Also, how to best attach a pilot and coupler.  Any thoughts are much appreciated.

[Alwyn Cutmore]

Hi markt,

The pilot is already on the model. There is a small screw in the coupler box for mounting a MTL Coupler and if you look athttp://www.micro-trains.com/conversions/sheet014.pdf this is the PDF page for you conversion kit number.

Regards

[delamaize]

Well Mark's encyclopedia-o-trains gives it a B rating......
http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/hallmarkf.html

[Nato]

         The main problem with the Hallmark diesels are the gears,which crack and split,especially on early models. They are white plastic. I believe some later locomotives used brass gears. Hallmark was good about sending replacement gears. I still operate my Northern Pacific passenger scheme F-7 A-B locos and have not had any gear problems. My other locomotives F-7's and F3's in UP,GN,and WP are stored away as are my Hallmark FT's in A.T.S.F. & Rio Grande. I'am sure they are worth some money to collectors. Newer locomotives in Plastic from Intermountain, Micro Trains, Kato have as good or better detail and a lower operating speed and have replaced brass in my diesel fleet. Ntae Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake,Utah.

[markt]

Thanks for the valuable replies.  This is only my second post on this forum and both have provided excellent feedback.  Very knowledgeable group!!

[Puddington]

My A-B set took a fair bit of running in seem to get dirty quickly but with the proper amount of TLC run and look good. Make sure the wheels are clean and that you have them lubes; I ran mine on a test loop I use for about 3 hours before the studder was basically gone.

[JSL]

Those look great Puddy.

JSL

[NYC1956]

I like the replacement Delrin gears from NWSL better than the brass replacements that Hallmark offered.