Re: Climax Operation

Be aware that the Climax Crankshaft & Countershaft Gears (32 teeth, 1 : 1 Gear Ratio - both new) and the truck Pinion & Ring Gears (new)(16 : 41 Gear Ratio) on CN 1551 are cast, not machined and it will take a while for them to wear in (assuming that the spacing of the Crank & Countershaft gears was correct - subject to a slight allowance for gear backlash).

One also must take into account the Shop and Crew are in the process of becoming familiar with 1551. The Durbin & Greenbriar Valley RR #3 has Stephenson Valve Gear while 1551 has Walschaerts valve gear. The original 1904 Stephenson valve gear specified 1/8" Lead for the 14.5" x 16" cylinder on 1551, but the Walschaerts on 1551 may well been as little as a 1/32" lead - known specification for 15" Climax cylinder.