I notice that the MRC F7 even with the decoder installed is quite a bit cheaper than other F7's without decoders. It seems to be fairly well detailed; so I'm wondering is there something wrong with these that I should know about? I haven't actually seen one but by the ad it apprears to be well detailed. Anyone have knowledge about these. Thanks!
According to the review in Model Railroader (I'm typing this from memory), the engine sat a little higher on its trucks than the prototype did. Other than that, it was a fine engine. I think it ran pretty well, too. If you decide to get one, you should get a pretty nice engine. MRC's problem is that just about every manufacturer offers one (Athearn, Stewart, Genesis, etc.) and theirs tend to get lost in the shuffle. I did see several models in different paint schemes displayed at the International Model & Hobby Show in Chicago in September, 2001. I remember that the NP scheme wasn't quite right, but the other paint jobs were pretty close to the prototype, at least those I recognized. Pat
I have a C&NW unit I bought right after they came out. It's a fine runner and has nice details, the grill work is all stainless steel! It's very close to prototype. I suggest if you get a decent price on one buy it.
MR revied the MRC March of 01, Athearn April of 01 and InterMountain of July 01. MRC is the cheapest of the three and according to MR"runs well, and in appearence it falls short of other contemporary F7 models". The Athearn Genises appears to be the most popular F7.
