I love Steam Locomotives and Diesels. I'll run them both. I don't have one of each (yet) but I'm trying. I have 12 steam locomotives all converted to DCC. Here's a link to my Steamer album. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/album.php?albumid=227 And Here's a link to my 18 DCC equipped diesels locomotive album. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/album.php?albumid=228 I working on a layout to run them on. See ya Ron
I'm a modern-era diesel kinda guy and I endorse this message. Not necessarily just for the trackwork, but for the why-not factor. If you're a modern-era modeler, do remember that steam locos still power specials and railfan trips, so why not model those as well!
DIESELS?!?! We Don't Have Any Stinking DIESELS!!!!!! Here at the INDIANA RAILWAY, there are NO diesels on the roster. And our trackwork isn't perfect either. The shop foreman finds that each engine has to have a little work done to it, before it goes to work. Check wheel/axle gauge (on locomotive & tender), check for layout tunnel, bridge, siding & yard clearance. Also check for electrical pickup and add new pickups if needed (this is what is needed most). This review is done the EVERY locomotive that goes out of the shop to be run on the IRW, even a BRAND NEW, OUT OF THE BOX locomotive. NOTE: Shop foreman still can't figure out how the prototype railroads handle a new boxed up engine, that has to be some big box!! After all this the engine is released for track time. THE MORAL: Make sure your TRACKWORK is done right from the git-go & check everything that moves on said trackwork.
I do admit that I tend to run / will run steam because it appeals to / is more interesting / "cuter - prettier" than diesels. This is based solely on a very small sampling of close female friends.
Gotta love it. Since I model Mopac in the '70s, there won't be any steam. The MOP did not allow steam excursions on their lines due to insurance requirements which is fine by me.
I'll see you one better. I had a Bachmann 4-8-4 before I ever built the current layout, and it was definitely the designated 'track defect and clearance' tester. So I was pretty confident in what I'd built. And, after all, the 3751 has run all over the system in the modern era. Then I upgraded to one of the Hallmark 4-8-4's. No more oversize flanges, no lateral axle play..... and I found problems I never knew existed in places I couldn't reach. Yeah, everybody needs a steamer! A few months later I finally got all the kinks out of the track and the locomotive. Mumble, grumble, mumble!
Now how did I miss this the first time around? I will match your three stories, the ones that better'd the 4-8-4 and raise you one more. I have two of the newest Bachmann, 4-8-4 Northerns and they are smooth pullers, no derails, pulling a ten car set of my Rivarossi, heavy weight, passenger cars up my 2% grades. What, who said they aren't Spectrum? True, they aren't. Also, true they aren't ConCor or Kato...not yet. Over the years I've found ways to perfect my track work. It wasn't easy to do and admittedly is time consuming...but worth every hour and all the effort it took to lay the track. Terry, stopped in to demo DCC and as a added bonus brought with him two new Athearn stoves. A Challenger and Big Boy. They ran sweet around my layout. Now it sounds like I've been bragging here and that's not my intent. George's message is clear with regard to the track and yes his stove is a finicky rider. A washer on that front truck might do the trick. I don't know how he takes junk and turns it into finely crafted equipment. Way to go George. DD40X...I wonder...he wouldn't have one of those...would he? I mean being a diesel man and all.
George, I'm glad you own a stove. Nothing like watching the action of a steamer as it works it's way around the layout. Power, motion and poetic license at work.
I am a..."Jack of all trades...Master of none"....:tb-wink: The DD40AX runs fine :tb-smile: Just gotta do something about them pilots turning with the trucks...yuck !!! :tb-wacky: .
With regard to the DD40: Two words "Wider Radius Curves". Ok three what you thought I could count? I wouldn't change the pilots quite yet. That's a big overhanging hunk of locomotive and you may need to leave it as is. Why? In order to pull your trailing train cars around the layout without pulling them off the track. There again with wider curves you don't even notice the pilot, as the movement is minimized. Yeah, I know no more room. Actually, as per previous conversations and the 13" radius curves you are running your behemoth should handle this , as is. Think articulated...grin! Good to hear it's all working out.wink:
Well My Road Forman of Steam has been looking for one of these to rebuild and use on our mine runs. If the citizens of your town ever get tired of that loco rusting away in the park , just give me a call. I can arrange transportation from my end.....Mike
I just got my warranty 4-8-4 back also. Same # as yours an everything just as sloppy as yours too. But mine runs fine on my atlas code65 trutrack layout. I stuck 15 cars behind it an give it a shot. First time around it derailed, but ended up been a piece of shrubbery that got between the rails from somewhere. But after that, it was quiet an pulled the 16 cars like nothing was behind it. Put it back in the box an I'm gonna trade or sell it or something. I'm a diesel only guy, an I got the original non running steamer in some N scale stuff I bought from a guy in K.C. Yer right about that floating front 4 wheel truck. I ain't hardly figured out what keeps it from falling off of that one little screw. My tru track has 11 3/4" radius curves
I forgot, get yer weights at the tire shop a lot cheaper. They are 1/4 oz each with sticky tape on one side that they use on aluminum custom wheels. The sticks I bought had 12 -1/4 oz's for a buck. I use them on my RC airplanes I build an fly
I thought they would have improved these 4-8-4s by now? Spookshow gave it a decent rating and mine from the early 90s runs very well and quiet, too! Good enough for me to consider taking on the task of wiring in a decoder. My trackwork is far from perfect and also have 9.75 curves. The Bman moves through it with ease and poise. Detail is another matter. Now that old 0-6-0 Bman of mine from the late 80s is a piece of junk that is held together with epoxy. The Bman 0-6-0 was my first N scale set (Yard Boss) and a couple years later I bought the 4-8-4 (Empire Builder).
I suppose if everyone has to have just one, then I do as well... I have an Atlas Shay, so there you go. It does need a new drive shaft and one coupler replaced, but that`s not too bad. I also have one of the Kato 2-6-2 Type C58 Japanese prototype steamers, but it is currently not operating, and I kind of disagree with it`s appearance, and one of the old Minitrix 4-6-2 K4 Pacifics, which growls when it runs, and has a Canadian National logo on it :tb-wacky:. Not sure if I`ll hold onto that one forever, ha-ha.
