Any info on the Model Power N-Scale 4-6-2 Pacific yet?

I asked my son who works in a LHS here in Vancouver BC if he had heard anything, but he hasn't. Then I said to him: "I thought Model Power is junk?" His response: "it is." So you may not want to be the first one to get it until you have read some reviews in the forums.

 

I'm hoping that Model Power, like Bachmann, has seen the light when it comes to producing quality N scale. My fingers are crossed!

Dick

 

Don't pass this release off as junk...yet! If it is anything like the pre-production sample running in Ft. Lauderdale and the Chicago show they are going to be excellent. A "brek out" like the Bachmann 2-8-0. My only picky point is that the rails are molded on, no biggie to replace in plastic but a bear to clean off and replace on a metal super structure.

Vandy

 

I think the delay was Model Power working with the builder to incorporate some last minute improvements in the locomotives.
The sample we had running at the National Model Hobby Show on the NWNTRAK layout performed very well. The booth had disassembled units to show the parts; the construction is first rate.... not a split frame but more like a 2002 version of a Mantua steamer in N Scale....high quality with a decent motor. The only possible negative is that the motor has no universal between the shaft and the worm.... but it didn't seem to cause any problems on the running sample.
Cosmetically, the molded on railings and tender ladder are the only negatives. The driver size and proportions of the shell are much improved over the (really quite decent) Atlas/ConCor versions.....speaking of which, if anybody is interested in picking up fleets of Rivarossi light and heavy USRA Mikados and Pacifics at decent prices, contact me off list. The G&S has to clear out some roundhouse space!
Charlie

cvlk@attbi.com

 

It was reported on the Atlas forum this morning that they are on the way and should be available before Christmas.

 

A member of my club brought down a B&O version he just got. The packaging and locomotive are very nice. For the time I saw it running, I would say it is a nice runner as well. The 2 biggest complaints about this loco I would have is it is by far the noisiest loco I have ever heard and there are no diagrams/paperwork that come with this loco. I would add this loco to my roster, but it will have to wait, too many other more important items coming up I 'need' more.

 

Seems like the two most common complaints so far is the loud operation and lack of pulling power. I have a undec on order to detail into a 3400 class ATSF pacific (well close anyway) but I'm starting to wonder if ordering one of these may have been a mistake, I'm reading far more negative than positive on the different message boards.

As you can see from the photo the USRA 4-6-2 and the 3400 class 4-6-2 are very similar.


[ 03. December 2002, 07:45: Message edited by: Daylight99 ]

 

Bob-
Unless Model Power did something horrible to the final models, I don't think you will have to worry.
The construction looked to be first rate to a good design. The only thing I didn't like was the integral worm/flywheel on the motor shaft without a universal.
The motor being a three pole skewed armature doesn't bother me.... Kato has had a non-skewed motor but it runs better than the skewed ones.... the quality and design of the motor are most important.
The pulling power is about what I would expect. A real Pacific wouldn't do much more than the MP model... 10 heavyweights on flat track. I will have to use helpers on my railroad as I have 2 1/2 percent grades between decks.
Now I know why you are looking for a AT&SF twelve wheel tender!!!
Charlie

 

I have cancelled mine as well, I was able to see one of these first hand and in my opinion its a real poor model. Nice try Model Power, now please go back and get it right!