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Athearn and PCM HO scale 4-8-8-4 Big Boy steam locomotives
PCM model is great, Loksound decoder left much to be desired. I will replace mine w/ a Tsunami decoder from Soundtraxx. Athearn disappointed me with the sound system and (lack thereof) control config, So I opted with the PCM. I will from here on, purchase models without sound and add the Tsunami decoders in the future…
I just picked up my Athearn 4-6-6-4 BIG BOY D&RGW #3804. To run on my DCC layout. It’s great. It does have a funcky start up. It seems to jump a little when first starting out.Not very smooth. I am having a little trouble with the rear trucks on the loco derailing on my code 83 track. I think a little fine tuning will correct this and the start up. The sound is great !! I am a newbie so I hope I came across ok. I also got a great deal on the price. (I hope) $309.00
I saw the two models side by side. I think that the details of Genesis are a little finer (chimneys, for example)
Price determines everything in this case. Is the PCS model actually worth an extra $300.00??? Nope, don’t think so…
Price determines everything in this case. Is the PCS model actually worth an extra $300.00??? Nope, don’t think so…
Will either of these machines maintain speed up and down grade like the Trix machine, also is their slow speed performance comparable? My Trix Big Boy is amazing on 128 speed steps, controlled by Super Empire Builder. Speed step 01 is like watching grass grow, very smooth starting.
Will either of these machines maintain speed up and down grade like the Trix machine, also is their slow speed performance comparable? My Trix Big Boy is amazing on 128 speed steps, controlled by Super Empire Builder. Speed step 01 is like watching grass grow, very smooth starting.
I had the Athearn Big Boy but exchanged it for a PCM after the headlight quite working within the first 30min of operation. the PCM is a great model with excellent detail, and yes, it does have back EMF–you can set it on speed step 1 and watch it crawl forever–if you’ve got the time. The only problem I have had is that the trailing truck derailed all of the time. I found that a washer placed under the screw in front of the rear truck to space it downward solved the problem.
I had the Athearn Big Boy but exchanged it for a PCM after the headlight quite working within the first 30min of operation. the PCM is a great model with excellent detail, and yes, it does have back EMF–you can set it on speed step 1 and watch it crawl forever–if you’ve got the time. The only problem I have had is that the trailing truck derailed all of the time. I found that a washer placed under the screw in front of the rear truck to space it downward solved the problem.
I have the PCM BB. I love Genesis–my 4-6-2 light pacific is beautiful, but my sound equipped Challenger sounds awful–especially the steam whistle! So I decided to try the PCM. The detail is superb and it runs like a swiss watch–start up and super slow speed are silky smooth. The sounds are great except for the chuffing. Something’s not quite right–kind of oddly snappy-snippy at times(hard to describe). It may be how the prototype sounds, but it seems a touch weird to my ears. But the horn and all accompanying sounds are spot-on. Fantastic job PCM!
I hope there’s a place to pick this up a little cheaper…
I hope there’s a place to pick this up a little cheaper…
I HAVE BIG BOY 4005 THIS IS A SUPERB MODEL I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH STARTING I CAN MAKE IT CREEP WITH MY NCE PRO CAB,THIS IS FOR THE HERITAGE DIVISION ON FINGAL RAIL ROAD. REGARDS PATRICK.
The PCM is the better unit based on previous experience with MRC decoders and sound. Also one can upgrade the sound later and even program the sounds as they want with the LokSound programmer.
The PCM is the better unit based on previous experience with MRC decoders and sound. Also one can upgrade the sound later and even program the sounds as they want with the LokSound programmer.
The Athearn smokes with two smoke units. All of the little windows and hatches move. I guess if you have to have die cast,you can pay the extra money?<>>> Number boards light up. Superior quality!!
The Athearn smokes with two smoke units. All of the little windows and hatches move. I guess if you have to have die cast,you can pay the extra money?<>>> Number boards light up. Superior quality!!
Jim Nicely done. I know a lot of people will have questions about which Big Boy is best for them. When you are putting out that kind of money, you want to make an informed decision. This Side-by-Side will help them. Thanks. Steve Moore kiss@kissmethodinc.com
Jim Nicely done. I know a lot of people will have questions about which Big Boy is best for them. When you are putting out that kind of money, you want to make an informed decision. This Side-by-Side will help them. Thanks. Steve Moore kiss@kissmethodinc.com