YES! The EM1 uses the Laird and the M3 had the cross head type.
CZ
CZ’s right–the Laird crossheads on the Akane M-3/4 are correct. The EM-1 used what I believe are called “Alligator” crossheads, although the valve gear on both locos is the same (Walshaerts).
I noticed that your Akane has an Elesco ‘bundle’ FWH on it. I presume you added it, as the Akane models all came with Worthington FWH’s, IIRC. I’ve done the same thing on my 3 Akanes–removed the Worthington and replaced them with Elesco’s. Personally, I think they look much better with the ‘bundles’.
Tom
Come on guys lets see those yellerstones running! heres mine.
Tom’ yes i had the worthington replaced with the elesco when i bought it in 86’ gentleman also was my favorite painter.
Hello Everybody,
well I too broke down and bought a undecorated EM-1. It is a beautiful model, runs superb, pulls well and now all it needs is a couple of CP decals. Let us just say that by using modelers license, the CP ran a extensive trial with these beautiful engines in the rockies[:D]. This unit just happens to be one that survived into excursion traffic, much like the challenger from UP is doing now, at least that is my excuse and I am sticking with it.[8D]
Frank
Good enough excuse
I bought mine for my Articulated collection in my display cabinet but ran it as a loaner to the PRR
for test purposes
Frank that is my excuse as well. The EM-1s were restored and now running passenger excursion service around the country, as well as Canada.
Bob that should be against the law to recluse the EM-1 to a display shelf, shame on you!
Even though my main interest is Pennsy and N&W I cannot help but say “Oh wow!” looking at the Spectrum’s EM-1. I keep checking them out as I have a Pacific Mountain B&O I5 caboose in my collection, it definitely needs a locomotive, a steam engine of course, to go with it. sigh one day.
Alvie
Alvie:
My excuse for ‘foreign’ power on my own MR is that these were ‘loaners’ during WWII, which was common among railroads at the time (Missabe Yellowstones showing up on the Rio Grande, Burlington 4-6-2’s and UP 2-8-8-0’s showing up on the Southern Pacific, etc.). So you can always put that EM-1 on your Pennsy layout as a ‘loaner’ and use the excuse that the Pennsy ‘forgot’ to return it, LOL!
There’s usually a prototype for EVERYTHING! [:P]
Tom [:D]
Too large to be practical on my layout but I did run it for a video
Bob, is the sound from its sound decoder? More I see and hear videos of the EM 1 the less I want one!
Ken,
The sound can be corrected but for about $45.00 more than what you can get the sound module for. I bought the Tsunami large steam decoder for $110.00, and the plug and play module [the one Bob is using] for $65.00. I’m selling that module soon. I would rather spend the extra money for the classic Nathan Hooter than have an incorrect whistle. The large steam decoder was lined up better with the drivers also. Another thing, I kept the Bachmann decoder in the locomotive, and just soldered the Tsunami up to the pickups and speakers. That way I didn’t have to deal with the chance of screwing up the headlights. There was plenty of room for both decoders in the tender. I hope to get a video on here tonight or tomorrow. That way you can hear the difference.
-Stan
No I am running DC on the EM1 and it is from my DC Sound and Power power supply *( you can also go diesel)
I have DCC with sound on most of my Freelance engines but never bought the decoder for the EM1
Here is the video of our EM1 with the hooter. It can be easily compared with the prototype. Also notice how it lines up with the drivers.
-Stan
I just bought one at the Largo Train Show. Had some problems getting it to run on my 22" radius track, as the tender was constantly derailing. Bachmann indicated all it needed was 22". Problem turned ou to be the wires between the tender and loco were too long, and needed shoved back into the tender. They were hanging up on the connector bar between the loco and tender and not allowing full coupler travel. Once I corrected that by pushing the excess wire back into the tender, it took the 22" curves just fine in both directions.
Real happy so far. I would like to listen to the tsnuami card though, as the steam sound in the EM1 is quite loud and you can barely hear the whistle. Don’t know if there is a CVadjustment for that or not yet.
Either way, it’s an impressive addition to my layout for those who just can’t afford a grand for a Big Boy.