Is this locomotive worth looking into? Or is it junk? The SP version is suppose to have a Vanderbuilt tender. Which decoders would be a good match?
Thanks for the help. [:)]
I don’t know about the Vanderbilt tender, but a SoundTraxx Tsunami easily fits into the coal tender that comes with the Santa Fe version. The engine runs very smoothly and has much finer detail than any previous IHC product. I would say it is equivalent to a Bachmann Spectrum in detail and running qualities. It has a metal boiler so it is quite heavy. The coal tender has a metal bottom and plastic top.
I recently got mine and although I’m fairly new at this, I wouldn’t call it junk. I’ve run it in DC mode and it runs fine – negotiates 22” curves with no problem and runs on Code 83 track and turnouts.
I talked to Tim at Empire Northern Models and he recommended an NCE D13SRJ decoder for running and I have no basis to disagree with him. I should receive the decoder any day so I’ll let you know how it runs – as cacole says, it has fairly nice detail and has some weight to it.
Based on other posts about IHC, it’s a step up from previous IHC steam locomotives. Mine has a coal tender (PRR) that is perforated to accommodate sound, which I’ll worry about later.
Not really about the DCC aspect… but what are the passanger coaches like. The 8 pack that you get with the loco for $179. I think this is a bargin.
I live in South Africa so it is impossible for me to pop into a shop and check one out (loco and coaches), so i rely on the info all of you provide on the forums.
Any other info on the sante fe version would be great.
Regards
Gareth
Gareth,
I selected a set of heavyweights. They’re really loooong and probably could use some detailing. Also they have truck-mounted couplers and plastic wheel sets. Following the advice of the experts here, I will swap the plastic for metal wheel sets and install body-mounted couplers. Also, add some weight.
For the deal IHC is offering, I think they’re a bargain too, but there are better passenger cars out there.
My LHS felt it was a good deal and didn’t hesitate to tell me to order direct from IHC.
Hi Cacole
Is it worth buying this loco and a Tsunami or buying the BLI 2-10-2 with QSI sound?
How easy was it to sync the drivers to the chuff sounds?
Does the Tsunami make sound when the loco is standing still? or does it only make sound when the loco is in motion?
Thanks again
Gareth
Gareth, if you can find a 2-10-2 from BLI through their Outlet Direct, that would be a good deal better, in my opinion. You’ll get factory sound fully warranted, and better details.
-Crandell
The IHC 2-10-2 is a representation of a steam locomotive, it is not a model of any particular prototype. It is a very nice looking locomotive, but there are some crazy inconsistencies in its detailing. It runs very well. If you just want any 2-10-2, it is a fine choice.
If you desire a 2-10-2 that is a model of a specific locomotive, go with BLI, Bachmann Spectrum or Bowser.
garyk007,
The SoundTraxx Tsunami is one of the best sound decoders on the market today for after-market use. QSI was supposed to be coming out with a decoder that the end-user could purchase but that deal has evidentally fallen through so Tsunami is the best choice.
The Tsunami makes all of the sounds when the engine is standing still that any steam engine would – practically everything except the chuff. It has many sounds that can be programmed to occur only when the engine is stopped, such as filling the tender with water, the fireman greasing the side rods, etc.
Getting the chuff rate exactly in sync with wheel revolutions is impossible without adding a contact disk to one of the drivers. The decoder has a CV than can be set so the chuff rate is dependent on the voltage applied to the motor, but this is only an approximation that doesn’t work equally well between slow and fast speeds.
If you’ve ever heard a Broadway Limited steam locomotive with the QSI sound system, the Tsunami is equivalent if you get a good speaker for it and actually has more sound effects built in than the QSI decoder.
[quote user=“cacole”]
garyk007,
The SoundTraxx Tsunami is one of the best sound decoders on the market today for after-market use. QSI was supposed to be coming out with a decoder that the end-user could purchase but that deal has evidentally fallen through so Tsunami is the best choice.
The Tsunami makes all of the sounds when the engine is standing still that any steam engine would – practically everything except the chuff. It has many sounds that can be programmed to occur only when the engine is stopped, such as filling the tender with water, the fireman greasing the side rods, etc.
Getting the chuff rate exactly in sync with wheel revolutions is impossible without adding a contact disk to one of the drivers. The decoder ha
What bothers me about this model is that it is a freelanced locomotive design, but IHC does not offer it in undecorated. It would be the perfect locomotive for freelanced railroads if it was just undecorated.
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-Kevin
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In most cases, it’s easy to remove lettering, or, when necessary, strip the factory paint completely.
If I recall correctly, this IHC Mogul was lettered for Espee when I first got it, but it’s seen a few changes since then…
Wayne