I am considering ordering a set of Intermoutain F3s in Rio Grande when they are released in early 2008. I have never owned IM locomotives. Can someone tell me about their quality, performance etc. I will have the dealer test them before he sends them. Just wondering if there are any problems to look for from those who have purchased IM units. These will be HO scale. Thanks
My only issue with my brand-new F-3 (A&B) is that the “chicken wire” appears to be coming loose in the middle, and is apparently just slightly too long for the opening, so it’s bowing out in the middle.
I’ve got to get time to give IM a call about that (anyone got any spare “Round Tuits” I can use?)
Intermountain Fs are quite good quality, especially the drive mechanism. I have used several of these drives to power home-built F units using the Highliner shells, which I consider to be superior to the IM shells. IM shells are good, and reasonably well detailed, but I happen to like the Highliners better. As to the drives-they are excellent. Nicely detailed, including speed recorder cable and brake lines on the trucks. Good lighting package which includes both upper and lower headlights and marker lights. Flawless running as well. The old Stewart/Kato F drives might run slightly better, but IM is a very close second. Hope this helps.
I have a pair of F3s and really enjoy them. I worked on the prototype and the trucks look very good, good side mesh detail and as per the reply above, the mesh does come loose in the middle, easy fix. Due to it’s four lights in the front, be sure to get a decoder that will handle the added load of these lights, some decoader’s wont handle it. Over all I would buy another set, you can find them brand new on the net from $72 on up, a great buy…John
I have at least four A/B pairs and am very satisfied.
One thing - the headlights are mounted on the frame not the shell so they can tend to shine through the plastic - especially on a light colored shell. The fix is easy - paint the inside of the shell black. The good side of this is that it is easy to get at and change burned out bulbs.
Bottom line to me is these are good engines at great prices - buy and be happy.
Mat Thompson
I checked Intermountains website when you mentioned Rio Grande F3’s and so far I haven’t been able to find an anouncement for Rio Grande paint scheme for F3’s. F7’s yes but not F3’s.
I do know that Rio Grande’s F3’s were modified around 1951 so that they had F7 style side louvers and portholes, yet they retained their chicken wire air grills and tall roof fans and F3 style dynamic brake fan. I do know that Athearn Genesis has gotten this unique mix of phase details correct on their F3’s and I own an AB set myself in the lovely single stripe scheme which they were painted in 1961 and operated that way until retirement in January of 1966.
I have a few sets of Intermountain F units and they are quality units performance wise. I am satisfied with the detail of the units but then again I am not a rivet counter. I also am impressed with the quality of their lighting for the F-units, seperate lighting for the number boards.
I did however have had an issue with the packaging of their F3A units, the units have arrived damaged. Not enough packing to keep the engines from being damaged during transit. When contacted Intermountain immediately offered replacement of the bodies however front pilot replacement was enough for me.
Would not hesitate to buy any of their products.
I have a pair of the FP7’s, and have a pair of F7B units on order (all with sound). Whenever I find my “round tuit” (and borrow or otherwise use) a decibel meter, I’ll do a semi-scientific test to see which brand is quietest. Offhand, I’d rank Athearn Genesis, Stewart, IM, and Kato as very close contenders.
Brad
I think they are great runners. Very smooth. Detail and scale is up there, just not as up there as Athearn Genesis/Highliner.
I installed SoundTraxx DCC boards in my 2 A units (Santa Fe yellowbonnets). Easy change over and now they make noise.
Headlight leakage is annoying, and they also shine through the underframe of the nose. But the number boards end up being lit…as does everything else it seems.
Overall high quality. If I had to rank HO F units, they would come in second (under Athearn Genesis). I haven’t seen the new Walthers/Proto 2000 units yet so maybe they might get bumped to 3.
I’ve both Genesis F7 A/B units both powered and Intermountain FP7 A/B unitsalso both powered. For the life of me I can’t find any difference in the way they run, the noise level or better absence of noise, the response to throttle settings e.g. slow running. There are slight diiferences in the detailing but these aren’t visible when viewing them at the distance that is usual for a layout; moreover I’ve never seen them in real life so…
Summing up I’d say buy the Intermountains, you won’t be disappointed.
So Okiechoochoo,
Did you ever find those Rio Grande F3’s in Intermountain? I still never could locate Rio Grande F3’s on their website sstill, only F7’s.