Are IHC locomotives good? I have seen them advertised and I was wondring if they are a good buy? I usually stick with Athearn blue box locomotives because of their stability and price, (I am a full time college student, so I’m poor)[:D] Any input would be appreciated
Todd
I’ll help. Don’t buy garbage! The IHC units are terrible. You WILL regret it. If you really like SD-35s, save up a little more and get an Atlas. They had a couple of runs not too long ago. check www.trainworld.com , www.1stplacehobbies.com , www.firsthobby.com or your LHS.
I have a few IHC locos.
Seems I get a lot of them in the parts lots I buy.
They just aren’t built to last.
I have modified a few, upgrading the motor, installing steel axles and brass bearings in the trucks, improving the electrical system and on and on.
Buy another Athearn.
wow…i have purchased several IHC products including two sd-35’s…i also have two c-628’s…and a mikado…all of these i will agree needed a little upgrade on the details…but i have beat the heck out of them with run time on my own layout and on my clubs layout and have yet to have any failures…this is actually the first time someones mentioned this that i have heard of…figures…now they will probably die out on me since i said something…
While I’m not sure about the diesels, I’m a fan of IHC’s steam program.
I have a 4-6-2 Pacific & it runs great!!!
It’s quiet, & while it’s not a specific steam locomotive, it works for me after some painting & some detailing!
Just my 2 cents
Gordon
I have several IHC steamers that run very smoothly and have given me no problems at all. I have even installed decoders into all of them, despite the fact that they are not “DCC ready.” I have no experience with IHC diesels, because I prefer to get some of the better brands such as Atlas, Kato, or Broadway Limited. Con-Cor is one I avoid like the plague after my experience with their MP-15.
I was considering buying a Con-Cor MP15 when the comw out again. What was your experience with it?
My gripe with Con-Cor: First, it was advertised as being DCC ready, but was far from it. The motor they used is an extremely small, cheap looking, open frame motor that appears to have been made for a slot car. The motor’s metal frame was screwed directly to the locomotive’s frame, which made decoder installation extremely difficult. The locomotive was overpriced for the quality of workmanship and running qualities. Con-Cor makes good buildings, construction vehicles, trucks, and semi-trailers, but their locomotives are poorly made. IHC locomotives are a much better product than Con-Cor, and don’t cost as much.
I have no problems with IHC steam. Just make sure that if it is older stock that it is IHC Premier series. these are powered with a decent can motor and have RP25 wheels. Good quality for short money.
Bob K.
[#ditto] Yup. IHC steam is great, besides the fact the flanges are too deep, and many of the details are molded on. But the diesels are scrappers. Go for the Atlas SD35. call Trainworld in New York to see what they have. They’re $86. Much much better all around.
IHCs are ok… i have some of their older C-628s and they run but they arent up to par with better stuff like athearns. i’ve heard that their newer stuff is better, but i have no experience with it. as for getting an SD-35 if ya want a good one for a decent price look at train shows, ebay or other places that sell used stuff for the old atlas SD-35 that was made by ROCO… its a good engine althoguth the detail is not the best. that or go for the new atlas SD-35… great puller great detail… just a great engine