I am contemplating purchasing one of these in HO scale. Has anyone have any experience with these “newer” designs and the MRC DCC & sound. I’ve heard the Tsunami units and they sound great. Are these comparable in sound and are the locos smooth runners? Thanks, John
Since I am using DC, I cannot comment on the decoder. Post a question on the electrical forum and I am sure you will get the lowdown.
The last version of this engine Mantua sold was a very good runner. They added a can motor and flywheel to a very durable design.
The Model Power version, from what I heard is basically the same with a newer can motor. According to the MP site, they added 2 more pickups to the tender.
While the detailing is not equal to the latest from BLI and Bachman, the durability is excellent.
We had a guy come to our club layout with an older Mantua 4-6-2 he added a Tsunami sound decoder to. The poor electrical pick-up was an issue. I see that the newer ones have improved all wheel pick-up in the tender. This has to be a plus.
The MRC sound decoders are going to be the problem. They have a high fallout rate within months, and many times they are DOA when you get them. I have installed some for folks and they are very poorly made - lots of cold solder joints or solder bridges - the QC is very bad.
If you are looking for a ‘cheap’ DCC/Sound decoder, buy a Digitrax SDH164D - they can be found for around $40-$50 each on-line and at least are reliable. The steam sound is at least as good as the MRC ones.
Jim
MRC decoders are not built to a high standard and more of them fail than not. I would advise you to stay away from them. They will not read back on a programming track because they are made not to read back. This is from personal experience and not just hearing about them from others.
Can’t comment on the loco but I thought I would replace a MRC steam decoder in a BMan loco with a Digitrax SDN 164 but I put the MRC back in the loco. That particular Digitrax decoder has the worst sound for steam I have ever heard. It is fine at slow speed but as the chuff rate increases it sounds more like an air compressor. The MRC sounded better, need I say more.
Spend the money and buy a better decoder, Tsunami, Loksound, QSI. I have them all. I quite like Loksound Select as it has great motor control, very good sound, and the price is reasonable.
CN Charlie