I need a 4-4-0 and notice that Caboose Hobby has the MDC listed as stock. The MDC web site has almost no information listed. Does anyone have any experience (or real knowledge) with this product?
How does it look?
How does it run (on DCC)?
Who makes the decoder used and is it probably good/bad?
Thanks for any help.
I don’t recall seeing any announcements from Athearn about a new version of the 4-4-0 being released under the MDC brand name, so I’m not so sure the one offered by Caboose Hobbies is not a really old kit from the days when MDC was still in Nevada.
Bachmann is going to be releasing a 4-4-0 that will have a die-cast boiler instead of plastic and will have an NMRA 8-pin DCC socket. See Model Railroader October 2006, page 11. MSRP of the Bachmann engine is $240, which is really steep for a Bachmann.
There have been announcements (MR Mag, as one) and it is new with DCC and sound. Sells for just over $200 at Caboose Hobby. There are no real specs (that I can find) of any type, published.
The Bachmann seems over priced, to me, for not having sound and at least built in DCC.
Buddy just bought his today at The Train Shop in Santa Clara for $165.00. He likes it and it has sound.
Does anyone have a video?
here’s the info on the bachmann from their website . it does include DCC but not sound so the first thing i’ll be doing is ripping everything out of the tender to install a tsunami and speaker
MDC roundhouse shows a list price of $224.98 for their 4-4-0 . it does include sound though , and looks like they’re using an older prototype than the bachmann .
The Bachmann model is based on the engines used by the Ma & Pa. The first one is a 1920’s or later version with piston valves, a steel cab and pilot. (bummer). It should be of the same quality as the 4-6-0, which is a great runner.
The Athearn/Roundhouse model is an upgrade and retooling of the old MDC model with sound and DCC. It is a late 1800’s design (the boiler is actually from a Baldwin consolidation) with slide valves.
If you are modeling post WW1 the Bachmann model might be more appropriate.
If you are modeling pre-WW1 the Roundhouse model might be appropriate.
I have heard rumors that Bachmann will release the 4-4-0 with slide valves and a wood cab at some later date.
Dave H.
It does not look like anyone here has actually run (or seen) one of these engines.
I sent the following Email to MDC (filled out the form on their site):
Your new 4-4-0 sound interesting; however, I can not find any real specs (or reviews) on the product.
(1) What is the minimum radius curve that it will handle?
(2) Is it all wheel pick up ? If not what wheels are used for each side?
(3) What is the actual length? I have a 9" turn table that I use.
(4) Who makes the decoder? What sounds does it produce?
(5) Is the sound level adjustable? How many steps?
(6) What is the minimum smooth operation low speed in Scale MPH?
(7) How well does it work with plastic (Atlas) snap switch frogs?
(8) Does it have one or more tired wheels? (Pulling power)
I will post their answer when it arrives.
thanks for the info , the mdc will be more appropriate for me as i’m modelling 1900-1905
now we just need to find someone who has actually run either of these locos (preferably both!) to see how they compare
The reason Bachmann is making a more modern 4-4-0 is because of what the majority of the people wanted in a survey someone started on Bachmann’s forum. The survey went on for months, and Bachmann gave in and announced they would make one.[:D]
I’ve also heard the rumors, but I think The Bach Man said there were no plans for a valve gear.
As a dealer in SLC, I brought a couple in just to see how they would look and run. I’ll have to admit I think Athearn did a pretty good job with this old Roundhouse model! It looks very nice and is available in many roadnames and numbers. On the technical front, it has the same scary MRC/Athearn decoder with sound and comes with the DC compatible remote. But honestly, I think this little guy runs very nicely, and doesn’t sound half bad. In fact the sound system in this locomotive is much better than the one in the Big Boy that was just released when you look at things from a prototype perspective. I don’t know all the technical details, but it does have traction tires on one axle, and picks up power from the drivers and all the tender wheels.
For anyone looking for this type of locomotive, I don’t think you can go wrong!
Jeff
Buddy just brought his over, looks just like the old kits with a few added details on the engine, the tender looks alot better than the old one, havn’t tried it yet on dcc so don’t know if that is a problem, ran well on dc.
I purchased the new MDC 4-4-0 on Saturday from my LHS. It was lettered for NYC Hudson River Division. My plan was to modify this loco to represent Weed Lumber Co no 1 later sold to a subsidiary of SP in 1905 ( California & Northeastern). My research indicated that this modification would be easier with the MDC version than the new Bachmann 4-4-0. The MDC 4-4-0 was DC sound equipped. My layout is all DC with dual cab control. I use a Tech II on cab A and a home built walk around on cab B. Most of my standard gauge steam locos are Bachmann because I have found them to run well. I was pleasantly surprised however, how well the new MDC ran on on cab A. Unfortunately, the DC sound system needs more than normal voltage to start the loco and I was unable to to generate starting voltage on cab B. (I was not able to measure the start voltage since I do not have a connected volt meter.) Accordingly, I had to return the loco to my LHS. Based on my experience, on my cab A Tech II, I have no hesitation on recommending the new MDC 4-4-0. It also has very good electrical pickup and did not stall on any of my Peco insulfrog turnouts or crossovers. Peter Smith, Memphis
thanks for the reviews guys . looks like the MDC will fit my needs quite well although i’ll switch out the MRC sound decoder for a tsunami shortly after i get it
gonna have to go bug my LHS for one
I will not take the trouble to switch the decoder out on my copy of the 4-4-0 should it fail to work properly. It will probably get sent back to the factory for repair.
I am assuming that it is probably going to be hard-wired and it will not likely accept another Decoder easily because it is a small engine.
If that happens the next order will be the Spectrum 4-4-0 to go with the Spectrum 4-6-0 that I already have and know of it’s good running qualities.
I got this in reply this morning. At least a “real” human read it and replied; I am favorably impressed.
(1) What is the minimum radius curve that it will handle? 18"
(2) Is it all wheel pick up ? If not what wheels are used for each side? Yes.
(3) What is the actual length? I have a 9" turn table that I use. Approximately 8.5 "
(4) Who makes the decoder? What sounds does it produce? MRC, Chuff, whistle, bell, air release, coupling, brake squeal, conductors voice, steam, water, fire box door, sand drop blower hiss.
(5) Is the sound level adjustable? How many steps? Yes.
(6) What is the minimum smooth operation low speed in Scale MPH? Information N/A
(7) How well does it work with plastic (Atlas) snap switch frogs? It performed well on our test track.
(8) Does it have one or more tired wheels? (Pulling power) Two traction tires on rear most driver set.
I received my MDC this morning- it has the B&O detailing. It runs very smoothly, even around my 18" curves. The sound is so loud that even at it’s lowest value, it is still a bit noisy, but not distorted- at least to my ears.
The loco has traction tires, so only one of the drivers has electrical pickups, while the tender has pickups on all the wheels.
It’s really a cute toy. I might not get anything else done with that little guy around. It’s really a lot of fun.
I am glad that you are happy; please check back in after you have played with it for a few days.
One of the “problems” that I was afraid of is the sound level. I have two of the proto 2000 0-6-0’s and run the sound at 40 of 255 steps on them. Much louder than that is too much for my layout room.
How is the very low speed operation - like barely creeping along?
I still might take the plunge.
How many cars can you pull and what kind?
Does anyone have a video uploaded to the web of it yet?