Should I wait for the Paragon 2 Mikado (release date is perpetually in the future) or bite the bullet and get an MTH?
I’d like the C&NW Heavy, but I’m not sure I can wait any longer.
Does anyone know the real reason it’s taking so long to release?
I have an MTH Light Mikado. Great runner. MTH also includes running lights, cabl lights, and metal boilers that others don’t.
Honestly, I have no idea. Why wait when you can have what you want now? Is that not what your dilemma is, the fact that you can get what you want now from MTH? Or is that not your prime criterion? Is there another that makes the choice more difficult for you? Unless you tell me what it is, I can only repeat…I honestly have no idea.
Crandell
Harsh…
I’m looking for peoples preferences - do you have one???
Here’s a list if that helps:
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Prototypical adhearance
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Experience on what runs better
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DCC capabilities
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Pulling power
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Does BLI ever actually release their pre-orders within two years of their annoucement (short or long wait)
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Ever encounter problems with one or the other?
Does that help? I was trying not to lead you to conclusions (leading the witness).
Well you asked. I would never buy the MTH just because it is MTH. I will never buy anything from MTH, until they prove to me they have stopped sueing everyone for every thing.
Jim,
If you want a heavy Mike, I’d wait for the BLI. If you want a light Mike, I’d skip them both and go for a Trix Mike. Best Mike around…period!
Tom
I have 2 heavy 2-8-2s from Broadway Limited as well as several of their other locomotives. I have no layout at this time but have set up a short test track and they run fine. The detail on them is fantastic. I will qualify this with the statement that I have been in the hobby for a long time and remember when the blue box kits were considered quite good in comparison to what else was available. The other nice thing about them is their price sound and the ability to stay dc or dcc is great as well.
If you wish to see objective and well thought out reviews look them up on this web site. I have 2, 2-8-2s, 4 2-10-4s, 4 SD9s, 6 RSD 15s, 2 sw-7s and have found them all to be excellent models. I also have several models by atlas and some proto 1000 models and have found them excellent as well. My favorite manufacturers at this point are atlas and bli.
At this point I am collecting equipment and kits for a near future layout to be in the transition period of the late 50s.
As to the release date it is demand driven. In my book waiting for what you want is not a bad thing, I have found it generally makes you happier in the end and better off financially.
Thanks, that helps a lot. Now that I know what your criteria are, I can answer the question more readily. It may sound harsh, but it is realistic, ethical, and effective.
It is pretty much a toss-up in terms of fidelity, although in years past the MTH models have been criticized for having a drawbar that leaves too large a gap between the tender front and the cab. On the other hand, I would rate their electronics conduit in the drawbar a better idea than the tiny and hard-to-insert tether used by BLI.
Running qualities are also evenly matched, although BLI has had some quality control troubles. I think they must have been given the heave-ho by at least one builder in the past 12 months and the new place hasn’t quite gotten up to speed. Their GS4 has been almost a bust, although the latest batch was individually tested due to complaints.
There historically has been a gulf between the two control systems, although that gulf has closed. DCS, MTH’s system, is very good, but it doesn’t/didn’t previously control DCC engines. I hear that is changing. They did make their engines responsive to DC and DCC. They most often take a lot of initial voltage to get underway in DCC.
Finally, pulling power…again it is a toss-up most often, although we’d both have to wait for this newest batch by the probably new builder to compare th
TZ, I cannot help but agree with you on MTH.
Of course, the problem with waiting for the BLI release, in addition to the indefinite delay, is that the OP has no idea what the final product from BLI will look like in terms of detail and prototypicality.
Rich
There are four options available for modelers wishing to purchase a USRA Light Mikado; Broadway Ltd, Trix/Marklin, MTH, and brass. I have direct experience with all except MTH.
Pointed out in an earlier post, BLI Mikadoscan be purchased for around $150 on your favorite auction site. As a rule, they have good mechanical reliability, good sound, and decent looks. If you do have an issue, parts are readily available from BLI and the engines mechanism is easy to work on. There are two variations currently on the market. Paragon Series areequipped with QSI DCC sound. Blue Line is DC sound equipped, DCC ready and requires a decoder to be installed to run on DCC. A typical plug type decoder is easily installed. Acoording to BLI, the new Paragon2 locomotives will use the same tooling from the preceeding runs and use BLI’s proprietary DCC decoder. Personally, I prefer the QSI equipped locomotives. Brass details can be easily installed on the locomotive improving fidelity to a particular prototype.
The Trix/Marklin has excellent detail and one of the smoothest mechanisms of any locomotives I have, including diesels. It is a superb model. The only draw back is the sound decoder from LokSound; it is antiquated compared to the QSI Revolution SoundTrax Tsunami. For the casual modeler, sound may not be as important. Expect to pay from $250-$400
Brass models are available at very reasonable prices, especailly some that need TLC. Be willing to make an investment in time and some tools to learn how to improve running characteristics and install of electronic systems. Bonus feature is you can purchase equiment that matches your prototype exactly.
I can’t comment personally on MTH because I do not own or have worked on any. Except; MTH Mikados have been had mechanical/electrical issues and are limited in capability on DC/DCC. systems. One of my best friends owns a large DCC distributer/install/supply business and I d
Rich,
I think that would be true for a product that a manufacturer hasn’t offered yet. However, the Mikes have been previously released by BLI in both the Powerhouse (Heavy), Paragon (Light) and Blueline (Heavy & Light) series. Mechanically and detail-wise, they should be identical to the earlier Paragon and Blueline offerings.
The Paragon2 decoders are a slight improvement in low-speed response over the QSI decoders that came with the original Mikes. However, I haven’t been all that impressed with the two that I have with my regular and Dreyfuss Hudsons. They’ve been prone to shorting while programming and low-speed response is still ~5sMPH.
Jim,
About MTH: Although their DCS locomotives will run on DC and DCC, they are limited. I would prefer to have as much access to CVs as possible. With the MTH offerings, it is minimal what you change or have access to to tweak your locomotive.
If a Trix Mike is not in the mix, I would skip the Paragon2s and wait for the Blueline Mikados. My Blueline Niagara has been terrific. I installed a Lenz Silver MP decoder into it and it crawls better than most of my yard switchers (<1 sMPH). The horn feature on the Blueline sound decoder absolutely barks.
Tom
I can’t speak for other roads that BLI and MTH produce but as far as being PRR prototypical neither are. There are issues with the firebox and the front end arrangement of the light, steps, and other equipment. BLI has made excellent PRR steam locomotives in the past and I own 3 of them but I think they decided to take the easy way out this time and just use a generic light mikado shell and slap PRR decals on it and hope PRR modelers would buy it.
My personal feelings about MTH are that they are sue happy and charge ridiculous prices for their equipment.
Just my opinion. Have a good day.
I agree about MTH’s outrageous pricing. (Yes, even at “street prices”). I also don’t like his sue happiness.
What I never could understand is why Factory Direct Trains carries MTHs when the owner is the brother of the Broadway Limited owner. Why would they carry a line that constantly sues them? Anyone know?
I’ve been happy with BLI mikes. I’ve had two chuff sensors go out almost immediately on the Cab Forward and the J1e but the Mikes have been dependable and one of my best grade climbers.
BLI said that they were looking for a “better alternative” to the chuff sensors they’ve been using and did send some replacements with install directions (or the option to send it in) but I haven’t had time yet.
I too am sick and tired of waiting for the new run of Heavy BLI Mikes and may go with another locomotive choice. IF they had GNs in Glacier Green with the new Paragon run I’d be willing to wait longer but not this run.
By the way, I feel the same way about Proto/Walther’s pricing as I do about MTH’s when it comes to steam.
BLI and Bachmann have been my locos of choice at their price points.
The new factory “honeymoon blues” situation in China and the poor running of the lst batches of the Dreyfuss and GS-4 have given me “pause” about waiting for the lst batches of the Paragon 2 Mikados.