While I am not a fan of MTH I am impressed in how quickly, from the time they announced this locomotive to the time it took to place it on on retail shelves.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/shoppingcart.asp
I can not help but ponder how this engine will fare in light of both Walthers and Bachmann having released the same locomotive.
Is there really the demand for yet another Berkshire engine?
I’d say that there’s a demand for a quality model that pulls better than the Bachmann and Proto Heritage models. Whether the MTH model is that, I do not know.
Metal diecast with sprung drivers? I’d expect that it hauls quite well. We’ll have to wait for someone to post a review. I might actually be interested in one if they had it decaled for the TH&B. DC version, natch…
-Crandell
Based on the photos, the MTH loco is somewhat “crude” in the detail department with some feaures looking very oversized and “toy like”.
And it is only made in one version - Nickel Plate. The C&O locos have different tenders, cabs, headilghts, dome/sandbox placements which Bachmann and P2K both have done correctly. but the MTH loco uses the same boiler/tender for all. This alone will keep any serious C&O modeler away.
Not to mention DCS and the price.
Sheldon
Crandell:
Not really ‘on topic’, but I just got the latest issue of Model Railroad News, and MTH now has an ad for the SP AC-6 cab forward, also. This is the ‘transitional’ AC between the BLI AC 4/5 and the later Intermountain SP cab-forwards. The last one with the ‘flat face’, but the pumps moved to the boiler ‘front’ (rear?). MTH is offering it with both the ‘flat face’ and the later ‘streamlined’ cab that SP installed on one or two of them. It should be interesting to see how this one does.
As to the MTH Berk–though I have no need for that wheel arrangement, I certainly hope it’s a better hauler for those wanting a Berk than either the Proto or the Bachmann, at least from what I’ve heard. It’s frustrating to get a model of a prototype that was known for fast, heavy hauling and find out that the model can only handle it’s tender, LOL! It’s happened to me before. Luckily, I keep a supply of sheet lead, shears and hand-sanitizer in my workbench. [:P]
Tom [:D]
Tom and Sheldon, my ignorance is showing. I haven’t serously done any Berk hunting or investigation, but Sheldon points out something I guess I ought to have known…the C&O version is not represented. It turns out that for me to get something passable as the TH&B version of the two Berks they ran, it would have to be the Kanawah version from the C&O. Go figure.
Sheldon, as a quick aside, I wouldn’t mind getting a C&O heavy mountain from Spectrum. I know you have good results with your Spectum roster. Any tips on this engine? Are they all metal, or just the first run?
-Crandell
Crandell,
The Spectrum USRA Heavy Mountain (C&O or other wise), all production runs, has a die cast metal boiler and frame with all other details being plastic. I have 9 of them, three are the C&O version (one still C&O, two relettered ACL).
This is by far one of the best loco models on the market in my opinon. They run smooth, have good slow speed and pull well.
There are a few tips, for this, or any, spectrum loco.
Add weight to the tender - it helps with power pickup and with the famous “wiring harness” derailment issue many locos have today. I add about 2.5 oz to medium or long tenders.
I also modify the drawbar, bending a “dip” in it close to the loco end. This provides more room for the wires to flex around and shortens the drawbar slightly for a more prototypical look (I have big curves, everything is close coupled).
Replace the couplers with Kadee #48’s. this may require filing the shank of the new coupler a bit, but I don’t use “generic” couplers on anything.
That’s it - they are great locos and the backbone of my railroads steam roster.
Star hobby in Annapolis, MD had a big stock of all versions last time I was there. They will sell by mail and have VERY good prices on Bachmann.
Sheldon<
And, again - as curently being discussed on another thread, my Bachmann 2-8-4 pulls well after adding some weight - which was very easy to do.
And I have converted it into a Lima Super Power Mikado:
This one is now in the paint shop and two or three more are in the works.
Sheldon
Thanks, Sheldon. I’ll have to start looking and saving, but any metal diecast steamer I can justify getting has turned out to be a great engine so far in my short history. On your say-so, I’ll go about this as my next, and what will be my first Mountain type, purchase.
-Crandell
Crandell,
On average I have only paid $100 to $120 US for mine, but they are all DC - no sound versions.
They are also available with DCC or DCC and sound, not sure about the price ranges of those.
They are actually out of production right now, but there is a good supply of all versions available from what I have seen.
Sheldon
Crandell:
Like Sheldon, I have the Spectrum USRA heavy 4-8-2 in two versions–the C&O (it’s a WWII ‘loaner’, LOL! ) and Southern Pacific (which I’m converting into a kinda/sorta MT-2) and they’re both winners. Metal boiler with plenty of weight, good pickup–Sheldon’s right about putting a little additional weight into the tender–and are smooth runners and very capable haulers.
Like Sheldon, I run strictly DC, but I think DCC conversion would be pretty simple. But for the price, you can’t go wrong with them, at least IMO. Really NICE locos! I’ve been very satisfied with the Bachmann Spectrum line, so far. Plus the two 4-8-2’s, I’ve picked up a sweet little 2-8-0 and their 2-6-6-2, which is a surprisingly smooth and powerful hauler for it’s size.
Tom [:)]
I’m perfectly happy with my two P2K, one Bachmann and one Rivarossi Berks. The Rivarossi pulls the best which is ironic since I had one back in the 70’s that wouldn’t pull it’s own weight. Rivarossi made vast improvements over the years and it still isn’t a bad looking locomotive. The P2K Berks are beautiful but somewhat anemic and my Bachmann Berk pulls like a champ with the little weight I added and all of them together didn’t cost me as much as what they are quoting for one of the MTH product.
Thanks, Tom. I am definitely in the hunt. [:)]
-Crandell
I do not have an MTH Berk, but my other MTH HO steamers have been more reliable than the other guys’. Yeah, the price is higher, but imo I got what I paid for–and didn’t have to do any modifications. They all ran great right out of the box and have only improved with use.
Each of my MTH engines is getting a few hours running time per week.
John
Sheldon-
Can you point us to any photos of the actual MTH HO model? The pictures in their catalog were of Proto Heritage (the first-run Proto drivers were a giveaway) and MTH O gauge Berkshires (their O gauge drawbar being the tip-off).
Well if that’s true, that seems like misrepresentation to me.
BUT, the MTH catalog page clearly states that the models lettered C&O are their “not quite right” (I forget the little term they use) versions - and those photos show the C&O lettered model with the Nickel Plate steam dome/sand box configuration - not the correct C&O placement.
Not to mention the following differences between C&O Kanawha’s and NKP Berks:
Headlights in different locations - NKP middle of smoke box, C&O low just above compressor shield
Different compressor shields on pilot deck
Different pilots
C&O locos have longer/different cabs
C&O has longer, larger welded tenders - NKP tenders are riveted
And again, MTH has told us their C&O model is not correct - should we not believe that?
Sheldon
I’ve had 3 over the years. The cow catch on the front is extremely low to the ground. Any grade changes will catch it. It’s cast on, so I had to grind it off with a grinding wheel to shorten it, then apply some styrene for a new base.
Regarding the alleged “misrepresentation” of MTH models:
I believe the MTH catalogs (every one I’ve seen) very explicitly state that photos shown may be of models in another scale, are for representation only, and that MTH reserves the right to change details on the final models.
This allows them to make changes between the pilot model and the final, for sale versions–as they definitely did with the 4-12-2–they addressed some of the online criticism by changing the classification light and air pump locations and by providing a separate set of class lights for modelers to install if they didn’t like the slightly lower location needed for working fiberoptic class lights.
John
Oh, it is good to know about that problem. I found the same thing with the Spectrum J Class, and had to use a file to improve clearance on the lower edge of the pilot. I ended up selling it on eBay anyway because I couldn’t get it to smooth out in running at low speeds, no matter how many hours of forward and reverse running I did. I would sit at the computer and let it run for hours. Nothing worked, and my engine fixer guy couldn’t get it to work any better.
Thanks, Don.
-Crandell
I think you are referring to their “I” or “Imagine” line of products. I don’t know why they do things like that.