I noticed a significant difference in the smoothness and performance of an older P2k E8 vs. a recently purchased one. Has the quality of this unit decreased over the years? Can I expect the newer unit to perform significantly better after a longer break-in period or after some lubrication/maintenance? Could some of this performance difference be due to the newer unit having the QSI sound? Would a newer unit without sound perform significantly better?
Background info: The older E8 is DCC equipped but is an older installation without an NMRA pin plug. The older unit has a louder, but pleasing, hum/buzz during acceleration which I’m unsure if it is due to the DCC board or the units engine. The older unit has the four hinged side doors which the newer ones don’t, and it is a road name not currently produced by Walthers (unsure of the exact age). The newer unit has booklets copyrighted 2005 and has factory installed QSI sound and DCC. The newer E8s have been greatly reduced in price by Walthers with & without DCC sound.
I think the first run P2K E’s are some of the best runners I have ever had. I have yet to convert any to DCC but will in the future. The detail on the first run is better. The area behind the grillwork has many openings where the newer version have 2 small squares on each side. The older version has grab irons over the cab windows, the newer version does not. I like the pilot on the newer version as it is attached to the body where the older version attached to the underframe causing a gap between the nose and the pilot.
My newer versions are much noisier and run slower than the older versions. All in all I prefer the first run versions. Too bad they made the changes.
I’m very happy with the two E8As I got last month at the bargain price. I would like to get B units as well even if just dummies but Walthers seems to only sell them in AB sets and even then not in NYC livery. Does any one know if a NYC B unit is available stand alone from any manufacturer. Powered or dummy, it doesn’t matter to me.
Interesting, unfortunately all mine are older units so I have no basis for comparison. However, I do know the priced cut was almost across the board on the P2K line. I think is was just because they had them priced way too high to begin with.
All my E’s are older units and run very well. Only one is DCC. It doesn’t make any hum or growl. That’s probably due to it having a Silent Running decoder. Now, I have a GP50 that makes the growl and it has an older decoder in it, so I would have to say that it’s due to the decoder.
I have no idea if you model prototypes or just purchase anything that is offered, but the NYC never purchased any E8B units and that is the reason that are not offered by Walthers. The NYC did puchase 14 E7B units and if you look at the NYC pictures, you will see them MU’ed with the E8A units. Remember, the NYC was a water level route. That indicates no major grades like the PRR.
I hope this helps you to know the reason why they were not offered. AHM probably did offer the E8B units but they were pure junk.