I just received (today in fact) my brand new B&M R1-c from the UPS driver. This is the first Brass locomotive that I have actually purchased “brand new”. I have 10 other brass locomotives, but they are all “used” models.
When I opened the box, I was extremely impressed with the quality and appearance of the locomotive but I was also disappointed to find absolutely no literature from the vendor. This locomotive was advertised as “DCC Ready” and yet not a single piece of paperwork with instructions or directions from the vendor of how to install a decoder.
Is it too much to expect that after spending a little over $1700 for a locomotive that the vendor provides some kind of instructions or literature along with their product? Maybe it’s just me, but when I purchase an Atlas or Proto 2000 locomotive, they all come with literature and instructions.
I agree with you, Michael. Personally, I would be very interested in learning specifics about the type of locomotive I had, as well as the history (e.g. builder, date, where it served, retired, etc.) of the specific road number. Yea, I know I would probably be able to dig it up online or in a book somewhere but…having the information in front of you as you scrutinize the detailing helps to personalize the locomotive.
An exploded view of the locomotive is also quite handy - especially if and when you need to work on it. I’m one of those who doesn’t buy locomotives to collect them, nor to to have them sit on a shelf.
PFM, Westside, NWSL, and Hallmark regularly included specs about the prototype. Current importers provide nothing of that nature. Wonder why? At the prices they charge surely they can include something.
I haven’t even taken it out to the club yet to run here for the first time. I’m waiting to hear back from PSM as to what they mean by “DCC” ready. I had visions in my head of simply opening up the tender and installing a Tsunami and speaker, but there is not an wire running from the tender to the locomotive. Waiting to hear back from PSM about what exactly they mean by “DCC” ready.