Roco/Model Power E7s

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I recently read that these tend to “self-destruct” after a few hours of running. How exactly is it that they “self-destruct”?

2

Not heard of this problem, but this thread about these locos might be of use:

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?page=-1&TOPIC_ID=14274&REPLY_ID=117287#117287

Hope this helps!

3

I actually don’t own one, but I have seen them on eBay and so far I’ve heard twice about them self-destructing.

4

Don’t know your source, but I never have heard this. I worked for Concor when they sold them. Are you sure they are not talking about the old Rivarossi’s with the pancake motor?

5

I heard it from people on eBay I think both times, both were auctions for the E7s. Maybe those people had bad luck with the Roco/Model Power E7s.

6

Personally, I would go with the P2K E7s - superior in every way (but price) to the Roco/Model Powers - and superior in everything but sound to the BLIs. (And soon not even that - a sound P2K E7 is just a matter of time as the sound E6s are out, and the E8s are coming.)

7

I’m sure the P2Ks are much better, but I’m not really interested in sound, unless it’s a turbine engine! (but I can’t afford those)

8

Model Power E7? These brutes will keep running like an old 57 Chevy! The motor inside is HUGE!

However, though I own a couple of Model Power E units, I would strongly recommend going with the P2K E units. They’re now low in price and IMHO, they are LL BEST and SMOOTHEST running diesels. The momentum in these units is impressive.

9

The current P2K E7s are non-sound, and even when LL makes a sound model they will also make non-sound versions.

You get what you pay for - at least if you buy Atlas, LL P2K, Stewart or Kato and (usually) Athearn !!!

Plus you can pick up a new P2K E7 off e-Bay for a really good price if you look for a while !!!

10

Thanks for all the info. What I heard about the Roco/MP E7s seems to be false. Now if I want one, I won’t have to look real hard for a Con-cor E7! Something about those old Model Powers seems more appealing than the P2Ks. Don’t ask why, they just do!

11

NWSL has replacement wheel/axle assemblies for them too.

12

Hey Darth, want a couple of E7’s?

13

Darth,

Please don’t take my response negatively. I’m a big fan of EMD E units.

I own a pair of Model Power E7s. They’re good looking units, however, In comparing one side by side to a P2K E7, it’s no contest.

(1) The Model Power E unit is not as well detailed. (P2Ks even give you lift rings!)
(2) It comes with that annoying screw hole in the roof, behind the cab.
(3) It typically growls much louder than any Athearn Blue Box locomotive.
(4) Only 8 wheels pickup juice, not 12 like the P2K, which means less pulling power.
(5) Considerably lighter in weight than the P2K E units, again less pulling power.

Sorry, I’m not trying to sound like a P2K salesman, but what appeal are you referring to? It’s like comparing the old 1970s Atari game system to a Sony PlayStation 2.

I was a teen in the 70s and I remember that for its 1970s-80s time,the Model Power Es were nice looking, mechanically tough locomotives. But we’ve come a long way since then and today’s P2K E units are a better deal overall.

As I stated on another thread, P2K E7s are going from about $35 to $50 on Ebay, new.
E8s, $60 to $80.

[:D][;)]

14

For some reason, when I look at an older engine and a newer engine, the older one I will sometimes think looks better than the new one. Don’t ask why, that’s just how it is with me. I’d gladly take an old Rivarossi Big Boy over a Trix Big Boy any day![:D]