This is a mini-review of the new MDC/Roundhouse 4-4-0 with DCC and sound. Everything here is based on a sample of one (can not speak for the 4-4-0 as a group). I purchased my 4-4-0 at retail and did not intend to write a review; however, information on this engine is sparse and my information may help someone else decide on the purchase of this engine. Caboose hobbies did put the engine on a DC track and show me that it worked (on DC) before I walked out with it; however, I did not get to play with it or try it on DCC.
Background info
I have a “under construction” layout based on Colorado silver mining in the early 20th Century. My layout is point-to-point with a 100’ main line at 2 % grade and is mostly curves (18" and 20" radius) with a 30’ continuous run loop that dips 1.5" halfway through (slight grade). I have one 15" radius curve in one yard lead-in and a few 17 1/2" radius curves in the mountains. I am running mostly 15 yr old engines which have been upgraded to DCC and need to be replaced. I needed a 4-4-0 for passenger/freight service between two communities. It had to be DCC and I wanted sound - not many choices in brands. This review is based on my layout, my other engines, and my personal expectations; you may not agree with my conclusions or expectations.
The “fleet”
Brass 2-6-0 (converted from a 2-6-2) with can motor and Lenz controller.
Roundhouse shay (constructed from a kit) with open frame motor and Lenz controller.
AHS (Rivirossi ?) 4-4-0 with tender drive can motor and Lenz controller.
(2) Proto 2000 0-6-0 with QSI sound.
Bachmann diesel (cheap - purchased with my Prodigy Advance DCC for debugging purposes)
Roundhouse 4-4-0 under review.
The test track before plaster was applied (reference info)
Dont feel alone, the bad sound quality, “confusion”, loss of control, lack of CV readback and overall poorness is typical of the MRC decoders, so its not just you. However, you have it easy with the MRC system, those decoders seem to work better on that than on the other systems. Overall it looks like a pretty sweet little engine, and its one of those locos that makes me wish I were modeling that era.
It looks as tho Bachman is about to bring out a 4-4-0 in the Spectrum line. I have heard conflicting reports as to if it will have a decoder or just the 8 pin socket, but it does not have sound. I would rather use my choice of decoder than have ‘’ who knows what factory installed’‘. Same for couplers, manufacturers think they are doing us a favor by supplying ’ magnetic knuckel couplers’ when most of us throw them in the box with the horn hooks & install KDs. jerry[:)]
Very well written. You obviously know your needs and how this engine fits those desires. With a review like this MR should be calling to hire you soon. [:D]
Alan, that’s a well written report there. I agree with Dragonrider MR will be calling. Thanks for the report and photos. It maybe that one of those will find a place on the DS&SE pulling the Miners Speical.
thanks for writing a great review . the engine seems a little dissapointing , i may have to go with the bachmann spectrum version even though this one is more appropriate for the 1900 era
Regarding the engine being tail heavy, where would you estimate this engine, without the tender attached, would balance? On a model steam locomotive it is usually best if the balance point is close to midway between the first and last driving axles. This means it is probably a good thing for a 4-4-0 to be somewhat tail heavy. Lead and trailing trucks should stay on the track with their own weight or with the assistance of a light spring.
One minor point… You mention the locomotive having traction tires on the rear drivers. However, photos seem to indicate the traction tires are on the front drivers (i.e. the geared axle). Might this be an inconsistency that varies from one model to the next?
Has anyone else noticed use of the MDC name in the documentation for this locomotive? I thought Horizon had relegated the MDC name to the history books…
Thank you for the time that you have put into preparing a well done, informative analysis of this model, especially your description of the testing environment. Quality opinions from “the field” are always of great value compared with commercial reviews restricted (understandably) to “straight and level track”.
Both of my 0-6-0’s and this 4-4-0 are going to get re badged to my road name. Since I am rebuilding after a 13 year period with no layout, getting operational has a higher priority than road names on engines.
To respond to other comments on the Bachmann 4-4-0 due out “sometime”; I want to see what they offer. My time period is early 20th Century which I can fudge from 1900 to about 1920 due to the overall theme and location. If the new Bachmann fits with this time period, and appears to be a “better” product; I would probably buy one. I do still have a good use for another 4-4-0. I am not adverse to getting another Roundhouse 4-4-0 though (other than paying for a wireless DC controller that I don’t want, and the lousy Roundhouse sound system). If the Bachmann does not fit my requirements, I will probably get another Roundhouse.
Is there any reason to believe the steam locomotive kits might be reissued? At one time Horizon announced the Roundhouse line would be ready-to-run only and thus there would be no more kits.
Does anyone know if the MDC 4-4-0 parts are available yet? The 4-4-0 that I want to model has the old style steam and sand dome and an oil tender. This combination is not available. Peter Smith, Memphis
I accepted delivery of the 4-4-0 in the B&O today (Finally) and pulled it out of the box and set it down on the workbench track with a Tech 4 220 throttle attached to it.
I found the sound to be hissy and the whistle poor. But alot of it is due to my hearing aids which may create sound that is somewhat different than the normal ear. I dont know yet what it will do on DCC.
Sometimes the slow start will take a moment and chuffs early before the wheels actually turn… I find this a minor annoyance but will get used to it. I think this is due to my Broadways needing to be connected to the motor and when it turns it chuffs properly. MRC may be a little bit cheaper in keeping everything in the tender. Chuffs and all.
I found the cost to be a little steep for such a minimal detailed engine, however I recognize that it is equipped with (Dual mode) DCC and Sound and got it at a discount so I will not complain too loudly.
With the bad out of the way, now for the good.
It runs smoothly. Pulls 6 weighted cars on the track level without any problems. Forwards and backwards without jerking. That pretty much assured it’s pernament home with the Falls Valley Railroad. Nothing like a first test on dirty workbench track with a few joint problems to reveal potential problems.
The detail is minimal and the rest is well done considering that this is a basic Roundhouse 4-4-0 just like it must have looked like back in Kit form long ago.
I consider this little engine a keeper. I dont know what it will do out on the main with the local modular club but it will be run sometime this month with the Overland B&O passenger set and I hope to capture it on video at that time.
I give this engine 4 anvils out of 5. It’s just too bad the whistle is poor in analog mode using the wireless remote. You cannot “Toot” it short and the sound must have been recorded in a hurricane.
Visit Youtube and look for the william mason B&O engine that was tested recently. TH
After 50 days of operation the 4-4-0 shorted out while crossing the yard. It had been operating just fine and was slowly running across the yard to hitch up to the daily passenger run to Arock. It just stopped and the 1156 bulb (circuit protection) lit up for that block. I checked and all wheels were on the track (the engine running on the continuous run loop continued as did the engines at idle in the other blocks - the 1156 bulb system really works well). I lifted the engine and checked (under magnification) for any debris or visible problem; nothing seemed to be out of place or disconnected. I checked with an ohmmeter and found that there was a dead short between wheels left and right side. Jiggle and shake and poke and still have the dead short. As best as I can tell, the magic smoke is still inside as I did not see it escape.
Leaving out all of the detail involved in the decision process: I bought another Roundhouse 4-4-4 on Wednesday. It runs fine and has the same “poor-but-acceptable” sound.
Thursday, Caboose Hobbies exchanged the dead unit for a new one. The new one runs great and sounds just like the others.
Last week, I bought a Spectrum 4-6-0 with small drivers (had to fit a 9" turntable) and added a decoder (no sound). It is an OK engine, but not one that will be purchased again. It did show that the 4-4-0 is really a “good buy” in its’ price range.
Here is the replacement for #10 (it will get re badged to the BAH RR):
Here is the addition ( #12). It will stay as D & RGW as I have a full set of passenger cars in the old style. This will become my outside world interface engine.
If there are any new developments, I will add them to this post.
I do have the Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0 that I purchased several years ago and it runs fine but is showing it’s age.
I will need to read up on the 1156 light system you talk about it sounds like you are using a auto light bulb on your block. But where is it connected to?
My 4-6-0 fits the barely acceptable category - both workmanship/design and performance. Note that my comparisons of engines all refer to the detail, sound quality, and running performance of my two P2k 0-6-0’s.
The 1156 tail light bulb limits current flow to about 2 amps and is used as short circuit protection. The bulbs are cheap and provide a visual indication of where the problem lies. I have seven common rail blocks in my layout (plus a switchable program track / operating track that is isolated on both rails). The bulb just goes in series with the non-common feeder. A short in one block just lights up the bulb, protects the devices on the block (at least short term) and lets all of the other blocks continue as if nothing happened. A circuit breaker will also work; it will not give a nice visual indication though (nothing like seeing all that light on your feet to attract attention).
