Trix HO Alco PA-1 Two Unit Set - Union Pacific

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Been looking to round out my late steam and early diesel motive power and came across this interesting tidbit: (when I should be in bed for work tommorro [|)])

  • 600 Class
  • Diecast metal frame and body
  • 5-pole high-efficiency motor in both units
  • Comes from the factory with a built-in DCC-Selectrix decoder for harmonized control of the two motors
  • Can also be used in analog
  • 4 axles powered
  • RP 25 wheel flanges
  • Kadee compatible couplers
  • Special close coupling between the two locomotive units
  • Headlights and lighted number boards
  • Prototypical blinking Mars headlight
  • Length over the couplers: 18-5/16"

For under $200 bucks, this has got me interested. BUT, as I’m rather new to hobby, I was wondering if I’ve missed something and would greatly appreciate you comments before adding her to my stable. It is on special from an online store.

Again Thanks. Oh, let me know if I’ve miss any vital details

Loco

p.s. I did do good 15 minutes of searching but not much came up…

2

Trix is made by Marklin of Germany. Most excellent models.

3

If the <$200 price is for the set, it’s a real bargain.

The price in the Walthers 2006 HO scale catalog for the set is $469.00 MSRP.

4

Loco,

I bought a Trix 2-8-2 Mike a few months ago because they dropped the price substantually. It is a TERRIFIC locomotive. If the Trix Alco PAs are anything like their Mikados, I’d jump all over it. Does it come with sound?

Tom

5

I’m not sure…That was one of my concerns. Here is the link to the TRIX website:

http://www.trixtrains.com/american.html

Have to scroll a down a few.

6

Loco,

It doesn’t appear to come with sound. But from the description, both units are powered and do have decoders. PA units are fairly big. My guess is that if you wanted to put in sound later on - even though the PA B-unit is powered - you would still have room under the hood to do that. Anyone disagree with that statement?

Loco, I just checked Tony’s Train Exchange web site. Tony’s has the LokSound 3.5 sound decoder & speaker for the PA units at a decent price.

Hope that helps…

Tom

7

That’s what I figured, no sound. While I was scouting about, I found a D&RG (I think) and the write up stated “Digital” in the title and highlighted the DCC sound. So there must be a LITTLE room for a speaker :o)

Now I’ll have to decide if this will be my FIRST decoder install!!!

8

I just recieved this e-mail:

Hello,

The ALCO PA does not have a sound. 

Brenda Hensleigh
Sales & Marketing Coordinator

Märklin, Inc.
PO Box 510559
New Berlin, WI 53151
262-784-8854
9

Loco,

E-mail any one of the three below and see what they would recommend installing into the Trix PAs, if it IS possible (and I think it would):

  1. Empire Norther Models (Tim Smith)
  2. Litchfield Station (Bruce Petrarca)
  3. Tony’s Train Exchange (Tony)
    Acutally, the other thing to do is to e-mail back Brenda @ Marklin and find out what sound decoder they would recommend.

Tom

10

Just a reminder, Tom. The Trix PA set is two back to back A units.

11

Yes, come to think of it, I did notice that. Hopefully there will still be some room under there anyhow. Thanks, Jonathon! [:)]

Tom

12

I have heard that those things pull like crazy. But anyway there should be plenty of room for a sound install, and Loksound decoders sure do sound great!

Good luck

13

I’m not sure I’ll get use to the outstanding info here…thanks yet again. I’m going to e-mail her back and see what they might suggest (and if they might have plans for a ‘digital’ version) as well as contacting the stores mentioned above. Sometimes the “corporate” answere is not always the best way to go :wink: But then, sometimes it is :o)

In any case, I will post the resutles… and I’m leaning towards getting them beauties. SOOO be prepaired and forwarned fer a few questions on decoder installations!!! LOL

The “buy now” price is listed at $189. So from what you all are saying, it a good purchase yes?

14

Loco,

Again, from the description, the Trix PAs are the “digital version” - just not with sound. Unless they are inferior in quality, you can (and probably should) just keep the motor decoder in place. A sound-only decoder can be added without disturbing the setup.

Tom

15

Yup Tom, I was a bit unclear about that. They are DCC, just no sound. I e-mailed Mrs. Hensleigh a few minutes ago and will update ya all.
16

Loco,

I look forward to hearing what you find out.

Tom

17

Up-date on the sitch:

Hi,

We recommend Soundtraxx or Loksound.

Brenda 

Brenda Hensleigh
Sales & Marketing Coordinator

And there ya have it. I e-mailed a distributer and he said the company reduced the pricing as a special and was not sure how long it would run. So now I need to figure out exactly which sound system to instal :o)

18

Well, went and bought them, 179.00 and got a $10 gift cert! Guess I’ll use it to by a decoder. Will keep ya all posted.

LAte
Loco

19

Do you know of any examples of this 2 decoder installation? I just aquired a set of these PA today.

I had heard that dual decoder installations in blueline Broadways could be a problem?

20

Not a problem but best to use an N scale motive decoder due to space considerations. The factory installed decoder is sound and lights only.

Rich