New delivery.
SP AC-6 4-8-8-2 cab forward, original build ('flat face').
Imported by MTH in 2010. The engine is pretty old but I've been 'pleased' with 'older' engine that I have purchased in the past and haven't had any 'issues' with them.
Purchased from the seller who is the original owner and never ran it (or even removed it from the box).
I have an AC-6 by Key in the 'modern' cab front.
I bought this since it was only 350 bucks. When I consider it cost me about $150 just to install a decoder, speaker and lights, plus new engines are getting pretty expensive, it makes this purchase a 'no brainer' for me (plus it smokes).
Original wrapping.
Spare parts.
Cast metal boiler and tender so very heavy plus 'traction' tires.
Oiled all moving surfaces. They put a lot of 'slop' in 'side movement' of the drivers so they can negotiate tight curves.
Sometimes I have to add Kadee fiber washers to the end drivers to keep the engine from 'skewing' on the track.
They also make the drivers under the fire box rotate but it's not noticeable on my minimum 48" curves.
Nice 'brake rigging'. MTH puts springs on the drivers (like brass engines) which I, don't believe, other manufactures 'do'.
Bad packing by the Chinese.
Removed 2 screws securing the parts and was able to straighten the parts.
Power pickup (+/-) from both sides of the wheels.
Installed both sets of couplers supplied in the box: tender and front of engine.
Nice 'wireless' connection.
Tender water hatch cover access.
MTH engines smoke well.
I, always, test the engine under address 3 before changing it.
Nicely detailed. Window glass. Air hoses on front and tender.
Lighted number boards.
Nice yellow headlight.
Well detailed cab and crew.
Readable builder's plate, etc.
Early SP signature.
Lighted headlight and number boards.
Programming track.
JMRI couldn't read the decoder so I selected MTH Proto 3.
The data is in the roster but the decoder didn't take the 'info'.
Didn't take '4126' so I used the throttle but nada. Also inputted just a 2 digit address (being a 12 year old decoder) but same results.
Will have to research my other MTH engines.
SP roster:
The AC-6 by Key in 1984 with modern front.
front left: AC-4 by Key in 1984
front right: AC-12 by Tenshodo in 1976.
Back left: AC-6 by Key in 1984.
Back right: AC-7 by Key in 1984.
GS-4 by Westside in 1980.
AC-1 by Westside in 1980. In assembly mode.
AC-12 by Tenshodo in 1976.
AC-9 by Sunset in 1981.
AC-5 by Key in 1984.
Removed engines 'sitting' on 3rd track as incoming train engines couldn't escape from the train to depart to the roundhouse.
96 outside, 75 upstairs, 68 in the basement.
