Scott,
Are the Harriman cars samples? I can't wait to get mine!
Would it be possible to post a few pictures? Understand these are coming late '16 or early '17....
Thanks!
D500 posted:Depending on the individuals compared, I do not find this to be true:
"I know based on pictures 3rd rail makes locos with detail that severely outclasses the majors." The word "severely" is truly inappropriate.
This opinion is from direct comparison of my "inventory", not photographs. I own several 3rd Rail locos, all steam except for the NYC T-3 electric. I own numerous Lionel, MTH and Weaver steamers. They all sit side-by-side on the layout or shelves.
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3rd Rail locos are problematic in my experience - and I own more than one. They have ranged from fine out of the box to "what was that that fell off and hit the floor?". (The loose flywheel on the motor shaft of my SP MT4 was an interesting "feature" - until I found it I thought that I had a bad cruise control. It loosens occasionally...)
Anyway, be prepared for anything; I am sure that many have had excellent luck with 3rd Rail; but I - and others I know - have had some (not all) "annoying" (oh, boy) experiences. I have only rarely been "annoyed" like that with L or M or W products. The superior detailing - even when present - is not of large degree (looked at a Lionel AC9 lately?).
The thin cross-section of brass construction is undeniably visually nice, however. But my Weaver/Samhongsa locos have that.
The SP&S E-7 from Scott is an outstanding diesel and the steamers, of which some have had performance problems when received, are great locomotives once the glitch is fixed. One of them, to be honest, I had to figure out myself (with good input from you-all,) and fix (the infamous SPS 902 adventure). 3rd Rail has always stood behind their products and Scott has never hesitated to repair under-warranty. When out of warranty Sunset will still service them, but naturally there is a small fee and postage expense.
Any of these newer electronics-loaded locomotives can develop problems the likes of which take a Gunrunner John or GGG to figure out!
Cincytrains posted:I have a humble opinion, I have one 3rd rail loco, New Haven FL-9. And Ill never buy another. Its been back 3 times for some type of issue and you are looking at a month as it takes 1 week each way. It is a beautiful loco, sounds are low volume, but perfect to look at. Again, in my opinion, I do not believe they are made for Lionel style running. By that I mean hours on the layout and a good clip. I think they are made to look at and run somewhat. For the record, my Legacy loco's have been excellent so far.
Sorry to read of your problem. We have many 3rd Rail locomotives on the layout; they stay there and run and run. Yes, we have had a few problems that drive one nuts, but they have all been resolved. The SPS 902 Challenger was the worse to resolve, but we did it!
Our 3rd rail Z-8 has over a hundred hours running time now and after the initial speed sensor replacement, which failed first time out years ago, has never faltered since. And it will pull a ton of cars.
Kerrigan posted:We've quite a few 3rd Rail (Sunset) locomotives. Super nice detailing, especially on the recent ones. Mixed bag with older ones as far as the electronics holding up. A couple had bad antenna reception problems which we were able to fix with Kapton tape and nylon screws. The big Z-8 will pull most anything. Some of the smaller locomotives, like the NP A-3, are lighter and don't pull as many cars ... especially on grades.
Only one left on the deadline at this time, needs tires replaced ... another PIA.
The passenger cars Scott has vended are very nice, although the heavyweight cars couplers totally suck; the really stay closed as they are a PIA to open ... forget using an uncoupling track.
The TIMKEN Four Aces is one of the most beautiful ones, pushing the SP Daylight out of "the most beautiful locomotive" status.
The ever-increasing prices, and having to maintain/repair/upgrade the existing stable, have limited future purchases for sure.
But it doesn't mean we would hesitate to purchase "The Locomotive" ... when it comes out ... or the heavyweight North Coast Limited ... or GN Empire Builder ... maybe Golden Gate already did? Don't know. I'm having a "dumb day" ..
Kerrigan posted:But it doesn't mean we would hesitate to purchase "The Locomotive" ... when it comes out ... or the heavyweight North Coast Limited ... or GN Empire Builder ... maybe Golden Gate already did? Don't know. I'm having a "dumb day" ..
The GN Empire Builder is available for reservations now and could really use some to make it happen.
rdunniii posted:Kerrigan posted:But it doesn't mean we would hesitate to purchase "The Locomotive" ... when it comes out ... or the heavyweight North Coast Limited ... or GN Empire Builder ... maybe Golden Gate already did? Don't know. I'm having a "dumb day" ..
The GN Empire Builder is available for reservations now and could really use some to make it happen.
Isn't that the 1956 streamlined train with domes? Looking for the old heavy-weight Empire Builder in the dark green with gold lettering, steam-era train.
I have a charge on my credit card for my Southern Railway SD9. They must be about ready to ship.
Neal Jeter
In Scott's November Update he said the ship was to arrive the 11th and the engines are to ship the week of Thanksgiving. In an email Scott had said that they charge credit cards when the ship arrives.
Jan
Container comes Wed afternoon. We are not open Thursday. Friday and Monday sorting and shipping. It will take all week to ship out these orders. We need to make sure multiple road orders get multiple road numbers etc. Very excited. Go Go Go.
Scott
Got my UPS tracking number for my Southern SD9. Due to arrive 11/29.
Neal Jeter
I got my number too----PRR SD9.
Norm
My EMD SD7 demonstrator is scheduled to be delivered Friday, 11-25-2016, according to UPS.
My Tiger Stripes will be here Wed before Thanksgiving
I have about twenty. Many were purchased on the secondary market. I'm very happy with them. The mechanisms tend to be "tight" at first but once carefully "broken in" they are splendid runners. I'm looking forward to the T&P "Texas" type 2-10-4 I have on order. I'm not buying much in O scale these days as the big steam offerings from "L" & "M" are mostly reruns with new technology these days. I'm happy that Scott is offering locomotives that no one else will produce.
Phase 1 Shipping (Multiple Road Numbers) Complete.
Phase II Shipping Today, Single orders.
Phase III: International Monday Next Week
A note in case you have any problems. Christopher is having his corrective surgery 11.29. He may be out for more than 1 month. I leave for China the same Day. So if you are having any problems, need technical assistance, anything, please email me, sdmann@3rdrail.com. I am always online.
The SP 0-6-0s are done. We will put them in the container with the El Capitan 2nd Run due to finish late December.
Thanks for all your patience and support.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING...
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family,Scott.
Norm
I recently bought a Third Rail AC9 oil fired and have been working with Scott on a derailing issue. There was an initial problem with the antenna in the tender falling off that they fixed right away, but the locomotive has been fine with one exception. I am having lots of problems with it derailing. I'm not sure how much of it is due to the locomotive and how much is due to my Gargraves track, which seems to be very fragile and easy to bend out of alignment, particularly if one is setting up and changing layouts or working around them. So far, though, we have not found a real solution. The front drivers just drive up and over the rails entering or leaving turns (primarily). But not ALL turns...
