ISO Experiences with the Weaver C-1 PRR 0-8-0 locomotive

Mine seems to run well with an EOB electronics upgrade and a new motor (Timko). Difficult to add an electro-coupler to the tender.  There were at least two different offering of this die-cast model.  Pictured Masonic offering, weathered when I purchased it. 

3 rail or 2 rail?    I had a 2 rail version.    It had flanges on all wheels, and solid side rods.    The solid side rods would not allow the wheels to adjust to curves.    It would go around 48 inch radius but would stall if running slow.     so you had to goose it up for the curves, then slow it down for the straights to keep it from being a slot car.   

I understand that the 3 rail one has blind center drivers, which means it is more like an 0-4-0 for tracking and the solid side rods will not cause an issue.    

I was referring to the 3-rail version.

George

Maybe @Bob will weigh in.  But I remember that even the 3-rail versions were considered poor runners that needed a lot of rework.  Unless you're determined to have the Pennsy Belpaire styling, I think you'll be happier with the Lionel Legacy or latest MTH Premier versions.  There was a bad batch from Lionel too, the ones that used Back-EMF for speed control.  Caveat Emptor!

Thanks all!

George

@Ted S posted:

Maybe @Bob will weigh in.  But I remember that even the 3-rail versions were considered poor runners that needed a lot of rework.  Unless you're determined to have the Pennsy Belpaire styling, I think you'll be happier with the Lionel Legacy or latest MTH Premier versions.  There was a bad batch from Lionel too, the ones that used Back-EMF for speed control.  Caveat Emptor!

That's a shame; it's a nice looking engine...

Mark in Oregon 

I have one. Not the best performer as delivered.  Runs too fast for a switching engine. Has 1 chuff exhaust with early generic steam railsounds. Has a Seuthe smoke unit. Detail is OK. In other words, don't expect too much, it's a OK engine.

ISO?

We have to apply standards to our experiences?

I have one and love it. I took it to Hennings in Lansdale several years ago and they added the Tmcc railsounds and the original GRJ supachuffa1! 

Originally Bob Lavezzi sold me the loco at Millburn Train and Hobby several month before his departure. It was a repainted Mason locomotive. But just my luck at the Weaver models July 2015 final blowout sale I found another shell with the  correct number and was able to swap out the shells then upgrade it at Hennings.  I take it out during Christmas and run some Polar Freight with it.