MTH ALCO PA's ???

A quick phone call to MTH, and post the results here?

My impression is that most models are to be converted to the 3-2 configuration with all axles replaceable and powered.  They have not gotten around to it for all models.

SantaFe Jim also wrote in another thread:

I grew up living just 1/2 block north of the Santa Fe main line in s small suburb west of Chicago.  I have seen hundreds of El Capitans in-bound and out-bound.  All were power by F-units on the point with only one exception.  Believe it or not, ALCO PA's.

Once and only once.  Those loud smoky &$#?@'s are burned into my memory because up until that time, I thought that American Flyer were the only trains that had ALCO's.

Me thinks you are looking to recreate a one in a lifetime experience.

Sorry I can't help answer your question, besides, I personally believe life is better with F units.    They were keeping the Zeman household in diapers around that time. 

Regards,

Jerry

gnnpnut stated:

"Sorry I can't help answer your question, besides, I personally believe life is better with F units.    They were keeping the Zeman household in diapers around that time. "

I hear you loud and clear.  Let's not forget those puppies have probably helped make a dent in college tuitions and funded some fine dining at the Crystal,  as well.  

I LOVE F-units, but I am exploring the possibility of the "American Flyers" as an occasional alternate. 

bob2 -

Can you please explain, I have no idea what the "3-2 configuration" means.

 Sure:

 " . . . the 3-2 configuration with all axles replaceable and powered. "

Well, not quite. The "3/2 configuration" for MTH's latest locomotive offerings, especially diesels, generally means that the model can either be ordered in "2-Rail" with SCALE wheels, fixed pilots, and full length hand railings. There is a small with under the model for "2-Rail" operation or "3-Rail" operation (the 3-Rail pick-up rollers are also included in the box, for those desiring to operate their 2-Rail SCALE model on 3-Rail track & power).

The other option, is to order your model in the traditional 3-Rail configuration with "hi-Rail wheels" and of course the large "Electro-Couplers".

The catch in all of this however, is MTH has NOT retooled all of their reissued locomotives to the "3/2 configuration", thus if not so indicated in the catalog, the model can ONLY be ordered in the 3-Rail "Hi-Rail" configuration. To my knowledge, the MTH ALCO PA models have not been "retooled". 

Remember Clink-Clink-Clunk on the old Proto-1 MTH engines?  Remember chip failure when the battery died?  

That was MTH 1994 technology.  Yep way back then the Premier ALCO PA's had those problems.  They also had blind wheel sets so that they could run on O-31 curves.  Guess what?  Twenty years later, battery problem fixed, smoke units added, DCS upgrades all around, dozens of programable and recallable features abound and numerous other features added.  However, the blind wheel sets are still in place.  This in spite of the fact that the MTH SD40-2 and several other 6-axle diesels having the blind axle on the middle axle of each truck, where by the way, it never extends outside the railhead going through a curve.   Did I mention that Weaver produced their 6-Axle diesels with center blinds back in 1993?  I'm gonna stop here cuz I don't want to be accused of bashing MTH.

Instead I will thank him for saving me $725 that I would have used to purchase the 2013 version of their Santa Fe A-B-A Alcos had they only resolved this issue.  We'll wait and see if anything changes over the next 20 years.  

Glad we fixed your problem.

My impression was that MTH was re-tooling gradually so that wheelsets could be replaced with screwdriver technology.  Guess I was wrong.  Too bad - it was a great idea - just purchase 2- rail wheelsets with gears, and replace the three rail wheelsets.

Even worse - I thought they were going to all axles powered, like K-Line did.  Makes a significant difference in 2- rail - my K-Line TMs are stump-pullers.

The MTH PAs are just about the most accurate PAs available.  The only flaw is the location of the anti-climber, and I know how to change that.  Too bad one cannot buy CLW trucks for these things.  My MTH PAs are all metal!

They have, on those 6-axle models that have been "retooled", such as their newest FM Train Master models. 

The MTH PAs are just about the most accurate PAs available.  The only flaw is the location of the anti-climber, and I know how to change that. 

Unfortunately, that cannot be said for the PRR versions of the Ps2 and Ps3 vintage. Many PRR as delivered came with the marker light small numberboard detil. Mth chooses the Pa2 style with the large number board.

So does that mean that the MTH PA models are correct for all the other railroads, especially the Santa Fe???

What I meant was overall shape and placement of stuff.  I think MTH did both versions of number boards.  I do not know if they put that overhead light that ATSF had on their warbonnet versions.  You have to calibrate me - the small stuff does not bother me, but the really glaring stuff does.  I know I am on the wrong forum.

I compared a MTH shell to the most expensive Key unit, side by side, and MTH "measures up".  The trucks and mechanisms need the "Train Master" upgrade, and surely they will get that in time.

What a beauty!

SantaFe Jim also wrote in another thread:

I grew up living just 1/2 block north of the Santa Fe main line in s small suburb west of Chicago.  I have seen hundreds of El Capitans in-bound and out-bound.  All were power by F-units on the point with only one exception.  Believe it or not, ALCO PA's.

Once and only once.  Those loud smoky &$#?@'s are burned into my memory because up until that time, I thought that American Flyer were the only trains that had ALCO's.

YEP, those monsters are really smokin' just as I remember them.  Thanks c.sam.

Great picture c.sam!

I love those smoky old ALCO's! (And, they looked great in D&H Champlain Blue )