MTH UP FEF Freight Set

Watching it now, thanks Eric.

Eric, super job on the review. That is a very nice set, and as always you did

a great job on the review and THANKS for sharing it with all of us!!

Just finished watching the review, nice work and set all around.

For the money, hard to beat.  A lot of 'value' in it.  6 MTH Premiere freight cars or 4 passenger cars for $150 more?  WOW, deal of the year!  Thanks Mike!

If it were mine, I'd remove the 'wartime headlight shroud' - file and touch up paint, good as new.  Most wouldn't notice it anyhow.  MTH has done many FEFs and misses this each time.

Also, I believe this should have the enclosed weather cab.  A History of Union Pacific Steam mentions from 1945 on, FEFs had them.  Guess MTH's model is a '44! HAHA.  The book is a little vague about it...Can't find it in Krattvile's The Mighty 800.

Not sure why they included a bay window caboose in the set-Bay window cabooses were well after the UP steam era.  Better choice would've been their CA-1; very nice and appropriate.

Overall, it's a nicely rendered model.  The boiler details are well done and the rods are incredibly accurate.  I just spent a lot of time researching FEF rods-not because I'm a nerd, but I just made a set for an FEF-1.  

Thanks again and the above is not to be negative towards the set/FEF.  MTH has given us a very nice model (s) and excellent runner.

Very nice review as usual. A few items that should be pointed out concerning this model:

1) The selection of road number 843 was a very good choice, as the 843 was one of the few FEF-3 locomotives that was up-graded to the Worthington Feedwater system, like 844.

2) The choice of road number 838, by MTH, is not a good idea, since the 838 was never up-graded to the Worthington Feedwater system, even though she still resides in the roundhouse at Cheyenne, as the "part engine" for 844.

3) Never figured out why MTH didn't/doesn't include the UP design "all weather" cab, with the fold-away rear cab wall/doors, as all the "big three" modern UP steam locomotives have such a cab. That also means that there would be no cab "curtains".

Very nice engine and review, keep them coming

Eric,

   I agree buying the set is the way to go however I do have to question your choice of best feature....the whistle. I did not go out and listen to 844 videos so I am not questioning the accuracy but the sound volume is quite low bearly heard it over the steam hissing sounds when at rest. Is there a way of turning up the whistle volume without raising the volume of all the sounds? The bell sound volume is fine but the whistle is way to low in my opinion. For best feature I would of gone with Is the old stand by for MTH engines...smoke volume. I did as usual enjoy the video.

JohnB

I agree with JohnB. It was hard to hear the whistle. 

The whistle is more audible that on the video. I'm not sure why it got drowned out a bit by the rest of the sounds. 

-Eric

The caboose is Union Pacific 24567.  If you google it, you will find pictures of it behind 844.  I would prefer one of MTH's great CA-1 cabooses as well.  24567 reflects it is assigned to Union Pacific steam specials and the MTH model reflects this designation.

Really nice set.. I am not impressed with the sound.. Not starting a fight I think Lionel legacy sounds are better.  But I bet you got the whole set for what the new legacy one will cost.  

First rate review.  I use your opinions and description when making a decision on what Engines/Sets to purchase.  I wish that I could get them all, but now that I'm retired, it's not practical.  I have both TMCC & DCS so I lean toward MTH. It is more cost effective too. I can't justify the same engine in both brands.

Fantastic great job Eric, keep up the good work

As always, another great review. Keep it up; can't wait for the next one!

Great review as usual.

I think it sounds terrible though.

Eric,

It would be nice if you explained how you did the asphalt road.

Thanks for another enjoyable video.

Great reviews as always Eric!

So nicely done.

I'm with Bob Shaw........how did you do the asphalt road?

It really looks good!

Thanks

Dave

Very nice set Eric!

Thanks for posting the video and information!