Here's my latest review fellas. Hope you enjoy it.
Thanks,
Eric Siegel
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Eric...
I watched the video and as always, it is fantastic. I can't imagine a better review...! You cover every aspect of this model and do so in the most complete and detailed way. Also, we at OGR are very pleased with your references to the magazine and the forum and are proud of our association with you!!
Thanks!
Alan
I never thought an unusual issue as the smoke coming out the wrong place would be something that would come along, but thanks for pointing that out for all of us Eric.
MTH has a retrofit kit to correct the smoke issue.
Originally Posted by ptalar:
MTH has a retrofit kit to correct the smoke issue.
We know, Eric already explained it in great detail.
A well done, informative video as always Eric!
Did anyone notice that the retrofitted smoke unit is not working properly? Or maybe it is. The smoke just seems to gently flow out of the top of the unit. It seems that the fan is not working to push the smoke out of the top. Compare it to the rear smoke unit. This is very unusual for a MTH product. Nobody smokes better than MTH. Is this normal or is there an issue here. How about some other forum members that own this loco please chime in.
Originally Posted by jini5:
Did anyone notice that the retrofitted smoke unit is not working properly? Or maybe it is. The smoke just seems to gently flow out of the top of the unit. It seems that the fan is not working to push the smoke out of the top. Compare it to the rear smoke unit. This is very unusual for a MTH product. Nobody smokes better than MTH. Is this normal or is there an issue here. How about some other forum members that own this loco please chime in.
This was actually the case when MTH first brought out the Veranda Turbine in 1998, as well as the PS2 versions later on, at least as far as I can remember.
The reason the smoke doesn't shoot out of the front stack with a lot of force is because it's blowing out of a stack that's about 2 inches wide...as opposed to a normal smokestack which is maybe 1/2 inch wide. So it loses a bit of its sting.
One thing that I've thought about trying in order to improve this is to install a DC/DC converter in line to the fan motor to increase the voltage going to fan by maybe a 0.5 or 1 volt so that the fan blows harder. I don't want to ramp it up too much and burn out the motor, but maybe just an extra 0.5 volt or so will do the trick.
I'll let you guys know how it works out.
-Eric
Originally Posted by jini5:
Did anyone notice that the retrofitted smoke unit is not working properly? Or maybe it is. The smoke just seems to gently flow out of the top of the unit. It seems that the fan is not working to push the smoke out of the top. Compare it to the rear smoke unit. This is very unusual for a MTH product. Nobody smokes better than MTH. Is this normal or is there an issue here. How about some other forum members that own this loco please chime in.
I enjoyed the review even thou I 'try" to stick to just steam.
Thanks,
Dan
Another fine review. Thanks Eric!
Very nice review. I wonder if MTH used old or new tooling for the ABS body?
Also, I wonder why this is not scale 3-2? I am now not sure to buy one since I like the 3-2 conversion ability on my MTH locos when ever I buy a PS2/3 one.
Originally Posted by ericstrains.com:
One thing that I've thought about . . . don't want to ramp it up too much and burn out the motor, but maybe just an extra 0.5 volt or so will do the trick.
A better approach might be to restrict the large opening, cutting it down in cross-section so that airflow would be a bit faster coming out. I have to say that the smoke looks very unnatural to me, and I think maybe your plan would increase voltage a bit more than would be best for the stock motor.
Anyway, thanks for that beautiful review. The Veranda has always been one of my favorites and MTH's latest looks wonderful, in spite of that minor smoke issue. t
The front smoke unit was designed for the usual diameter smoke stack found on diesels, but with the Veranda's huge opening the pressure drops dramatically hence the smoke velocity has to be increased a lot before exiting the big opening. I think increasing the smoke motor speed may be the more effective solution although decreasing the output area will also increase the smoke output. So may be a combination of both solutions...
Another great review.
Personally, i would just run with the smoke unit off on this engine. Diesels do smoke, but no where near what a steam locomotive does. Because all engines of the same manufacturer use the same smoke unit, there is not much difference between diesels and steamers which to me breaks the illusion in our tiny world.
Ideally, I want the steamers to smoke more than the diesels (or no smoke from the diesels) IMHO.
Anyway, it was a great review and an impressive beast on the rails.
Originally Posted by Lee Willis:
Originally Posted by ericstrains.com:
One thing that I've thought about . . . don't want to ramp it up too much and burn out the motor, but maybe just an extra 0.5 volt or so will do the trick.
A better approach might be to restrict the large opening, cutting it down in cross-section so that airflow would be a bit faster coming out. I have to say that the smoke looks very unnatural to me, and I think maybe your plan would increase voltage a bit more than would be best for the stock motor.
Anyway, thanks for that beautiful review. The Veranda has always been one of my favorites and MTH's latest looks wonderful, in spite of that minor smoke issue. t
This is the better fix. A piece of clear plastic put under the exhaust grill with a small opening near the front will create a good plume and the clear plastic will not be visible unless the grill is under close scrutiny.
I would try reducing/restricting the area where the smoke comes out first and see what that does, no need to start out electrically right off the bat.
I don't know why, but the PS-1 version has greater volume of smoke and a more realistic flow. It's actually quite spectacular. You losd the fluid directly thru the stack.
Great review!
I always have wanted a Veranda, but never bit the bullet!
Will have to keep watch for a good deal 
Joe S.
Awesome review Eric, these reviews are so well done. Thanks for taking the time to do this.
Alex
Great review as always, Eric! I especially appreciate your attitude toward manufacturer mistakes. I've always tried to do the same. Goodness knows I make enough of them.
I just picked up MTH's original gas turbine (PS1), and can vouch for the amazing presence these things have. They are spectacular!
Fred
Great review Eric! Nice engine!
