My MTH Swiss Kroc Has Arrived!

Art, I thought delivery had been put back to mid next year? Are they now shipping to the US?

Why is it called Crocodile and not Alligator???

The Green "CROCODILE" has shipped in the US and the Brown one is scheduled to in a few weeks..

Eddie G:

 

RE: the nickname, "Crocodile"

 

Perhaps the Swiss were more familiar with African crocodiles than American alligators. 

@ Tinplate Art...you will not be disapointed with it, just make sure to well lubricate the side rods as they are ship bone dry.

And yup back in the 20's Crocodile was much more commonly used than Alligator.

 

@Dave Allen..the Croc has ship in the US since a couple of weeks (green) brown shipping now and only 3 rails so far...

The one who are marked shipping in May 2013 is already the second run, they have a different cab #.

 

A word of advise, the box mention minimum 054 (catalog and web still mention 042), since I only use it on 072, can only say that he operate extremely well on these curves..will once try on Fastracks 048 see if it can take it, doubtfull.

 

Now going back to running the Croc, probably already has 20 hrs of run time in the last 2 weeks..

 

Hello All,

 

Just got my green Crocodile...most excellent job! The pantographs have good detail.

Seriously considering getting the brown Crocodile. I have heard rumors that MTH in both HO and O gauge are selling additional types of European engines that will not be available in the US market...any truth to this?  I would like to see many more European engines produced my MTH. I used to collect Marklin and Arnold Rapido European engines before getting into O gauge.

Have had my green Kroc for several days now. My minimum diameter curves are 72" and it runs quite smoothly on them. Pantographs are automatic with direction of travel, and are quite detailed though delicate.

 

The capacitance circuit (NO batteries!!) - something LGB employed quite a few years ago - takes a bit of getting used to as it charges up - 15-20 seconds or so, but is very reliable.

 

The European whistle is spot-on and the German conversations in PFA mode are a nice touch.

 

The engine is somewhat of a challenge to lubricate - turning it upside down with those delicate pantographs is a bit tricky, bit not impossible.

 

Nicely detailed engine and great LED lights that change color with the direction of travel.

 

The bell appears to be an automatic type such as might be found on an electric prototype.

 

This engine, along with my VL Hudson and "Brute", has most assuredly become one of my all time favorites!

Any word on when the 2 rail versions are due?

Right on about the green croc.  I just visited Sidetrack Hobbies in Leonardtown, Md.  and they have two on the shelf. 

Swiss engine never ever had a bell (as most European engines)...At least MTH has finally admited that in their 2013 catalog and future engine/version will not include a ****ing bell sound...

 

Glad that you enjoy this locomotive...Have a wonderful Krok Christmas..

Everyone enjoy your Crocs!!!  That is one beautiful engine. My turns are too tight to run it. I like the looks of the Croc so much it may finally get me moving to correct my turn issues. I'm reall happy to see everyone's posts indicate it is as nice as I hoped, and great detail. LaFondue, if your there, thanks for the videos you post. I watch them several times. 

Thanks...well I hope that 1 day you will be able to operate one..hint, hint take the plunge for wider curves...it's so worth it, even for smaller engine.

 

Haven't had time to try on 048 so far...will do now during the 2 weeks Christmas break..

 

Wishing you a great Christmas.

Sincerely,

That is so cool!

Lafondue:

 

Suspected the prototype did not have a bell.  At least it is a nice bell! My LGB baby Kroc had vacuum brake sounds as well as side rod "slap", which were tres cool!

They should have a Swiss cow bell.

@ Frank S.......he look great with the Rheingold

 

@ Dave Allen...would have been more accurate

 

Lafondue:

Thanks for the video! I checked with my dealer, but unfortunately still no sign of the brown Crocodile. My beer wagons have been waiting for the engine.

 

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA

Mine arrived on the 12th and shipped back to MTH on the 13th. Dead short when power applied to track. Also found 1 pan from cat laying in box. I feel that this is going to be a problem for anybody running from catenary power. Also had several small pieces bent. All in all it looks like engine was not secure enought in packing to prevent excessive movement during shipping. I would have attempted to open engine to check for loose boards except for Catenary problem. looks like it was spot welded and would likely have to be replaced. Tech told me he didn't think they had any spare parts yet.

I have 4 MTH European engines and 3 have had to be returned to factory for repair.

38 Lionel Scale with only 1 returned for repair. I was able to fix most problems without returning to Lionel. The Quality control from Asia is terrible. I don't have anything against MTH, but I have to believe that products coming form Asia are getting even less reliable.  I'm  sure all the manufactures are having the same problems. Just my thoughts.

 

As of December 27th my local hobby dealer has not gotten his shipment of the tuscan colored crocodile as their wholesaler Emery Distributors has not received them either.

Has anybody received their's who did order them?

 

Ed G.

Mine arrived as well in Tuscan.  Only issue some of the pilot details were bent from the tight wrapping job...but they look to be bendable...I will leave them be.  One of the catenary pickups would also not snap in place in the down position but I assume thats a non issue.

Thank you Mike W. Will inquire next week. I just keep wondering about the minimum curve that they can operate on. MTH folks last told me that the crocodile will operate on 042 curves. I use 048 curves so I should be ok, if not Rich Foster said I can return mine if it does not run on 048 curves. In their lastest catalog the next two to come out say minimum 054 curves. That's what happens when a new model is to come out. They are never sure what the minimum curve will be until they get the production model.

 

Ed G.

The croc pilot details (steps, stanchions, etc) are BENDABLE! Just do it carefully and gently.

Are our other Swiss and German forum members pleased with the detail level on this fine loco?

I believe at least one or more of our European members had some input with MTH regarding sounds and details.

 

It is one NICE locomotive!