PRR I1s - anything

I would say that the 3rd Rail models are tops. 

Norm

Recently upgraded to EOB, Third Rail I1 decapod.

 

Top shelf.

 

Here is a picture of my MTH I1.  A good runner with all the MTH Premier features.

 

 

Looks pretty good.

I take it you are looking for a scale loco........but in case you are open to any Hippo....

 

MTH RK with long haul tender. Since I am going scale I too would like a scale Hippo....but that will have to wait. For now this one is a good stand in!! 

 

 

The 3rd Rail model is my choice. It was produced in the conventional-only era, so if you run command you have to face the cost of such upgrade.

One warning: 3rd Rail packaged the loco in the same really soft foam used for HO locomotives. Mine arrived with severe shipping damage. If you can't pick up your I1  in person you need an earnest conversation with the seller about packaging.

Gary, formerly the repair guru for 3rd Rail, arranged to have my loco repaired by a brass guru (perfect job), upgraded the gears, and repainted it in flat black. It's a beauty and now I have to ERR it...

I have had both US Hobbies and Sunset I1s decapods.    I was not that happy with the sunset version and traded it off.    It was very well detailed, but did not track as well as the USH version.    I think also the sunset version was made with a softer brass and was more fragile.  

 

Max Grey also imported brass models of the I1s.   They are not as detailed as the USH but are pretty good when painted up.   Many people prefer to remotor the Max Grey models because they tend to run slow.    

 

All the USH, MG, and Sunset versions have articulated side rods which allows them to handle curves much better.   The USH actually have 3 sets of blind drivers also.

 

I have seen the MG with both long and short tenders and also the Sunset came with long and short tender versions.   I have only ever seen the USH with the short tender.

Here's a couple of my Third Rails. Both have ERRCo cruise. The gear ratio in these engines is very conducive to smooth running. My apologies to Bob Bartizek, I have yet to fix the number plates!

Very interesting technical information, however it is all related to 2-Rail SCALE models, and thus really is immaterial to 3-Rail 027 Trains & Hi-Rail Trains.

 

As a 3-Rail SCALE modeler, I would choose the Sunset/3rd Rail model over any of the other PRR I1S models available on the 3-Rail market. Just up-grade the Sunset/3-Rail model from conventional to TMCC with the ERR cruise commander.

I was hoping MTH released the hippo again, but I am in no hurry. I want it in proto 3.

I could be very happy with one of those!

My decapods have been sitting on the layout and realized I've never taken photos.  This thread gave me the inspiration.  Just love these engines.  They are special to me since they were used to haul the ore train to my home town of Mt. Carmel.

 

 www.toytrainsontracks.com

 

 

great looking locomotives!

My understanding is that Pennsy had more of these than any other locomotive.  

 

The Third Rail model with the long haul tender is so well geared, when you add EOB, the code numbers, for chuff rates were significantly different from just about everything else I had running EOB.  

There is also a flange positioning that needs to be noted. First driver, front and second driver from the back are flanged, all other are blind drivers.  So even as a decapod, it operates on some pretty tight curves.   

Originally posted by Norm Charbonneau:

My apologies to Bob Bartizek, I have yet to fix the number plates!

Why is that? Is it because the plates are to be black instead of Oxide red?

 

 

 

Is it because the plates are to be black instead of Oxide red?

Indeed. Red number plateson an I1 are just sinful

A little off subject but the photos posted above by Norm and Rich can give you an idea of the visual differences between Atlas and ScaleTrax. Both of these fellas are excellent 1st rate modelers and have done an great job with their track.  

Wow, those look great. Which manufacturer made these?

BessemerSam,

 

 Thanks, these are MTH premier models.  One is 20-3253-1 and the other is 20-3117-1.  I made sure I got both a short and long tender version.  They were offered quite a while ago, however, I did see one on ebay right now.  The look and run great.  The smoke units pour out the smoke and the whistle sounds just like the real thing.  MTH did a great job on these.  I'm surprised Lionel has not done them yet. 

 

Rich

My photos do not do justice to my MTH Premier Dec (short tender) but I like it a lot.  I bought it off the OGR board.  It was rather touchy in operation.  I had 2 techs try to deal with flywheel strips, a squeak and erratic running.  I eventually had ERR installed and 4 chuffs added.  It runs sweet now and is one of my favorites.  I cannot bring myself to weather it for lack of that skill set.  The photos of others are great.

 

 

 

Rich,

 

i would buy buy a Legacy Dec with a long distance tender in a heartbeat.

 

if MTH comes out with a PS3 version it would be tempting. 

 

JohnB