Ricardo and HO

Forgot to mention, I have a Rapido CN(green and gold) GMD-1; a remarkable piece... in every way.

Rick

Welcome back Rick.

I have 4 MTH Ho steam locomotives and they are amazing, well detailed, great sound and typical MTH smoke.

There are Ho guys that do nothing but bash MTH for trying to take over Ho, some early mistakes, etc. I like the MTH Ho trains and will keep buying them.

Thanks David.

I should mention, for those new to HO, that the manufactures of my HO equipment(Athearn Genesis, Broadway Limited, Rapido, Bowser and MTH) have produced some praise-worthy models; I would rate all of mine, as being well done... I was discerning, when it came to these purchases.

One thing that's been a nice experience, is some of the sound files, i.e. my BL 6000... cool!

MTH's automatic coupler's actually work quite nicely.

Canada's Rapido, is almost in a class by themselves... jacking up almost all benchmarks...

If it's possible, Athearn Genesis almost packs too much detail, in such small packages... visual "treats".

MTH continues to do what it's well-known for... it's an undeniable motivator/innovator... competitors( other HO manufacturers) end up delivering better products, if they want to stay in the game...

BTW, MTH drives, detail and electronics... take a back-seat to none. I was kind of amused when that HO player's(that I mentioned speaking with, above) staff member referred to the MTH Locomotives as - expensive top-of-the line models... "they're not your average $200.00 models... we only order them, if/when a customer reserves one...

BTW, next time you see a MTH HO SD70ACe, check out the on-the-roof detail, the radiator screens and the dynamic brake screen; that's what it's all about for me... unbelievable concise detail. Athearn Genesis just went with a solid(molded plastic) dynamic brake grill, for their 2015 SD75I model; and, my AG BNSF SD75I is a beautiful piece.

There's a lot of nice stuff in HO!

Rick

There are a lot of ill feelings, going back to the early DCC days. Ill feelings die hard.

Anyway, what is going on in HO really is fantastic. I love it. I have both Atlas Master and Athearn Genesis engines on order.

I had been out of HO for many years. Then, I checked out a new Atlas ALCO switcher with its ESU Loksound decoder. Wow ... both the operation and the 539T sound file!

O trains ... and HO trains ... apples and oranges. I like both apples and oranges. 

To me anyway ... it really is a great time to like playing with trains!

"Anyone, who tells you HO is so much more realistic looking than O scale, is full of... but, it has it's merits."

Respectfully suggest that if you're still pining for O scale, stop wasting your money on HO at this early juncture and convert to O 2 rail or whatever other O scale medium turns your crank. If you have nagging doubts about HO, said doubts will likely only grow larger.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

So far, I've got the HO locomotive models that I wanted; except for two, ATHG41054(Southern Pacific U50) or ATHG41057(Union Pacific U50) might arrive in 2016; and, a Broadway Limited Paragon2 Alco RSD15.

I tested a high short-hood CN version, the day I recently purchased my Broadway Limited Paragon2 Canadian Pacific AC6000. I had phoned ahead, to make sure the dealer had, the desired Alco model; and, I was also interested in, my second choice, the GE 6000. At that point I had only seen online pictures etc.

Anyway, the store staff member was having difficulty turning the Alco over, on their test track... she just wouldn't start. The massive, for HO scale, 6000, was sitting boxed, right beside the RSD box; and, it definitely appealed to me, at first sight; it started up, right away... excellent sounds and motor(s) functions...

I like GE equipment, and I really liked that high-horsepower model!

BTW, nothings for sure; but, at this point-in-time, O gauge/scale is behind me. I have a few pieces displayed on shelves... that's it.

My quoted O scale comments are simply my observations; both scales seem to have their good points and weaknesses... i.e. - stanchions, handrails, front and rear barrier chains... not even close... based on what I've seen, in HO, so far.

but, full faces and proper truck positioning... is nice to see...

Rick

No doubt, MTH has come out with a credible product line in HO.  I model Great Northern and Northern Pacific in 1952, so my likes are different from you in terms of product. 

MTH definitely hit a home run with the SD70ACe.  VERY nicely detailed, and the handrails are a whole lot more robust than the equivalent Athearn Genesis. 

I have a friend that took an MTH SD70ACe and put operating coolings fans into one of his, and controls the fans with a function on the decoder.  He wasn't too impressed with the Proto3 decoder, so he yarded it out, and put in a Tsunami decoder.  Sounded better, and gave him additional accessory outputs on the decoder to do the bit with the cooling fans. 

A friend of mine from Australia purchased two of their Union Pacific 4-12-2 steam locomotives.  We test ran them on my railroad.  The drive was silky smooth, the 3 cylinder sounds were wonderful, and their approach to how to get a long wheelbase locomotive like this around sharper radii was innovative (and could be locked out for the purist). 

Another friend who is an SP nut purchased their Daylight train.  He also has the BLI version of this train.  Both have their positives and negatives. 

I saw the MTH DM&IR 2-8-8-4 Yellowstone that was announced at the National Train Show in Portland this past August, and it is a very nice model.  Probably will sound and run great, just like the UP 4-12-2 that I test ran on my railroad.  Where I think MTH comes up a bit lacking on their steam is in the detail. 

If you compare the MTH 4-12-2 to the latest Broadway Limited 4-12-2, the Broadway wins hands down in the detail department.  The Broadway Limited models I have sound and run great also.  Have not seen a BLI 4-12-2 run yet, need to do that before laying out green on that model.   

I'm considering adding another three sound equipped locomotives to my roster that can "fall out of the box", and would only require me to re-letter for my home road, and get weathered.  The options I'm considering are:

• MTH DM&IR M-4 2-8-8-4
• BLI UPRR 4-12-2
• Spend the time and money NOW on Tsunami sound decoders, fire up the air brush, and start getting the multitude of brass locomotives I have in service to the level of detail and sound I desire.  The problem here is it takes time, and I still have a LOT of railroad to build.  Hence the desire to possibly do one of the two items above. 

MTH also hit a home run with their latest ore car offerings.  Another friend of mine who models the DM&IR is in for a bunch. 

So, MTH is definitely a player.  They are not head over heals above the competition, they are another potential quality supplier, among a bunch of potential quality suppliers. 

Regards,

Jerry

Thanks for the input, Jerry.

After you've been into models trains some, and you've paid attention... you have a pretty good idea, re: the quality pecking order... You're post obviously attest to that fact.

It's a nice position to be in, because, for the most part, we're able to enjoy most of our dealings... we know how to get what we want; and, we stand our ground, when we know somethings not right...

The days of manufacturing excuses... has long pasted. My/our enjoyment, is top priority.

BTW, even though I haven't given quality steam a go, I can still be impressed by a very nice collection... my compliments. I too really like what I've seen and experienced, with Broadway... especially, like Paragon2.

Do they use die-cast boilers etc.?

Rick

Matt,

Rapido uses Loksound Select decoders; my CN GMD-1 is as good as it gets... brilliant sound.

BTW, the best diesel horn I've ever heard;F5(doppler horn) is an added bonus.

Rick

Gotta pile on this post too.  My good friend in Camrose AB, Warren, bought three of the Radido GMD-1s.  I'll get to play with them when I am up there in November.

I have four of the upcoming FA-2 locomotives on order for delivery in 2016, along with a pile of the Northern Pacific single sheathed box cars that were announced at NTS in Portland.  I just purchased six of the original scheme CN mill gons, and have six of the CP equivalent coming.  

Being a consumer in HO has never been better.  Lots of high quality stuff out there to purchase, and a plethora of used equipment that is begging to be purchased at frequently very attractive prices.

BTW, if you have not checked out the rolling stock offerings from Tangent Models, give them a look too.  I purchased some of their earlier era 6000 gallon three dome tank cars, acid tank cars, and 50' gondolas, and their modern era stuff looks fantastic too. 

None of this stuff is cheap compared to the Athearn blue box stuff of our youth, but oh, the detail. 

Then again, it used to cost me around $8.00 per car to take a Train Miniature or Athearn blue box car, toss on Kadee trucks (I used to be a fanatic for the functional coil springs in trucks, I've moved on from that with today's fantastic fixed spring truck castings), put on #5 Kadees so that they were ready to function reliably on the track.  That $8.00 I was spending in 1976 translates into $33.51 in 2015 dollars according to the CPI inflation calculator at http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cp...=1976&year2=2015

Considering the detail in today's models, I think that the ready to run cars from Tangent, Intermountain, Red Caboose, Kadee, Tru-Line and others is a pretty darn good deal. 

Regards,

Jerry

I had little doubt that MTH would be a player in HO since they did well in O. Early on (before word got out) it was easy to pick up a used HO engine below what it was worth because nobody trusted PS3.

I have two GS4 and a Cab Forward and all are excellent runners - Kato quality. The tenders are die cast too.

I've heard that the earlier Korea built models are better than the newer China built.

Their passenger cars roll very well and flicker free lighting is top notch.

As for Broadway limited, I have a 4-8-4 Niagara - the boiler and tender are plastic, it's a nice model though. You have to go with their Hybrid models if you want brass.

Jerry,

I think you're going to enjoy, those uniquely Canadian EMD's. Slow speed is incredible...

Rapido is known for going the extra-mile, when researching and developing... targeted prototype equipment, that they intend to model. These guys are GOOD!

BTW, look underneath... the GMD-1's.

SPSF,

A while back, I was talking with a well-known local dealer; and this guy couldn't give enough negative comments; apparently, he had numerous customers that had all sorts of issues with MTH HO... this doesn't work, that doesn't work... DCS IS CRAP...

I have yet to experience a problem with MTH HO; so far, mine does exactly what it's supposed to do. There's a reason I'm buying their(MTH's) new Dash9-44CW.

I've looked into this model, and I'm really looking forward to getting it.

BTW, Athearn Genesis is know to have a superb puller... their ES44AC. I believe it beat Intermountain's GEVO, in a pull-off. Another nice model.

My MTH ACe easily out-muscled my Athearn Genesis GEVO; the main job of any locomotive... being a reliable and capable mover of tonnage.

I'm still very impressed with my Athearn unit... beautiful model. There's only one strongest guy on the block.

BTW, one of these days, I'm going to have to back-to-back the MTH ACe with the BLI 6000. Yikes!

Rick

I will follow up on the above commentary regarding Rapido with my own praise. In HO, I own the Penn Central UA TurboTrain. Between its appearance and operation, the model is simply stunning. I also purchased a set of smooth side coaches decorated in the CNJ blue and yellow scheme. Jason Shron, proprietor of the company, is a very approachable and likeable individual who more than welcomed my input to ensure the colors and numbers for the CNJ set were correct. In my opinion, the quality of decoration and detail on the Rapido cars are unsurpassed by the passenger equipment of any other manufacturer. Oh yeah, I also purchased a GMD1 for my N scale roster. For an N scale locomotive, it doesn't get any better. In my own world, accuracy is the most important attribute of a model and Rapido excels in satisfying that need.  

Time permitting, I'll try to post a few photos of my Rapido models.

Bob 

Like I said, these guys are good! The reason I told Jerry to look under the GMD-1's... Rapido is the only HO manufacturer, I know, that details the underside of their locomotives.

Even though the underside is out of sight, most of the time, they put in the extra effort and added some remarkable finishing touches... down there.

I believe their VIA F40PH's are stellar, re: below deck bling...

They've got lighting and S--L--O--W S--P--E--E--D operating mastered!

Rick

If you dig HO railroading... do yourself a favor and check out "Rapido LRC in action" on Youtube.

The guy in the Star Trek gear, is the top-dog at Rapido Trains. Obviously, he's into his work... HO trains.

The light Rapid Comfortable(LRC) train sets(locomotives and cars) blow me away. Rapido's first freight locomotive offering, is the "unique to Canada" GMD-1; also(to the best of my knowledge) the VIA LRC passenger equipment.

Enjoys lads.

BTW, the layout used for the video... very nice, indeed!

Kinda makes me a wee bit proud... I'm Canadian.

Rick

True that regarding the incredible underside detailing on Rapido equipment. From Rapido's website, here are images of the details on an N scale passenger car. Even the old style "poop chutes" have been included!

Bob 

Rapido is new to me.

Do you know what DCC decoder Rapido is using? I could not find that on their website.

Their GMD1 is interesting. Is this "1100 series" their first release of this engine? I can't find their previous model list for locomotives ... only rolling stock.

Jason cracks me up ......

CNJ, thanks for letting the pics speak... very nice!

Matt, mine(CN GMD-1 cab number 1026, was one of the first batch produced(by GMD Canada) that were set up to run long hood forward. Apparently, as time passed, running short hood forward, became the predominant preference...

The retailer/manufacturer, I spoke of earlier in this thread, has exclusive rights to the stunning blue, white and black, I believe they were Southern Railway of British Columbia version(s), GMD-1's. I saw them in his office; very cool/striking...

Rick

I haven't gotten into installing after market decoders; So far, I buy engines containing the full electronic packages...

From my Rapido GMD-1 reference manual:

"we recommend the following 21 pin decoders:

* ESU  #54615 - LokPilot V4.0 DCC with 21 MTC

* TCS #EU621 - BEMF six-function decoder"

Rick

 BTW, for those of you just learning about the GMD-1 locomotive(s), there were/are two truck configurations: 4 axle and 6 axle; mine is six.

Rick

Matt:

Here's a page from the Rapido website with separate sale Rapido/ESU decoders:

http://www.rapidotrains.com/decoders.html

Bob

Thanks CNJ; I discovered that I had originally given incorrect prefixes, above; corrections have been made.

Rick

Just did a back-to-back pull off, between my Broadway Limited CP AC6000 and my MTH GM73 SD70ACe, using the method of pull test, as mentioned earlier in this thread.

Only a very slight back and forth stutter, was barely detected; which confirmed opposing forces in action.

Not even the slightest indication that there was a winner. Both units failed to make any kind of noticeable forward progress... just the slightest quick back and forth stutter, then both units lost their grip on the rails... just ineffective turning of the wheels.

Then, I confirmed that the locomotives were actually functioning properly, by uncoupling and separating the competing units; and applied current/track power, with the Digitrax controller placed in the forward direction; both units moved away... as they should.

I'm happy with the outcome; two tough guys...

Rick

And for those interested in the Great White North, Rapido Trains has just announced their HO Canadian steam projects.

http://rapidotrains.com/iconsofsteam.html

I suspect they will be just this side of magnificent.

Rusty

I hadn't considered steam; until, I looked at the link you provided. The presentation... even exudes quality.

Thank You, Rusty!

Rick

Picked up an Intermountain HO EMD SD40-2

ESU Loksound/DCC - BC Rail(BCR) Green, White  Stripes & Lettering(Feb 2016)

$377.93(US funds), with taxes $423.29(Canadian funds).

These things are getting expensive; especially, for us Canadians.

TRES COOL, though...

Rick

I don't understand, Rick ..... $377 American? Isn't the MSRP $279?

I must be looking at something else?

Hi Jim,

I phoned, this morning, about five made-in 2014 Intermountain SD40-2 models; apparently, their price was around $224.00 US. The BCR version I bought today, wasn't even listed on their website, or I would have asked about it... It showed availability for the BCR version in 2016. I was surprised when I saw it... upon my arrival.

I was blown away - expecting the same lower price, for the BCR model. I had an urgent, pending appointment, to pick up a piece of custom furniture, that I designed(check out bcblacksmith facebook, if you want to see it; it's titled Rick's coffee table. The design influence is based on an old wood-side gondola/mining ore car. Also, while at the bcblacksmith facebook site: scroll down and find my bicycle carrier and globe).

I'll phone the store, that I purchased the BCR model from, tomorrow... do some follow-up. They may have mistakenly overcharged me.

Rick

Okay, let me try this again; just took a good look at my receipt:

          $377.93 must refer to CDN funds.

G.S.T. (5%)    $18.90

P.S.T.  (7%)    $26.46

Add it all up   $423.29

Still, a lot to pay for a HO diesel-electric locomotive.

Haven't looked at it since, the quick test... at the store; but, it's a LOOKER!

Originally, earlier today, I had been going for one of a few possibilities... from the 2014 production run; including, two extended long short-hood versions(UP and BNSF)...

I thought I'd have to get the BCR version, at a later date, in 2016. Nice surprise!

Rick

Went to see an Intermountain  HO CN Canadian cab SD40-2W, from a production run that ran a few years ago; saw some favorable YouTube reviews...

Ended up getting another regular SD40-2(CP Rail, with the multi-mark logo) from the most recent production run; same as my BCR unit. I saw many multi-mark CP Rail 40's and 40-2's back in the summer of 1973(Revelstoke, BC... a CP town). Always wanted that livery, for my previous Canadian Pacific O gauge collection; never saw any, though.

Had a MTH Premier BCR SD40-2, with the same livery as my HO 40-2. This breed of smaller to mid-sized 3000hp locomotive, looks good(to me) mu'd. CP Rail often went with a 3 + 3 formation; robot control, too.

These chisel-like machines, have an all business look. Serious looking faces... almost frowning, with that protruding upper brow(head light and number board housing).

Good machines these Intermountains.

Rick

It appears that Intermountain went with more than one version, of their latest SD40-2; i.e., my BCR version, has cab sun shades, a snow plow mounted on the front pilot and a round sand filler cap, located on the top, rear of the long hood; my CP Rail version doesn't have a front snow plow, doesn't have sun shades, on the cab; and, the long-hood sand cover is rectangular... Also, the BCR unit has the horn mounted on the cab roof; and, the CP unit, wears it's horn mounted towards the rear of the long-hood.

Slow speed operation is very nice; these units are handsome parked or under power.

I'm thinking the BN version would be quite impressive, too.

Rick

Got myself a Kato HO DCC ready Canadian Pacific SD90/43MAC #9138    #37-6364, today. I think it's from a 2012 run...

Not looking forward to installing the small details... ;but, it looks like it's got the makings of a really nice unit.

Rick

In the 70's, I saw more than I cared to see, of CP Rail's Multimark livery.

While I was in O scale, I never had the desire, to purchase a model with that paint scheme.

For some reason, there was some appeal... when I glimpsed the Multimark HO SD40-2 by Intermountain.

Currently, I have all my HO locomotives, sitting on a stainless steel table; and, the SD40-2, wearing the Multimark scheme, without a doubt, is the most eye-catching... of the bunch.

For some reason(s) that livery, on a HO SD40-2, really looks good, sharp, to me. If the livery looks just as good, on other HO locomotive models, that I like, then, this just might be my new favorite paint scheme.

BTW, there's something a bit different about how these new Intermountain units move: when I set the direction, and then, slowly throttle up, the units stand still as the prime movers sound increases/accelerates and they only start to move, when the prime mover(s) sound like they're actually making enough juice...

It looks very realistic...

Rick

Congrats on the new engine. They really are nice units!

A friend bought one in the San Luis roadname ..... only because he liked the Kato SD90's and this paint scheme so much.

Enjoy it!

Cheers Matt,

We'll see how it goes... when I try to put the gear(added details) on.

Today, I woke up with a goal... I was going to buy another locomotive. So, off I went... into the HO abyss... Ended up getting another Intermountain SD40-2; that's what was on my mind. Today's version... a tres cool BN, with white face, 40-2; but, I was still itching... you guys know how it is.... test drove a brand spanking new MTH CP ES44AC... "I'M GETTING THIS, TOO, FOR SURE!" I said to the staff.

I should have a tree up, after a day like this...

The ladies at the store, said they'd love to see pictures of my setup... I said, I don't have a layout; just a short test track... on a cool 3'x2' stainless steel table that I custom built.

They, the ladies, couldn't believe I don't have a setup... considering all the purchases I've recently made.

BTW, static or active.... it's 3 dimensional art to me. I do have a DCC system and a bit of track, though. We'll see were it goes...

Another BTW, I have no idea why this angled text took over... I'll log off and hopefully, the text will return to normal...

Rick

If, aaaaah it's back, you dig SD40-2's, you've seen me acquire three... made by the same manufacturer. That's saying something...

The new BN unit I purchased today, is from the previous 2014 production run. It, according a video I watched, last night, on Youtube, has prototypical details, re: the front... i.e. anti-climber... it also doesn't have ditch lights.

This unit, too, has that cool pause, I previously spoke of, while the audible prime mover, is revving up... The cold chisels(that's what they remind me of) are cool!

MTH wins the packaging award; the GEVO is in a techno womb like I've never seen before. I'll wait... as I often do... before I delve into that prize... let it build...

Rick

Too, from the 2014 batch, wearing the blue and yellow "Warbonnet" scheme, this guy's got the "snout" extra long short hood, silver trucks... SD40-2.

Got it this afternoon.

BTW, the MTH ES44AC is a benchmark HO model; they(MTH) have earned their place, at the top...

Still have one of the brand new MTH BNSF Dash 9's coming. I always enjoyed having BNSF equipment; I find it visually interesting... The prototype mainline, in my area, often had/has a nice eclectic mix of past/present paint... I like the equipment, too.

Rick

I had an issue with the "benchmark" my new MTH CP ES44AC: the front, conductors side ditch light, was aimed slightly inward; thereby, losing the lightng effect we covet... the ultra bright 3-point stars... as seen on prototypical, modern era, locomotives; and,

even though I knew full well, that I could easily break something... trying to bend it back into the proper position... I did it anyway.

Yes, I broke off the stanchion, attached to the ditch light housing; no surprise there!

What to do - break off the other stanchion, attached to the ditch light, on the other side of the front pilot, of course.

Now, the only stanchions left, intact, are the middle two... bracketing the chain.

Both leading handrails, on the front, are only attached at the bottom; they are both disconnected, at the top.

Decided to break out the Wellbond... and connect the free ends, of the handrails, to the remaining, two, front stanchions.

I also discovered that the ditch lights work and actually look pretty good, maybe even better, without their housings; there's dark little squares, containing the actual lights, sticking up from the locomotive platform(deck).

The little squares/lights tilt forward a bit, because they are only connected by their electrical connections; a little more adhesive or clear silicone... might secure them in a more pleasing upright position.

Rick