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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Stan Cedarleaf
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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 Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 22:01:15
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| Ray, I got the 3 locomotives exiting the house, then panned to the curve and that's it. Got error messages from there. |
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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 23:07:54
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Hmmmm... Which file size did you download?
Also, did you save the file to your local drive before playing?
I'm playing the 2100 file now and it seems to run ok. I'll check the others.
Thanks for letting me know that there may be a problem.
Raymond |
Need a Non-MTH engine equipped with DCS Protosound 2? I can help.
 Raymond - Gardner, KS
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com
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TrotFox
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 23:13:47
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I see two things. First is a great display of low speed control.
Second is that you have too many articulated locomotives. You should send me one of them. ; ]
Trot, the semi-werkin', fox... |
. /\_/\ __TrotFox AKA Landon Solomon__
.( o o ) _Always remember, There is a_
.>\_/< _____third alternative."_____
trotfox@gmail.com
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Dave Crocker
Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 23:26:13
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I just played the shortest one all the way through without any problem.
Nice MUing |
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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Posted - 10 Jul 2006 : 23:31:22
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All I will say is the sound was just incredible. 
Also, I just checked the three files and they all seem to play all the way through. Stan, give it one more shot.
Raymond |
Need a Non-MTH engine equipped with DCS Protosound 2? I can help.
Raymond - Gardner, KS
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com
Edited by - Rayman4449 on 10 Jul 2006 23:35:03 |
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Torby
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 07:27:43
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quote:
This is worth the download time.
I'll let you know when it's downloaded |
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John Allman
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 09:54:38
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Raymond - I like the video! thanks.
I do have a question. It seems that the BB boiler is much higher off the front drivers than the Challenger. It also looks lower over the trailing truck. It that normal? Is the springing on the trailing truck too soft? (or is that just the incline?)
John |
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Torby
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 13:33:16
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| I think you collect Bigboys like Pete Eggink collects egg liners! |
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bud
Foreman
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 16:22:52
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The front of the boiler does ride a little high.
The spring on the front truck is stiff and pushes up on the boiler.
I added some lead in the front of the boiler and it brought the height down some and also put more pressure on the front truck which made it track much better.
Bud |
Bud Steinhoff
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traindude109
Engineer
USA
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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 18:59:41
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Thanks.
I renamed the subject line so I could add the review here without creating a new thread.
John: In the case of the side view it was two issues, there is a down angle on the track leading out of the house. Second, one of the engine's boilers was higher then the other. I think this will be attributed to minor variations in the new spring used on top of the front engine that pushes up on the boiler above.(I think some are stronger than others) The other thing that I think will come into play is the fact that the first three drivers one each engine are spring loaded(has a suspension) and any extra spring pressure there on the rear engine drivers will likely push it higher. I agree with Bud that a little weight may be needed on some engines. One engine looked right, the other's boiler looked a little high.
As far as overall, this engine is everything I could have possibly asked for from MTH.
Review
Overall:
Compared to the Challenger, this engine is completely redesigned for easy of disassembly, durability, smoothness, performance and appearance. It weighs a good bit more than the Challenger and shouldn't have the front driver traction issues.
Appearance:
The engine has a slight bit more sheen to it and looks really nice. It just looks rugged and well built just sitting on the track. Aside from the sliders(which I know bother some, but not me) I can't say there is really anything to say negative at all. MTH hit the target right on the mark!
The smoke box is more of a graphite color (darker) than the Challenger and looks great!
Performance:
I haven't had the engine long enough to do proper pull test, but with everything done to the engine, added springs for better weight transfer to the front, independent spung suspension, metal connecting rods, die cast metal frame front and back, traction tires and solid metal drivers(I'm almost certain they are) the engine is made to pull a heavy load and run smooth doing it.
Once I get this thing out on the track I'll report back. I already know it will perform excellent.
The motors and wheels are much harder to turn by turning the drivers by hand when compared to the Challenger. this should mean it should be able to hold it's position when stopped on a grade with heavy load.
Drivers:
I have just confirmed the drivers are in fact SOLID METAL with a metal rim. I performed an electrical continuity test with my voltmeter and have continutiy betwee the rim and the driver on an exposed spot on the back and also have continuity at the connecting rod pin. The drivers have been painted black with what feels like a rugged paint. Between the drivers and the axle on each side is a plastic insulator to prevent shorts. The insulator runs around the back and has a flange to keep the drivers separated from the frame to prevent shorts there. They look more rugged and nicer than the original Challenger plastic ones. Also being metal we shouldn't see any cracking or warpage from assembly.
Connecting rods:
Are all metal like the Challenger but have a different look to them, I think the material or manufacture process was changed for them. Nonetheless, they look great.
There is slack between the connecting rods and the driver pins which was causing a binding on each set of drivers on one of the engines. The catch on this engine was fairly rough and would need shims. (see my website for the shims used on the challener) The engine that currently runs smooth appears to have an ever so slight catch.
The driver pins appear to use a 6.5mm side wrench(my guess) which I don't have, so disassmbly of the connecting rods is a little more difficult. The Challenger used a 7 I believe.
Protocoupler:
Have not tested this feature yet, but I think it looks fine even though the coupler arm is pretty thick.
Die Cast frame:
The die cast frame adds A LOT of weight to the front engine (and overall)and gives it a more solid, quality feel. This was a great change. In a slippage test, the front and back drivers seem to slip at the same time and rate. It's very well balanced.
Springs:
A spring + slider washer has been added on the little angled tip arm that is designed to support the front engine if you lift up on the engine from under the front boiler. It allows for better weight transfer to the front engine as well as providing some side to side resistance which should reduce any propensity for the boiler to shift side to side.
No other noticable change to report on the others.
Lights:
Basically same as the Challenger, except the Interior light is wired to the number board lights, so they come on and go out at the same time.
Everything else is the same as the Challenger.
Sound:
Is as loud as the Challenger if not louder. The chuff is the same as the Challenger and the bell is from the GS-4. Again, great sound is something you would expect from an MTH engine.
Control:
This was something I emailed MTH about, and that was to make sure you can run more than one of the same engine.(i.e. two, three or more of the 4004 Big Boys with the same remote) I was told this would not be a problem.
Speed control matches the Challenger and the other MTH engines precisely. No variation whatsoever. Set it a 7 smph, and they all will maintain that speed and distance from each other.
Detail:
Just like the Challenger, FANTASTIC! It looks right!
Durability touches:
There are a number of areas where they made changes to improve durability.
- The steam delivery pipe ends from the rear engine to the front aritulating steam connections on the front now have metal ends. This must have been because of cracking as I had seen on my Challenger.
- The articulated hinge pin is now metal and is part of the frame. This should ensure this tab won't break in an accident.
- The tender drawbar pin appears to be metal. Again should prevent breakage.
Conclusion:
There is nothing about this engine I can really find wrong about it except for maybe the connecting rod slack. It is a beautifully done model and frankly should give the Accucraft version a run for the money. With the MTH sound and control already built in and the new and improved parts this is in my opinion clearly the better buy and value.
If you think you want one, get it, you WON'T be disappointed.
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I will try to do a full photo shoot with more videos later.
Raymond
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Need a Non-MTH engine equipped with DCS Protosound 2? I can help.
Raymond - Gardner, KS
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com
Edited by - Rayman4449 on 13 Jul 2006 09:54:30 |
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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 19:18:25
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Let me know if there is anything else you think I missed or you would like to know. I'll be glad to check it out for you.
Raymond |
Need a Non-MTH engine equipped with DCS Protosound 2? I can help.
Raymond - Gardner, KS
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com
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NTCGRR
Engineer
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 19:49:16
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Ray
Bring it over this Sept, we'll push it around with the mallet.
Really: I'd love to see it up close and personal.
BTY
I can't get any clips to work. just says done at the bottom.??? |
Edited by - NTCGRR on 11 Jul 2006 19:50:38 |
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Rayman4449
Engineer
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 19:56:00
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LOL
Hmmm...
Have you tried right clicking on the link, then 'save as' to your computer, then play after it's complete?
I will bring one with me. By then I should have the third one, but one may be going back.
Maybe we should arrange a Train-pull contest. hehehe...
Try again and let me know if you can get it to work.
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Need a Non-MTH engine equipped with DCS Protosound 2? I can help.
Raymond - Gardner, KS
http://www.rayman4449.dynip.com
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jasher817
Foreman
1st Class Member
USA
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Posted - 11 Jul 2006 : 20:34:58
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Now I am Mad I still don't Have mine yet . My dealer hopes to have it in some time this week Lets hope so BTW Mike (of Mike's Train House) is going to be at my dealer Aug 12 (I think cant remember) I hope I have my Big Boy by then.
Vid's didn't work to busy? |
Its a Hobby and a Life, Have FUN with it!
The Chalker Brooks Railroad
Mesa, Arizona
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Can you spot the new engine? - MTH Big Boy review
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