I have this same model. It was able to pull a 113 cars unassisted. I figure it could've done more, but this was at a club open house and I was told to shorten the length of the train. A very impressive model and great review. Thank you sir.
Great review James! I sat back with a bowl of popcorn and enjoyed this one. Coming from an O scale guy, I would recommend using JT's Mega Steam brand smoke fluid. It is probably the best smoke fluid on the market as it provides the fullest smoke volume in comparison to any other fluid I've used. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year! Ethan
I have one of these and they sound amazing, love that whistle. I wish MTH would’ve had separately applied sanding lines from the domes instead of molded in detail. The sound system is overly complicated and didn’t take long to die on the club layout, there’s a specific bridge capacitor that overheats and dies so if you have one, keep an eye on the heat level of your tender. My MTH Challenger died the same way but none of my other models have any problems with our layout.
Thanks for showing this Awesome locomotive. Nice review well done . Man that thing can pull the house.Probably have to put a warning out on the bridges to be reinforced with this one in scale to its weight.
Broadway Limited did lit Classification lights on their H10s and 2-8-0 consolidation. I think they also have plans to start adding them in future models.
Detail and weight is great. Smoke is a must and white walls are too. Just like American Flyer the most realistic toy trains ever made. Sound is great too. MTH make great HO Trains!
The wireless drawbar is a POS. I will not buy another MTH model because of it. I have two and removed the wireless drawbar and hard wired them like Broadway limited. So for me Im glad BLI does NOT use it. The wireless drawbar loses contact on some turns and when changing grades.
i bought 1 and its still running on dc a wire has snapped between loco an tender it might be better with an up grade as mine is just wires and 1 has snapped
Nicely done, James! I have a few MTH locomotives in O Gauge and am very satisfied with their performance. I'm glad Tom got into HO. The weight of this beast is impressive and it will surely go on my wish list. My Pacific Crest is leasing C&O articulateds just as some of the other western roads did during WWII. So, this beauty will fit in well, ...as soon as I sell off my distant family members to the Gypsies. I did noticed the lack of the transition plate between the cab and the tender, which I really liked on the Broadway Limited 2-10-2. With that little addition, I believe MTH could have a bases loaded, out of the ballpark homer with this one!
Hey Chris, I have videos pre recorded all the way to late January/early February. These videos were recorded before we met the other day. I will get you a shout out in one of my layout update videos.
The model railroad companies don't make locomotives with no sound for the deaf model railroaders. I only use dc with no sound I am a deaf disabled veteran.
Shouldn't diesels be pulling more?? Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Diesels esp being newer technology should be able to handle more but this unit is considerably heavier so that may be why too.
Daniel Sullivan the real Allegheny type locomotive was made to pull long coal drags up the mountain range they were named for and are as strong as or stronger than the Big Boy (should be fully tested) most steam engines can outpull a single diesel. The challenger 3985 can pull a full 140+ intermodal train fully loaded on her own, something that takes 3-5 diesels to pull.
Hey James! A few people I’ve talked to about this engine all had the concert that since the harness is wireless, all the weight is really being put on those pins for pulling instead of a regular drawbar. Do you have this concert for pulling heavier trains? Do you think at some point those pins might give? Matt
It's a shame that MTH's reliability is a major hit or miss. I purchased mine last year since it was to big for my layout it only came out when our modular club met. So my engine came out of the box a total of 9 times, out of those 9 times the engine ran a total of 4 times. By the second time out the board died and had to go back to MTH. The next issue I had was one of the traction tires came off and got tangled in the side rods and locked my drivers up. Next I had performance issue where the engine would start and stop at random, after looking thing s over the wires in the drawbar came back from MTH mangled so it was not making good contact. Then I have sever issue with the sound cutting in and out after multiple factory resets the sound recovered. The last issue the engine when about halfway around the layout and by itself went into a full throttle reverse with about a 25 car train for about 6 feet then died and shorted out the entire leg of the layout. Took it home that day and it constantly shorts out my system every time it's on the track. Compared to the Rivarossi Allegheny the MTH model lacks detail and slow speed performance. Buyer beware!!!!
MTH should have had the option of those nasty traction tyres the other way around because there are many more who hate them rather than love them. They belong under cars not trains ! That also saves less daring and confident modelers to have to replace the traction tyres with an axle with normal wheels. And what's the point of having traction tyres with a locomotive of this weight ??!! With my BLI K4s Pacific I got an extra axle with tractions tyres if I wanted them. No problem because the traction tyres were already rotten out of the box. I just kept that axle as a souvenir :-)
The major problem with this locomotive (possibly the only problem) is the rear "operating" coupler. It has major problems coupling up to cars of any brand. Since this is a major failing, MTH does provide a kit to convert to a regular Kadee compatible coupler. My question is, why does MTH persist with the costly inclusion of a failed coupler system on their locomotives after it has proven ineffective time and time again? Lastly, as of April 2017 I have seen these locomotives on sale for nearly 50% off MSRP and they are worth every cent. If you have the track to handle them, get one (or 4).
Andrew Kiely is the rear coupler really that bad? I very nearly decided to buy this beauty 'cause, as you say, it sells for nearly 50% off at the moment. Could it be because a new release is planned? Please let me know about the coupler. Thanks.
There's just something about the "look" of this engine I don't like. The detail (or lack thereof) looks "muddy", or toy-like. The striping on the running boards is too "thick", the under the cab details are GONE, and the detailing around the firebox, smokebox, and number boards just isn't right. There are two flat, vertical "plates" behind the marker lights (I wish I knew what they are) that aren't even in the right place. These MTH models just look like"shrunken O gauge" to me! The Rivarossi looks much better to me, and it was way ahead of it's time when it first came out. The Rivarossi does have too much "daylight" between the boiler and drivetrain, but I fixed that with trimmed and fitted black foam weatherstripping along the underside of the boiler. Some heavy weathering would improve this one a lot! Like cover it up as much as possible.....
MTH manages to make a great loco look like a toy again. Couldn't paint the axle ends? Incorrect articulation too? Jeez, even Bowser had correctly articulated locos.
Both engines articulate so that the engine can go around sharper curves. It wasn't a mistake. I have the Rivarossi version of this with the same feature.
![THE TOYS x NONT TANONT - ดอกไม้ที่รอฝน (spring) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pPa1d5cC8M4/mqdefault.jpg)
I have this same model. It was able to pull a 113 cars unassisted. I figure it could've done more, but this was at a club open house and I was told to shorten the length of the train. A very impressive model and great review. Thank you sir.
Thanks for reviewing such an a AMAZING model! I'm still planning on getting this engine from MTH sometime.
Like always, MTH looks and sounds awsome. Had alot of family on the B&O, N&W, and C&O. Keep bring more videos of Norfolk Southern locomotives.
Good to see you back in review mode, James and I hope you're getting settled in. As usual, a well done on this one.
You gotta love PCS moves. V/r
Had to watch the video again !! Just got done ordering one !! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work... Lance 🚂
Nice allegheny review I always look at your videos and I keep my eyes on your next videos. Kyle.
Great job James..you made me want one too. Great review... love the sounds and smoke..thanks for sharing
Great review James! I sat back with a bowl of popcorn and enjoyed this one. Coming from an O scale guy, I would recommend using JT's Mega Steam brand smoke fluid. It is probably the best smoke fluid on the market as it provides the fullest smoke volume in comparison to any other fluid I've used. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Ethan
Really really great review. I just picked up #1601 myself, and really like it a lot.
I have one of these and they sound amazing, love that whistle. I wish MTH would’ve had separately applied sanding lines from the domes instead of molded in detail. The sound system is overly complicated and didn’t take long to die on the club layout, there’s a specific bridge capacitor that overheats and dies so if you have one, keep an eye on the heat level of your tender. My MTH Challenger died the same way but none of my other models have any problems with our layout.
Great sounding and looking steam engine.
Scott
Thanks for showing this Awesome locomotive. Nice review well done . Man that thing can pull the house.Probably have to put a warning out on the bridges to be reinforced with this one in scale to its weight.
Broadway Limited did lit Classification lights on their H10s and 2-8-0 consolidation. I think they also have plans to start adding them in future models.
Great review
Loved the review James, Do you prefer the Rivarossi or the mth?
Awesome great review.
Detail and weight is great. Smoke is a must and white walls are too. Just like American Flyer the most realistic toy trains ever made. Sound is great too. MTH make great HO Trains!
Hi James.
What radius curves did you test this locomotive on, and did you have any trouble with that?
I got mine for $300 and I love it
Very nice engine looks great I know you don't do o-gauge but have you seen the new vision line BigBoy by Lionel it's so amazing
Great Review. Does it have Firebox glow?
Very nice loco,no doubt.But didn´t it lack pipe details at the firebox?The Rivarossi Versions look different to me.Thanks for the review.
Nice model. Good review. What's up with the flickering lights?
I wish Broadway Limited could make engine and tender electrical plugs like MTH does. It makes everything SO MUCH EASIER.
The wireless drawbar is a POS. I will not buy another MTH model because of it. I have two and removed the wireless drawbar and hard wired them like Broadway limited. So for me Im glad BLI does NOT use it. The wireless drawbar loses contact on some turns and when changing grades.
Too bad more were not preserved would make a fantastic excursion engine.
Still, another great beauty !!! Price? How is the sound made? From inside the loco?
Great review, but don't you have the same engine by riverossi? (I know it's the Virginia scheme)
James?? nice review of a beautiful steam engine.....what is the radius of curves that engine can handle?? Second...how much for that beauty??
i bought 1 and its still running on dc a wire has snapped between loco an tender it might be better with an up grade as mine is just wires and 1 has snapped
Got any Amtrak stuff you're gonna reviewing soon?
Nicely done, James! I have a few MTH locomotives in O Gauge and am very satisfied with their performance. I'm glad Tom got into HO. The weight of this beast is impressive and it will surely go on my wish list. My Pacific Crest is leasing C&O articulateds just as some of the other western roads did during WWII. So, this beauty will fit in well, ...as soon as I sell off my distant family members to the Gypsies. I did noticed the lack of the transition plate between the cab and the tender, which I really liked on the Broadway Limited 2-10-2. With that little addition, I believe MTH could have a bases loaded, out of the ballpark homer with this one!
You should review the new athearn genesis gp40-2.
looks like it is missing the metal walk way between the engine and the coal tender.
dim while stopped on main Off while stopped in the clear on a siding.
what's the difference between this and the one that looks bigger and more detailed
Excluding sound and smoke......so Rivarossi or Mth?
Great review, to bad I'm not into steam, but beautiful locomotive. What happen to the shout out my friend. Happy New Year.
Hey Chris, I have videos pre recorded all the way to late January/early February. These videos were recorded before we met the other day. I will get you a shout out in one of my layout update videos.
Cool
Nice.
That wrist watch is sick! Can you contact Space Command on that thing?
Direct line! Jk, it's a Samsung Gear S smart watch.
Beautiful but way out of my price range so it will never see track time on my layout
Hola James, cuanto pesa la locomotora?
How does this compare to the riverrossi? Which has better details? I'm sure the mth pulls better. Is the mth die cast?
The model railroad companies don't make locomotives with no sound for the deaf model railroaders. I only use dc with no sound I am a deaf disabled veteran.
mine was in a riverossi box
Shouldn't diesels be pulling more?? Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Diesels esp being newer technology should be able to handle more but this unit is considerably heavier so that may be why too.
Daniel Sullivan the real Allegheny type locomotive was made to pull long coal drags up the mountain range they were named for and are as strong as or stronger than the Big Boy (should be fully tested) most steam engines can outpull a single diesel. The challenger 3985 can pull a full 140+ intermodal train fully loaded on her own, something that takes 3-5 diesels to pull.
James the Void Knight Wow that is impressive. Thank you for the response!
Daniel Sullivan you are welcome :)
Thanks. is this a 3 rail model?
nope, this isn't the 3E+ version.
Thanks again. There is what looks like a middle rail contact roller forward of the cab?
How long did you have work on the layout?.
🚔
JlWii2000?
Jaden Dukes about a month to get where im at, and about 5 months to go
Hey James! A few people I’ve talked to about this engine all had the concert that since the harness is wireless, all the weight is really being put on those pins for pulling instead of a regular drawbar. Do you have this concert for pulling heavier trains? Do you think at some point those pins might give?
Matt
i can not tell you how jealous this make me
Can it pull 100 cars up a 3% grade??
No it can pull 20 up a 3%
It's a shame that MTH's reliability is a major hit or miss. I purchased mine last year since it was to big for my layout it only came out when our modular club met. So my engine came out of the box a total of 9 times, out of those 9 times the engine ran a total of 4 times. By the second time out the board died and had to go back to MTH. The next issue I had was one of the traction tires came off and got tangled in the side rods and locked my drivers up. Next I had performance issue where the engine would start and stop at random, after looking thing s over the wires in the drawbar came back from MTH mangled so it was not making good contact. Then I have sever issue with the sound cutting in and out after multiple factory resets the sound recovered. The last issue the engine when about halfway around the layout and by itself went into a full throttle reverse with about a 25 car train for about 6 feet then died and shorted out the entire leg of the layout. Took it home that day and it constantly shorts out my system every time it's on the track. Compared to the Rivarossi Allegheny the MTH model lacks detail and slow speed performance. Buyer beware!!!!
MTH should have had the option of those nasty traction tyres the other way around because there are many more who hate them rather than love them. They belong under cars not trains ! That also saves less daring and confident modelers to have to replace the traction tyres with an axle with normal wheels. And what's the point of having traction tyres with a locomotive of this weight ??!! With my BLI K4s Pacific I got an extra axle with tractions tyres if I wanted them. No problem because the traction tyres were already rotten out of the box. I just kept that axle as a souvenir :-)
Was that its top speed? :V
Findly a steam loco that can pull a lot . LOL
The major problem with this locomotive (possibly the only problem) is the rear "operating" coupler. It has major problems coupling up to cars of any brand. Since this is a major failing, MTH does provide a kit to convert to a regular Kadee compatible coupler. My question is, why does MTH persist with the costly inclusion of a failed coupler system on their locomotives after it has proven ineffective time and time again? Lastly, as of April 2017 I have seen these locomotives on sale for nearly 50% off MSRP and they are worth every cent. If you have the track to handle them, get one (or 4).
Andrew Kiely is the rear coupler really that bad? I very nearly decided to buy this beauty 'cause, as you say, it sells for nearly 50% off at the moment. Could it be because a new release is planned? Please let me know about the coupler. Thanks.
Got it on Trainworld for 399.99
Worth every Penne :)
*Penny
118 subs
Awesome!! 1st comment!!
Hey James great review as always can you check your facebook I sent you a pm think you abs have a good time with your family Jeff aka NW611J.
James can you please catch your Facebook I sent you a message and I wounld like it if you coulnd answer it think you.
Why are the lights on the MTH locomotives flickering on video? I've never seen this for any other locomotive from any manufacturer. Is this visible?
It has really bad derailment problems.
Not if you have well laid and maintained track and the radii to handle them. I would stick to 24" or larger.
There's just something about the "look" of this engine I don't like. The detail (or lack thereof) looks "muddy", or toy-like. The striping on the running boards is too "thick", the under the cab details are GONE, and the detailing around the firebox, smokebox, and number boards just isn't right. There are two flat, vertical "plates" behind the marker lights (I wish I knew what they are) that aren't even in the right place. These MTH models just look like"shrunken O gauge" to me! The Rivarossi looks much better to me, and it was way ahead of it's time when it first came out. The Rivarossi does have too much "daylight" between the boiler and drivetrain, but I fixed that with trimmed and fitted black foam weatherstripping along the underside of the boiler. Some heavy weathering would improve this one a lot! Like cover it up as much as possible.....
MTH manages to make a great loco look like a toy again. Couldn't paint the axle ends? Incorrect articulation too? Jeez, even Bowser had correctly articulated locos.
Both engines articulate so that the engine can go around sharper curves. It wasn't a mistake. I have the Rivarossi version of this with the same feature.