Just a heads up MTH just announced 2nd limited run on UP, NS, BNSF, and the spirit of the UP engines. All but the Spirit have new road numbers. they say very, very limited.
Ok got my challenger to pull all 10 heavyweights. I switched over to a challenger I had already done the front driver mod with added weights and springs that is detailed on Rays mod page, and man it pulls like a beast now. I also had to remove the 2 carbon brushes off of one truck so each car only is getting power from one axle. but I have to give USA trains some credit on the LED circut. I had no flicker at all and once power is removed from the track the cars stay lit for around 30 sec.
Quick update. Fixed the coupler problem, a USA knuckle fit right on and stays closed. so back to the track. I added a 4th car and front drive looses traction on any incline and during starting. So sadly I'm guessing even after I add some weights and springs to apply more down force to the front driver she still will not be able to handle all 10 cars. So I am looking into ways to either make the car lighter and/or roll better. The thought of going ball bearing scares the crap out of me with 6 axels per car so lets look at making the car lighter. the cars come apart nicely right up to the floor. I can't get it out but was able to lift it high enough to see that the weight is molded into the plastic base. The only way I can see making it lighter is to get the floor out somehow and drill lighting holes in the metal plate but not through the plastic base. For now I think I will try to remove the carbon pickups and see how it goes without them. Might look at using a 9v battery instead I really don't run at night much. I also ordered a pair of BB from trainline with pickup to test out. I'll add some pictures later tonight.
So really like the look of the Challenger and the heavyweights sadly my challenger needs some work. with only 3 cars I'm getting front driving gear slip during starting its a known problem and ray has a good fix that I need to do to it. Other problem I have is the MTH coupler will just open on its own. Its old so might need to replace. as soon as i fix I'll load her up. Here is a quick video of the 3 cars to get an idea of what it will look like.
Nice Ray, really wish MTH would sell the smoke deflectors might try to 3d print a set with my SLA printer if you get a chance can you take a couple of pictures of the back side just wondering how they mount?
Brian, I have run my MTH with standard DC power supply both the USA trains and the bridge work supply's. not sure about the 8' dia but it does my 10' no problem. if you buy one of the upcoming ones they will have DCS 3.0 it is a nice system that works on just about everything DC, DCS, and DCC. they are a lot of fun with DCC with all the controls of sounds and lilghts but sometime its just nice to toss it on the track with DC and play. As soon as I get my Gray Challenger down I'll post some pictures and maybe a video.
Coupler problem fixed. instead of the stock metal u channel mount I printed a pedestal mount to raise the coupler up and line up with the MTH coupler. No other mod needed so easy to put back to stock if you want.
Check out Gary Raymond wheels. Nice BB wheels with or without pick up. I replaced my MTH GS4 tender wheels with them work really well. As far as the motor yes my first thought is it doesn't produce enough torque. but a lot can factor into that what kind of gearing are you using? If you are not pulling anything does it fly around the track or does it seem reasonable at full speed. If it flys you might be able to reduce the pinon worm or gear to get more torque out of it.
Here is a quick picture with the combine car and the tender from a MTH Challenger I think it will go very nicely together. As you can see the coupler height is a problem but looks like I can just 3d print a new and shorter mount to bring it up high enough. wish me luck
yep can't wait to pull down my gray challenger and give them a go. need to figure out coupler compatibility first and might need to remove the pick ups from the wheels to help with drag but I will try it first. It is good timing with MTH announcing another run of the challenger
I have heard about this happening with OEM engines that don't have any vent holes around the motor to allow air to flow around the motor. you might want to consider a small fan to cool the motor. it would be interesting to see how many amps the motor was pulling while pulling that consist. if the mth cars still have the electrical pickups on them that is a lot of drag for just 1 engine.
Just got them in. first thoughts are wow super heavy im guessing around 10-12 lbs. they use the same type of power pick up as the MTH cars. between the weight and the pick ups acting like brakes there is a lot of drag. Good news is they match up nicely with the aristo heavyweights. same height but a little longer so I believe they will look great with the MTH challenger. just getting them open now I'll post more pictures a little later.
Was told the FEF delay has to do with the smoke unit getting too hot and needing a re-design. They are hoping for late summer/early fall release. At least it gives me some time to pay off the heavyweights.
Just got the 2 Christmas cars and they look great. Think MTH made a mistake by not having a video of these in operation the lighting is fantastic and very bright. As soon as it gets darker outside I'll post a video and some picture with the Christmas GS4. they stand pretty tall thats an LGB Mogul. Keep in mind pictures taken in the middle of the day they really are bright I swear
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New MTH 2nd run of Aces
in General Discussion
Posted
Sweet, I was hoping they would do the UP1996. As an SP/UP guy from San Diego it is one of my favorite engines.