Rayman4449

Thanks Mark

Hehe well I would love to have an Allegheny if someone would make one that is affordable. I just wont spend $3000+ on another G scale engine and MTH is the only chance we have of seeing one that I would buy.

Sounds like a great time, I wish I lived closer!

The part about the track polarity and PS2 is not actually about changing the actual track polarity it's making sure the switch on the engine is set correctly for the given polarity on the track. (All engines have polarity switches to allow this except for maybe a few of the very first run Challengers) When you apply power to the layout you still need the power supply to provide power with correct polarity to the TIU (ie just keep the polarity switch on the power supply set the direction it needs to be), but the key difference with PS3 is at the engine level so you can set the engine on the track in either direction (because the engine obviously sees polarity internally differently based on which direction the engine is) the PS3 engine will be able to correctly receive commands through the track from the TIU without needing to manually direct polarity to the internal engine board with a polarity switch which is how it is with PS2. It's nice they have done this but I have found that when you run your layout under digital control I always have the power supply set the same way, the wires to the TIU the same way (ie permanently set) and the engines are (once set) usually run the same way so while on the surface it seems like it would be an issue, once you get your engines running you never think about polarity again. You are familiar with how your layout is setup and how you normally run your engines and if you put an engine on the other way you will instinctively know you need to flip the switch on that engine. You just turn on the power supply and go. In my case the last time I had to set or mess with the polarity switch was when I first bought the engine and put it on the track for the first time and that was years ago. If you do use your layout and power supply for variable analog power and change the power supply polarity, just glance at the polarity switch on the power supply and make sure it's in the correct direction and turn the power on. The TIU wiring will remain the same so nothing to change there and probably recommend folks run their TIU in Passive mode and just always keep the TIU connected to the layout. So if you just glance at the power supply polarity switch to make sure it's right for digital command mode, turn on the power and you're good. The big picture is it boils down that for every control system you have things you need to remember in order to get your trains to operate. When it comes down to sheer things to remember I have found most other control systems have remotes that have just a number pad with just number and arrows on them with no labels designated for whistle, bell, direction, smoke, sound volume etc buttons. So you have to remember that #1 is whistle, #2 is bell etc (some being set differently/customized per engine) and have found far more things to remember to get them to operate and do what you want to do. The DCS remote buttons all have specific functions and are labelled as such so there is far less to remember. I have written all this to not only clarify to others who are not familiar so they will understand but that they also understand the full context in the overall big picture. I understand why some who don't currently run DCS on the surface might see this as some sort of really confusing thing but in practice it's really a non-issue and usually never has to enter your mind with each operating session. On the other forums this polarity thing is made out by some to be a big deal by individuals to actively discourage people to not want to run DCS or buy MTH trains so readers have to be careful on what they read... here you get feedback from those who actually run them and can tell you how it really is. That said I am glad PS3 has this enhancement as it is definitely one less thing to have to think about.

We ran those LGB Mikados at the Mall display here and we kept having issues with the motors overheating when pulling much of a load for any length of time so you are probably smart to go easy on it. I recall that motor is entirely encased in a plastic shell so it has no way to dissipate heat. I modified the mall engines when I replaced the motors in an effort to help keep them cool. I don't recall if it worked. I'll keep you posted if I get those F units in so I can at least give you some sort of comparison photos to help with your decision. I don't think I have any other engines right now that I could use for photos that would help.

Something has to come first, in this case one of the official communications has come out first via GRR magazine. These companies often have different people working on different pieces, (web, retail ads, etc) so word is given to start getting this advertised and released to the public and you are now starting to see the info. I think it's also well known that advertising in magazines, TV etc you have to provide and plan way ahead of time to get info out at specified publish dates so it would appear they are doing their job on reaching out and providing them information early to coincide with the next catalog release. Given that we don't know the specifics on whether a mistake was made on the GRR side, I am reserving judgement. The bottom line is fact that it's now on the website means they are close and as they stated on the FB page will see the official catalog on the website in the next few weeks. Personally makes no difference on the timing of how word is getting out and I'm an MTH Dealer and for me what really matters is that the next catalog is almost out. I will check on pricing (not sure it's avail to me yet) but I will at least be able to match the shipped pre-order price.

I don't have any of the MTH PA/F units yet but may be buying a collection of items that includes them. If/when I get them I can provide some pics but it may take a little time. For what it's worth I can show you pics of the 1:32 Hudson pulling heavyweights. While at first I thought the engine was a little small it quickly became one of my more frequent sets that I ran on the layout. I have some USA PA units that I can put in-front of the Heavyweights too to get an idea of what they look like with 1:29 scale engines.

Thanks for sharing Mark, I actually hadn't seen they had any items avail so apparently some information has leaked out. I will talk with Sales to see what information they can give me. See haha I'm telling you I would bet a Class J is not far behind!! I will definitely buy a J and passenger car set when they make one. That is a MUST have

I agree Ben. I have always felt too my Challenger just looked perfect for the role of pulling a long passenger train. Can you believe they are going to restore the 4014? You going to go see it when they move it?

I'm not familiar with this particular sound board but given the basics that it uses a battery to provide sound after track power is cut and relies on input track voltage to the board to keep it powered up, I'm not sure you have many options BUT... perhaps what you could do is add a bridge rectifier between the track power and sound board then add capacitors between the bridge outputs and the sound board. The bridge would keep polarity correct for the caps so they wouldn't blow upon seeing reverse voltage and the caps would hold a charge and could help power the sound board after power is cut off. The only thing I'm not sure about off-hand is if there would be power bleed back into the bridge, I'm guessing there wouldn't be. This sort of setup would be pretty easy and relatively inexpensive to setup. Word of caution, DO NOT provide power to capacitors in the wrong polarity they WILL explode! Wear safety glasses when building new circuits with caps. You can buy non polar caps but the ones you will need of sufficient size and price will be polarity sensitive. -Raymond

Great looking train Jerry! I think the Challenger looks good pulling a passenger set and I love my Challenger + passenger car set.

Thanks Yardtrain, good news.

Going to look really great when it's painted

I tested them yesterday and they work brilliantly. They only need to be connected passively to the track section and will self-power up from the track power via their track connection ports just like the TIUs will. They are not polarity sensitive (for the purposes of getting them to send the watchdog signal) so regardless of what power polarity you feed them they will still send the watch-dog signal and the engines will still and wait in silent DCS Command mode waiting for remote commands.

The shipment of remote commanders is here in case you are still interested.

Some pics of the engine we will be seeing in operation at some point in the future

You know that is a good point and given how prices for largescale items have risen in the last few years it could pose a larger opportunity for someone to produce more economy cars.

Hey Mark, One of my most memorable experiences was getting to pace the 3985 for about a 5 mile stretch here in Kansas. The opportunity to see a Big Boy in operation is a dream I think many will be hard to believe would come true. Here is the link to the MTH product page: http://www.mthtrains.com/content/70-3009-1 It comes in at 53" long. The engine can officially take 8ft diameter curves so it should be able to take an Aristo wide switch with no problem. It's not as stiff as the USA Big Boy and is far more forgiving on uneven track. The only time MTH started clearance engines was some time after the economy tanked, the Big Boys were good sellers and I understand the Triplexes were as well up to the downturn when sales nosedived. I do agree tho that I would expect another Big Boy run would be more likely than the other engines at this point due to the prototypes popularity. I think we will see one eventually as I'd love to have a J running as well, especially now they are looking at restoring the 611. I seem to recall that the steam they have planned is a smaller one (ie not articulated) so there is at least some chance it could be next although the next catalog is supposed to have one new engine which was supposed to be a diesel. Hard to say what they will include giving how long they are waiting on the next catalog.

Hey Mark, Interesting development and makes me wonder what else they might get into which is a good thing. We really stand to profit if they broadening their product line. I personally am not into the streetcar stuff but I'm sure a number are.

I bet they do make the next 4000 run with a 4014 number I think for sure also that of all the engines, they will do a rerun of the Big Boy before alot of the others. They do have a new steamer drawn up but no idea what it could be yet.

Almost can't believe I'm posting this but folks it looks like it's official! The UP has officially acquired Big Boy #4014! http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/heritage_and_steam/2013/0723_4014.shtml Union Pacific Railroad Acquires Big Boy Locomotive No. 4014Railroad Plans to Restore One of the Largest Steam Locomotives Ever Built RESOURCES Download (74K JPEG file) Download (1547K JPEG file) About Big Boy No. 4014 UP Steam Omaha, Neb., July 23, 2013 – Union Pacific Railroad today announced it reached an agreement with the Southern California Chapter - Railway & Locomotive Historical Society in Pomona, Calif., to transfer ownership of one of the world's largest steam locomotives, Big Boy No. 4014, back to Union Pacific. Union Pacific plans to relocate No. 4014 to Cheyenne, Wyo., where Union Pacific's Heritage Fleet Operations team will work to restore it to operating condition. Details regarding those efforts will be made public at a later date. Union Pacific donated No. 4014 to the historical society December 7, 1961. The locomotive arrived January 8, 1962, at its current display location at the Rail Giants Train Museum in Pomona. No other railroad has retained its historical equipment or honored its American roots like Union Pacific. "Our steam locomotive program is a source of great pride to Union Pacific employees past and present," said Ed Dickens, senior manager - Union Pacific Heritage Operations. "We are very excited about the opportunity to bring history to life by restoring No. 4014." About Union Pacific Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2007-2012, Union Pacific invested $18 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure, including a record $3.7 billion in 2012. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Union Pacific media contacts: Aaron Hunt, 916-789-6019, amhunt@up.com @aaronmhunt Mark Davis, 402-544-5459 or mwdavis@up.com.

Current Aristocraft direct sale: (believe this would get SD45's to $318.78 and Dash-9's to $280.56) If so very good pricing Mid-Summer Madness Sale Starts Immediatley Ends August 5th, 2013 at 11:59pm This Is A Sale You Shouldn't Miss Get An Additional 30% Off All G Gauge Items In Stock Use Coupon Code: summer

I did confirm by the way that the box is not avail separately so have to buy the set.

What you can currently do is when you apply power to the staging track, hit the read button on the DCS remote at the same time. That will resend the watchdog signal but yes totally agree this is a nice and seamless solution. As far as pricing, they will run $46.50 + shipping (Imagine not more than $10 insured for shipping for both.) I expect shipping for just one unit to be cheaper. If you are interested I'll let you know when my order comes in.

More beautiful and unique engines. I agree too Bart would like to see one of those too.