New Model Power / MRC Steam

[strummer]

I do give MRC a point for this.  They are listing all the new runs in both DC only and DCC.

+1

Mark in Oregon

[Chris333]

Says shipping in may 2015:
http://modelrectifier.com/model-power/n-scale-Locomotives.asp

Also says:
http://modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=14368

NEW Tender Pick-ups
NEW Notched Driver Axle

I'll let you guys play before I buy 

[mmagliaro]

Well, the new tender pickups could still be nothing more than better axle wipers (wipers with two fingers on
each axle, or something similar). 

However, I am encouraged by the "New Notched Driver Axle".   That to me means that they acknowledge
the problem with the drivers slipping on their axles, which is probably the most serious flaw these engines have.
When those things slip, it is very very hard to get them to stay put again

But the "improved" driver wipers... well, I sure wish that said, "Split Frame w/Bearings - no more driver wipers!"

[Mark5]

However, I am encouraged by the "New Notched Driver Axle".   That to me means that they acknowledge
the problem with the drivers slipping on their axles, which is probably the most serious flaw these engines have.
When those things slip, it is very very hard to get them to stay put again

Crap, didn't know about the drivers slipping. I have one Pacific, and I fixed the pickup (bachmann tender). Well, hopefully no probs with the axle slip.

[johnb]

I am just waiting for them to release the Vandy

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Was the drivers slipping ever a real problem? I used thread locker on mine with good results.

[SkipGear]

Was the drivers slipping ever a real problem? I used thread locker on mine with good results.

Yup, once they broke loose, they were impossible to keep quartered. The reason for this is my biggest complaint. They used the equivalent of celcon (the stuff for handrails) for the driver centers to get the fine detail on the spokes. This plastic is not tough enough for the task. It also melts at a very low temp so don't dare have one short out on a turnout, you can't grab it fast enough to keep them from failing.

[mmagliaro]

Indeed, I fixed one engine with LocTite.  On a second engine,
I tried LocTite, JB Weld, drilling alongside the axle and ramming
a small steel pin in there... but I could not save that one.

If I had it to do over, I think I might try cutting a little slit into the axle just behind the driver with
a Dremel cut-off disc (it would have to be done with that, as the axles are HARD drill rod type steel).
Then lay a U-shaped piece of wire into that slot, epoxy, so that the legs of the U were inserted into little
holes drilled into the back of the plastic driver center.   Lots of work, hard to get right.
Or maybe press off the driver and cut little slits into the inside of the driver hole with a #11 blade, and then
put it back on with JB Weld and requarter.   The JB, would flow into the slits, and when it gets hard, it
would stay in there just out of pressure and having nowhere else to go.  It wouldn't stick to the plastic,
but it wouldn't have to.  It would stick to the metal axle.

In any event, it's a rotten design and a real headache if it ever happens to your engine.  I've seen
a few and heard of more where this has happened, so while it may not be chronic, it happens far too
often to trust spending 200 bucks on an engine that doesn't have the issue corrected.  So I'm glad they
seem to have done that.

[victor miranda]

I want to add to what Max says.

the MP drivers are both repairable and not easy to repair
based on whether or not the hub is cracked.

you can use one kind of glue or other if there is no crack and it will work.
I tried a few repairs to a cracked driver hub.

the driver started to dish...
Since parts are available, I explored no further for a repair.

If I had to repair one with a crack I'd probable glue a brass hub in place
and then locktite the axle to the brass.

replace it as long as parts last.

victor


 

[sumfred]

Just received an update on delivery:

quoting a MRC response to my inquiry:

"They were unfortunately delayed. The new arrival time is late June/early July."

Gives me time to save up for a few Mikados and Pacifics.

Fred