The Turbines Are Coming! The Turbines Are Coming!

[robert3985]

Bob, the McHenry-like knuckle spring on the side of the coupler doesn't look very prototypical to me. IMO, it would make sense to replace the front coupler too (maybe even install the proto-size MT coupler).

I agree on both points. 

In fact, I just purchased two more 15 packs of the brown long-shank True Scale couplers (all my LHS had) for modifying and using with @wcfn100 's "standard" coupler pocket, which will be in my mailbox the first week of February from Shapeways.  These will be perfect for permanently coupled engines like the GTELs if they're strong enough, which I believe they will be.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[sundowner]

I got one today, non-dcc and sound #18, I wanted #26 but my LHS only got #18 in. Beautifully done engine and runs nice on DC .From looking at the box and instructions, It looks like the engine come from the same factory that Athearn uses to built there Big Boy and Challenger, so those are real McHenry's couplers. I am waiting on the decoder to come in so I can run on my layout. Guess I will need to get #26 eventually because I really like this engine.

[peteski]

I fondled a "dummy" set of these in the TLT booth at the Springfield show. I liked the fact that all the gears are fully covered by the bottom truck plate - that is an excellent design.  They did look very good overall, but didn't have my glasses with me. 

[C855B]

Additional info...

For the non-factory DCC/sound versions, the ESU 53614 LokPilot decoder drops right in and runs on #03. F0 for headlight(s), F1 controls the number boards. There was a momentary "Oh, CRAP!" when I did the smoke test on DC when it lit-up but didn't move... for about 5 seconds. Turns out the momentum settings are fairly high, so aside from changing the address I need to scale back the momentum. I haven't put it on the programming track yet, but will later this evening.

The ESU decoder's motor dithering on DC makes the motor "sing" at low speeds, right around 220Hz ('A' below middle 'C'). No noticeable buzzing or hum on DCC.

It turns out the non-decoder tender came with a decoder for the rear headlight, from the factory. It was set for #03, and manages the rear headlight just as expected under DCC. Slick! This is a "heads up!" for anybody changing the DCC address, as you either have to change the address with all three units on the programming track or be sure to change all three separately to the same address.

And now the bad news, or, rather, a "watch out!" Getting the shell off the B-unit is a b!tch. After removing the couplers, lacking a fuel tank or battery box, getting a grip on the underframe is challenging. Do not try to pull the shell off by grabbing the trucks! This will unsnap clips up in the mechanism, requiring disassembly of the chassis to get to the gear towers to reattach the clips and re-seat the universals. Also, if you fall victim to this problem, be sure to test the bare chassis before snapping the shell back on and reattaching the couplers (a PITA in itself). I didn't test, and clearly something else is out of position in the mechanism and I get to tear it down again.

Overall, I still really like it, unfortunately after learning the hard way about a couple of things. Hopefully my experience will save others from the same grief in what's supposed to be a straightforward bench task.

[sundowner]

I just finish putting the decoders on mine, I used Digitrax DH166MT on both units. This thing are Kato like smooth and quiet. I did not have any issues taking of the shells, just took off the couplers and they came right off.

[peteski]

Just for the record, any factory-new DCC decoder will be set to short address 3.

I'm a bit puzzled: the DC version has a decoder plug in the A unit and a function-only decoder for the headlight in the B unit?  I was under the impression that the DCC set (for $626 MSRP) includes sound decoders in both, A and B units). If that is the case, is there also a plug for a sound decoder in the DC B unit?

[sundowner]

 Its two separate locomotive and a tender.

[peteski]

Its two separate locomotive and a tender.

Duh!  Mike wrote that the tender, not B unit, has the built-in decoder. 

[C855B]

Just finished reprogramming and testing. I chose to program each unit separately (in JMRI) so I could do a full read of the A unit and then apply changes to write to all three. As if the tender is going to care about momentum settings. 

Anyway, all is good. They run great. I need to decide how to install MTL TSCs on the set. The coupler mounting points are nice and flat, so mounting TSCs without the box lid might just work.

... I did not have any issues taking of the shells, just took off the couplers and they came right off.

Interesting. Both my A and B didn't exactly slide off. The B shell was still a pain after four times off then on again. I found a bit of frame to grab with duckbill pliers and I guess that will be my technique. We'll see what my second trio does when I install the decoders in it.

[RBrodzinsky]

Mine was delivered yesterday (#26)
A few observations now that I have placed it on the track and run it around a bit:

• The tender light for reverse is on F0. The B-Unit's reverse light is on F10. Documentation sort of confusing on this point.
• I don't see any issues with the couplers on my units.
• I read back the CV values in all three, using LokProgrammer. The A and B units are the same sound file, just that the sound slot for the Hostler is set to full volume in the A unit, and 0 in the B unit; vice versa for the Turbine sound slot. When the turbine is turned off (F3 off), then the motors are placed in "switching mode", which basically cuts power by 50%
• I do not see the normal Notch 0 to Notch 1 startup delay, not really sure if that is a function of the way the locos are supposed to work, or the CV settings. My other LokSound diesels have a significant ramp up time before the locos will start to move.
• Default Acceleration and Deceleration are not as pronounced as other default ESU settings, but looking at the CVs, they are not set as high, either. Looks like play time for these
  

The details are amazing, and they run smooth and quiet. Now the sad part... I have to put them back into the box for 3 weeks.

[BruceStikkers]

Lombard Hobbies (Chicago suburbs) called and will be shipping mine tomorrow. I was able to run a production model Shane Wilson had at Thanksgiving time at an operation session. These are really nice and the sound is great. Lombard has them for sale, but they are not on their website. You can call them at 630-620-1084 if interested. The price is well discounted off msrp.  I am a UP fan and they fit my time period of interest so this is a wonderful opportunity for me.

Bruce Stikkers
St. Joseph, IL

[CBQ Fan]

I ordered mine today.  I will have some fun running them my COLA train, I,am,sure the passengers won't mind the noise!  Lol

[sundowner]

I ordered mine today.  I will have some fun running them my COLA train, I,am,sure the passengers won't mind the noise!  Lol
[/quote.


As long as you put some "buffer" cars in between they will be alright. I suggest 10 or so baggage cars before the first passenger car.

[C855B]

No kidding, I actually saw a RB-B&B circus train being pulled by a turbine in '66 or '67. It was eastbound, in the valley approaching Green River. It was pure luck of time and place, as this was an area I could only railfan by happenstance of passing through once every other year. I was 12 at the time and the family was on the return leg of a trip visiting grandparents in the East. Dad wasn't about to turn around for it ("D*** trains!") and my little plastic 120 film snapshot camera wouldn't have resolved it anyway from the highway up on the bluff.

Noise and passenger complaints aside, turbines couldn't do passenger service. They had no steam generators, for one thing. Sure, you could tack a passenger unit on it for that, but what a waste of resources. The other problem, however, since they were largely confined to the North Platte-SLC mainline pool, was no appropriate trains to run them on - everything that ran in the area was through service. There was little advantage and negative schedule impact to swap power at each end of the turbine-allowed zone.

Of course, never say "never", but I will go out on a limb with "emergency only" if at all, and that would be on the front to assist the normal power. That circus train is probably the closest, and, sadly, with no known pictures I can't even prove that.

[wishj]

I fondled a "dummy" set of these in the TLT booth at the Springfield show. I liked the fact that all the gears are fully covered by the bottom truck plate - that is an excellent design.  They did look very good overall, but didn't have my glasses with me. 
[/Looking forwarded to receiving my order shipped 1/27 and so far it has travelled from Benton to Chatttanooga on the same day still a long way to go to down under John