Scale Trains 2nd Run N Scale Union Pacific 8500 HP Big Blow Turbines

[pmpexpress]

Just noticed that Scale Trains has announced a 2nd run of N Scale Rivet Counter Union Pacific 8500 HP Big Blow Turbines with six new road numbers (i.e., 9, 13, 15, 20, 21, and 30).

Wonder if any updates to the mechanism and the couplers have been made?

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[peteski]

When I spoke with them at the Winterfest couple of weeks ago they said that the couplers have been improved.  Visually, they will still be unchanged.  But since MTL couplers are drop-in fit in those coupler boxes, that is not a a big issue for me.  I easily and quickly retrofitted my Big Blow from the initial run.  Looks and works better than with the original couplers.

[pmpexpress]

When I spoke with them at the Winterfest couple of weeks ago they said that the couplers have been improved.  Visually, they will still be unchanged.  But since MTL couplers are drop-in fit in those coupler boxes, that is not a a big issue for me.  I easily and quickly retrofitted my Big Blow from the initial run.  Looks and works better than with the original couplers.

Pete,

Thanks for your response.

Given your experience with this model, a few questions:

1. Which MTL couplers did you use?

2. Is your model sound equipped?

3. If the answer to question two is yes, what do you think of the sound quality?

4. If the answer to question two is no, which after-market DCC boards (i.e., sound and non-sound equipped) would you consider installing in this model?

[peteski]

Pete,

Thanks for your response.

Given your experience with this model, a few questions:

1. Which MTL couplers did you use?

2. Is your model sound equipped?

3. If the answer to question two is yes, what do you think of the sound quality?

4. If the answer to question two is no, which after-market DCC boards (i.e., sound and non-sound equipped) would you consider installing in this model?

1.  I'm pretty sure it was 1015 (straight shank, not offset). I used the brown version.

2. Yes, factory-installed sound.

3. Very good - each unit has a separate ESU decoder with custom sound files installed.  Those are very good decoders with decent quality speakers. The jet engine sound is LOUD!  It can be turned down of course, but real jet engines are very loud too. The instruction booklet provides more details on how the various sounds work.

4. I would not consider anything other than the factroy-installed sound (since it is custom programmed for these engines).

[Mark W]

1. Which MTL couplers did you use?

1.  I'm pretty sure it was 1015 (straight shank, not offset). I used the brown version.

And a True-Scale coupler for the front pilot.   

[CBQ Fan]

I have one from the first release and still find it very tempting to buy a second unit!

[pmpexpress]

1.  I'm pretty sure it was 1015 (straight shank, not offset). I used the brown version.

2. Yes, factory-installed sound.

3. Very good - each unit has a separate ESU decoder with custom sound files installed.  Those are very good decoders with decent quality speakers. The jet engine sound is LOUD!  It can be turned down of course, but real jet engines are very loud too. The instruction booklet provides more details on how the various sounds work.

4. I would not consider anything other than the factroy-installed sound (since it is custom programmed for these engines).

Thanks for your input.

Was wondering whether the additional cost of the sound board was worth it and if I should acquire a Scale Trains 1st run refurbished unit, or wait for the new run to come out.

[pmpexpress]

1.  I'm pretty sure it was 1015 (straight shank, not offset). I used the brown version.


And a True-Scale coupler for the front pilot.

Is the True Scale front pilot coupler a straight swap, or does the conversion require some kind of modification?

[Mark W]

Nearly a direct swap.  The top of the TS coupler box needs just a little bit of filing/sanding.

[peteski]

Thanks for your input.

Was wondering whether the additional cost of the sound board was worth it and if I should acquire a Scale Trains 1st run refurbished unit, or wait for the new run to come out.

You're welcome. Not sure if I understand the 1st run refurbished unit. The 1st run had models with factory-installed sound decoders.  That is what mine is.
I should also mention that all 3 units have decoders installed.  Both, the cab unit and the turbine unit have sound decoders, and the tender has a function-only decoder for the functional rear headlight.

The true scale coupler should also be a drop-in installation since those use a 1015-style box.

[pmpexpress]

Nearly a direct swap.  The top of the TS coupler box needs just a little bit of filing/sanding.

Thanks for the info.

[pmpexpress]

You're welcome. Not sure if I understand the 1st run refurbished unit. The 1st run had models with factory-installed sound decoders.  That is what mine is.
I should also mention that all 3 units have decoders installed.  Both, the cab unit and the turbine unit have sound decoders, and the tender has a function-only decoder for the functional rear headlight.

The true scale coupler should also be a drop-in installation since those use a 1015-style box.

All of the 1st run models are now sold out at Scale Trains and at all of the major retailers that I have checked out.

Scale Trains occasionally lists refurbished products on its site.

Some 1st run Turbines were recently listed.

Not sure whether to go with a refurbished unit, which carries the full factory warranty, or simply wait for a 2nd run model with a discounted street price.

Given your comments about the three factory installed decoders, the factory DCC equipped models appear to be a real bargain.

[peteski]

All of the 1st run models are now sold out at Scale Trains and at all of the major retailers that I have checked out.

Scale Trains occasionally lists refurbished products on its site.

Some 1st run Turbines were recently listed.

Not sure whether to go with a refurbished unit, which carries the full factory warranty, or simply wait for a 2nd run model with a discounted street price.

Given your comments about the three factory installed decoders, the factory DCC equipped models appear to be a real bargain.

Yes, factory-installed DCC-sound option seems like the best bargain.  I didn't realize Scale Trains sold refurbed units.  If it was me, I would go with a new one from the upcoming run.

[pmpexpress]

Yes, factory-installed DCC-sound option seems like the best bargain.  I didn't realize Scale Trains sold refurbed units.  If it was me, I would go with a new one from the upcoming run.

Taking your advice and reserving a number thirty, the last of the third generation turbines.

Really like the unique roof top exhaust silencers on the B unit and the relocated horns on the A unit of this particular model.

[peteski]

Taking your advice and reserving a number thirty, the last of the third generation turbines.

Really like the unique roof top exhaust silencers on the B unit and the relocated horns on the A unit of this particular model.

Yes, Scale Trains did a really good job modeling all those different variants of these locos.