Anyone Questioning IM Quality

[DocGeoff]

I was ordering something from Tony's yesterday and happened to read the information concerning the disappointing performance of the Intermountain HO cab forwards. I have the N's ordered and now wonder  if I am throwing $$$$ after another static display? I know some have seen the N Scale version run at train shows and seem impressed. Any thoughts? Am I unduly concerned? I have had problems with some of the Tunnel Motors and almost stopped buying IM. Then I had problems with a F7A and they were super, great response and service...
What do you think? Know? Speculate? Prognosticate?   

[bbussey]

I suspect that the primary reason for the delay of release was because they wanted to make sure the mechanism performed up to high standards.  The samples running at various shows over the past year have been impressive.

[oakcreekco]

I wouldn't spend a penny for an IM loco, period. I had enough of them, and enough trouble with them, that I'm done with IM locos.

The tunnel motors were a headache to say the least, so I can only imagine what problems steam could be.

Just my opinion, based on spending my hard earned money on a premium priced product, that turned out to be "junk" in many ways.

Good luck

[delamaize]

I have one of their F units, and am pretty happy with it, it sits a little high, but it is fixable, just aint done it yet. I have heard the tunnel motors were a NIGHTMARE though....

[TiVoPrince]

Unless
its one of those hand picked samples I'm inclined only to buy if I can test run and get a 30 day exchange if unhappy handshake from my dealer...

[RDG_Rich]

I don't own anything from IM save a couple boxcar kits that are collecting dust.

I'm wondering this too, because I am waffling about reserving some FTs, and maybe an FP7.

Rich

[Bob Bufkin]

I've got 4 F-7's and 2 F-3's.  Have not had any problem and they are great running locos.  Didn't buy any of there newer stuff because it's out of my time range. 

[Midniteflyer]

Never had an issue with any of the IM stuff. Had a couple first run tunnelmotors that went bad.I took them to there office and they replaced them on site. Handrails are fraglie but just some TLC when handling. They do tend to come with a little too much lubrication. No Issues IMO.

[bobcat]

I have not been all that happy with any of the SDs I have had but I have been very happy with all F units I have had.

I myself will wait until I hear from the brave people who jump at the chance to get a cab forward before I might buy one.

[Puddington]

Love their F units - best on the market.....can't speak for any other units but their F's are the best.

[u18b]

Wanted an SD45-2.  After all I had read, I decided I better try one on site- period- even if it costs me more.

Was at a show and a  guy had 5.  None of them were up to my standards- all had some kind of flaw-  except one- and it had the wrong fuel tank (E Lack tank on a Clinchfield??).  Told the guy I'd buy this one, but only if I could have that fuel tank.  He said sure.  So I got a proper tank.

So I paid a whole lot more than I could have gotten one off the Net or eBay, but it was the right decision for me.  So I did get a good one, but it was only because I tried before I "buyed".

I will add that I was disappointed they canceled the F set for CSX.  They didn't get enough reservations.
But what can you say?

[Erik W]

I have 5 F7s and 2 FTs that run great.  I also have 2 D&RGW Tunnel Motors (which are too late for my era, but what can I say) that don't run very well.  I'm sure I can tweak them enough to run correctly if I desired, but they are stored away anyway.

Ron, Glad you made it over onto this forum.  I've enjoyed your common sense approach to N scale loco tinkering over the years.  Every four axle Atlas loco I have gets the inner bearing blocks removed before it hits the layout, makes a big difference

Erik

[BN1970]

For me, I have 8 – F7s which I bought in three batches.  They have all been smooth and quite runners and I like them.  If Intermountain were to do F9s I would buy some with out a second thought.  But I have none of the Tunnel Motors or SD45-2s.

Brian

[christoph]

I have an IM FT set, several F3 A+Bs, F7 A+Bs and FP7 A+Bs.  These are great models and I have no complaints, they run very well.  The modern engines are out of my era, and I will ignore the Cab Forward because my layout is located "somewhere east"  (PRR,  NH, N&W and others).
There was a problem with broken coupler mounting pads on two engines, but I assume this was due to rough handling in the overseas mail (somewhere between New Mexico and Northern Germany).  IM sent replacement parts and all was fine.
I also love their freight cars, including kits.  The PRR passenger cars I have seem to be flawed by design, I have to start a major overhaul on them.

[tom mann]

and I will ignore the Cab Forward because the layout is "somehow eastern"  (PRR,  NH, N&W and others).

what?  huh?  ??? ;D