Pico Whitcomb N scale w & wo sound pre-order

[peteski]

I was excited about these, but I can’t see buying one if there are traction tires involved.  Disappointed in that, as it seems like reliable electrical contact is a bigger concern than lack of pulling power in this type of loco. 

Tom L.

European manufacturers seem to favor traction tires on their models, even in large (and heavy) 6-axle diesel and electric locos.  On my Arnold S1 I bought replacement wheelsets w/o traction tires to eliminate them on my model. If Piko sells replacement parts, that would be an option too.

I  still don't get the single powered truck.  It is not a tiny loco - there should be room for powering all the axles (along with a decoder and speaker).  Unless maybe the lower hoods left not room for electronics? But we have modelers installing sound decoders in low-hood switchers like SW-1200 which have both trucks powered. The only contemporary models I have seen with single powered trucks are some European passenger MU units.  Not any locomotives.

[Tom L]

I see these hitting the online stores.  Anyone got one on the way? I would be interested in hearing about them first hand, before I take the plunge.

Tom L
Wellington CO

[prr7161]

Anyone got one on the way? I would be interested in hearing about them first hand, before I take the plunge.

I have three on the way; USPS says they'll be on my doorstep tomorrow.  We'll see!

[Jim Starbuck]

I’ve got one of the USATC ordered. Hope to have it by the time we set up the layout at RPM Naperville.

[mu26aeh]

Shop I work at had one pre ordered for a customer, came in last week to pick it up.  The jewel case is sealed with stickers on either side so I didn't get a chance to look it over

[up1950s]

I got a warning from Trainworld that they shipped my 2 greys Thursday . I guess Saturday or Monday I should have them .

[Chris333]

Did they really only do 2 roadnames?

[kiwi_al]

Did they really only do 2 roadnames?

Actually there's only 3, one for Germany and 2 for USA. Interestingly they have given the model a Novelty 2023 tag on the Piko website so it looks like they took a punt on producing these. At least you can strip them and apply the paint scheme and decals you want   

[Chris333]

Looks like only the ACL model has footboards.

[prr7161]

Looks like only the ACL model has footboards.

Yeah, that's the version I got to get the U.S. appliances.  Apparently ACL was the only Class I to operate these.  Too bad there is no U.S. undec version to let people customize more easily.

[Jim Starbuck]

This is on screenshot from their website. Looks to me like the USATC scheme has footboards.
I take it this is the US version with the knuckle couplers.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[Kentuckian]

I just received mine a couple of hours ago. I got the DC version, partially because I run NCE.

Anyway, first impressions: seemed heavy taking it out of the box. That’s good. And it’s bigger than I thought it would be. Smooth and quiet when running. So far I’m impressed.

[up1950s]

Sorry for the crappy shots , even sorrier for mistakenly ordering the black instead of the black and gray ones . My US military freight now has some power . I hope they do that 2-8-0 or a military RSD-1

[Chris333]

Looks like the motor is offset so much that only one truck is powered, but they show gears in both. 

[central.vermont]

Looks like the motor is offset so much that only one truck is powered, but they show gears in both. 

It was advertised as having only one truck powered with two wheels with traction tires.