IHC 4-6-2 PACIFIC

[Budliner]

is ihc steam more of a toy
I see them selling for $30
It looks good

[Anonymous]

They have some premier models.
I own the 4-8-2 mountain that I paid around $100.00 seven years ago.
Go to their site www.ihc-hobby.com

[cacole]

IHC steam locomotives run very smoothly and have good quality can motors in them. They are cheaper than other brands because they don't have as much detail. All of the IHC steamers I own have bright wire handrails, for example, where other manufacturers use either plastic or painted metal. I have managed to install DCC decoders into all of my IHC steam engines, and was able to squeeze the decoder into the boiler on some of them, even though none were DCC ready. I don't know if I would trust a locomotive selling for as little as $30, because it may not be IHC's better quality line.

[nfmisso]

The older IHC locomotives had wheels that require code 100 track due to grossly over sized flanges. The latest ones are to NMRA RP25. They ones made in the last ten years or so run well, look for ones with a flywheel.

[Fergmiester]

I have a number of IHC (Mehano) Steam engines. Their a very good inexpensive engine. They don't have the detailing that other manufacturers are now producing however witha bit of scratch building it would be easy enough to detail an engine.

Maybe the other reason IHC is "cheap" is that they are not willing to fleece the customer like their competition.

[AggroJones]

IHC is fine if you don't care about mile-deep flanges and all molded on detailing!

Last peice of IHC trash I bought was a USRA 2-8-2A in 1999. Never again!

[Budliner]

thanks guys this is the best fourm


wish I had more answers to share

B -

[Budliner]

sead I need 80" drivers


hope I get lucky to find one

[LuthierTom]

I have 2 of them and have been generally pleased with them. They aren't the greatest pullers (too small for much weight) and would do better with more pickups (only the drive wheels are wired for pickup), but are smooth, quite runners. I'm running them on code 87 track with no problems.

I also have one of their 4-8-2 mountains which I kitbashed into a N&W streamlined K2, adding power pickup from the tender wheels and constant lighting. I'm very happy with that one.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by LuthierTom

They aren't the greatest pullers (too small for much weight) and would do better with more pickups (only the drive wheels are wired for pickup)

Hi, LuthierTom

Why don't you run flexible wires from the tender to the motor? I presume tender wheels on these models are still metal as they used to be, and have pick-ups for the tender back-up light. I think the fact that the loco couldn't be detached from the tender after this project isn't really significant.
As for the weight, you could add a metal plate, preferably made of lead, to the bottom gear cover, between the drivers. Just glue it there. Drill a hole through it where the original screw is, to be able to remove the cover+plate for future servicing, and paint the lead black. Take extra care if handling lead - it is toxic, so the best way would be to use gloves, file and drill it over a piece of paper or foil so you can easily dispose of the filings and small particles, and wash your hands thoroughly after you're through with it. Don't make it too thick, it must clear the railhead on turnouts etc.
You could also fill any free space inside the boiler/cab with lead - domes for instance, or the area above the motor - as little as it may seem, it'll help.

Have fun,
Oliver.

[Anonymous]

My IHC Pacific is actually lablled IHC - Mehano. It worked much better after I added pickups from the tender, as Oliver suggested. It is simple to do, as the tender is already wired for a light. Just make sure that you connect the wires correctly so you don't get a short. This version of the Pacific is pretty heavy, and pulls well. Mine can make it up a 2.5% grade on a 22" radius curve pulling 15 cars or so. It is not quiet, or good at slow speed, but it works ok.

BTW, the Pacific was originally designed as a passenger engine - hence the large diameter drivers for speed!

Andrew

[LuthierTom]

Actually, adding tender power pickup *is* on my long-range plan list for my 4-6-2 (the other is actually my son's). I hadn't thought about the lead weight on the bottom gear cover; great idea!

[CP5415]

My IHC 4-6-2 Pacific has had no problems. I bought it 3 years ago.
I bought it to haul an excursion train consisting of 5 Athearn passenger cars & as I've said before, it has no problem hauling all 5 of them up the 3.5% grades that I have.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[Budliner]

do these have brass flywheels and 5 pole or do thay use there own system


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