I operate several Proto steam units and I was wondering how the IHC Premier Gold Series 2-10-2 steamers compare for operation and basic detail. I see several new HO units on Ebay for $125 and I was wondering about the quality of their operation. I have stayed wll clear of IHC units and rolling stock for years. Are these units worth their price?
I also was apprehensive about purchasing an IHC locomotive.
However, having read the review of the IHC 2-10-2 in Model Railroader I was surprised at how nicely finished this locomotive was. I saw one at my LHS soon after and purchased one. I was surprised to learn that this engine was produced in China.
The level of detail is good, many added parts, and it's running characteristics and pulling power are quite acceptable.
I have since added DCC and it's running characteristics improved, excellent slow speed control.
This was the last new steam locomotive from Mehano before it's bankruptcy.
IMHO this particular engine is a great buy. I would also recommend the Spectrum 2-10-2 as another excellent steamer of this class.
I myself would purchase either the IHC or Spectrum before spending twice as much for the Proto Heritage which I have always considered overpriced.
I purchased one of these IHC 2-10-2 locomotives about 2 years ago myself. I will tell you that I mirror the experiences that Don 7 just told you. Mine ran nicely in DC. Later I installed a Tsunami and a speaker in the tender and it only improved the operation of the locomotive. They seem to be nice "inexpensive" 2-10-2's.
The one thing that I will add though is this. IHC is no longer in business. If you buy one now and have problems, the factory warranty is worth nothing. No customer service, No parts dept, No nothing.
Michael
I agree, no doubt the Proto version is way overpriced, except for last summer when Walthers was "dumping" a bunch of them for about $100 a copy, I took that opportunity to get what I needed then as I was sure they would be back in the sky as soon as they ran out of them.
I also got some of the Spectrums and even picked up a pair of the IHC 2-10-2's on a whim. I was quite surprised as to their operating characteristics and such for the money. They're a strange looking bird and to me they sort of resemble a Santa Fe 2-10-2 in some ways. My only complaint about them is that really "gastly" looking vanderbilt tender. I have one of each and I wish both had the straight tender, much better looking.
So.............any word yet on "who" is going to pick up their product line now? I'd love to see Horizon get them, pretty much anybody but the big WKW...
Mark
I certainly do not need any more 2-10-2's but for those who are still considering one check out the MB Klien ad.
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/category_s/1728.htm
I guess I bought mine too soon. Both of these engines are worth acquiring.
Here is a link to IHC spare parts. I think?( is this allowed?) Hope I don't get in trouble?
http://www.nicholassmithtrains.com/store/category/39/245/HO-REPLACEMENT-PARTS/
I purchased a 2-10-2 and it had 4 or 5 holes on top of the boiler just forward of the cab roof. I called this gentleman and he told me to send a photo and $7.00. About 9-10 days later I received the correct parts.
A very smooth running locomotive with a high quality can motor.
For DCC use, the best sound option is a TCS Wow! Sound decoder with Keep Alive circuitry and the largest oval speaker and enclosure you can cram into the tender. The one I have has the square tender.
The biggest drawback to the model is their horribly designed tender floor with a cutout for a round speaker above the rear truck on the square tender version. They then brought the wire from the rear truck up through the center of the cutout, making the cutout useless for mounting a speaker. A large oval speaker and enclosure can be left floating above the rear truck.
The only other detractor to the model was their use of an incandescent bulb for the headlight, which gets quite hot when on so I run mine with the headlight turned off.
BumpyJack68 Here is a link to IHC spare parts. I think?( is this allowed?) Hope I don't get in trouble? http://www.nicholassmithtrains.com/store/category/39/245/HO-REPLACEMENT-PARTS/ I purchased a 2-10-2 and it had 4 or 5 holes on top of the boiler just forward of the cab roof. I called this gentleman and he told me to send a photo and $7.00. About 9-10 days later I received the correct parts.
No, you should be fine. I, for one appreciate the link. I have 3 Mehano-built IHC Command XXV locos that I got at an extremely deep discount after IHC went belly up.
It's nice to see that I can get spare parts if I need them.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
What´s the maximum number of freight cars your IHC Command XXV 2-10-2 can still pull without trouble? I´m asking myself if the model is able to pull 30-40 freight cars on straight level...
I have pulled 15-16 40' boxcars on the flat. Never tried for more. Ran smooth in DC. When I can afford a DCC upgrade we shall see?
A DCC upgrade is going to make no difference at all in the model's pulling ability -- if you try to pull too much the wheels will begin to slip.
Free rolling wheels on your rolling stock is going to have a major impact on how many cars you can pull with any engine, so it's really impossible for us to say how many you will be able to pull. If some of your rolling stock is Tyco or Bachmann Christmas Train Set quality that rolls like a brick, you won't be able to pull as much as you can if you have high-quality trucks and wheelsets.
I was going by a couple posts up thread about improved performance after DCC install. I'll take your word for DCC not helping pulling power. I have recently migrated from n scale to HO, eyes and fine moter functions declining in my old age I do know the value of free wheeling wheels, quality trucks and couplers, etc. Along with my first purchase of track, locos and rolling stock I got some large quantities of Kadee #148 Wisker couplers and Intermountain 33" wheelsets. I have 24 40' boxcars but i have only tried 16 behind the 2-10-2. I think I'll go out to the train room and see if it will pull 24. I have a 26 3/8 radious and a slightly sloping floor if that matters? I'll be back with the results.
I replied to this earler but it's not showing? I'll take your word for no extra pulling power with DCC installed.When I purchase rolling stock, new or old, I check couplers, trucks and wheels. Replace where needed, Intermountain 33' wheels and Kadee #148 wisper couplers. I just ran my IHC 2-10-2 with 22 cars and it pulled fine.