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Speed up Intermountain ES44

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 26 posts
Speed up Intermountain ES44
Posted by bnsffan on Saturday, December 29, 2012 3:36 PM

Guys,

I got three Intermountain ES44 models in BNSF paint. These models are very nice, but I noticed they start running later than my other Atlas/Kato/Genesis models.

I found this on the MR website: "The box and specifications on the model say it is DC capable, however when this model is put on the rails, it is just a bit different than a DC Atlas or Athearn prepared model. It takes about a quarter of the throttle to turn on the LED lights/signboards (which by the way are awesome) and then draw enough current to start moving. This puts it at a disadvantage to a straight set up DC out of the box. It has the decoder in it, so I will have to link up with a DCC’er to get the parameters changed so it works better when in a DC consists."

Has anybody tried this? Any suggestions?

Greetings, Cornelius.

  • Member since
    August 2007
  • From: Red Wing mn
  • 17 posts
Posted by frontierfan on Saturday, December 29, 2012 6:03 PM

There was a write up on this a year or so ago on here cant remember the procedure maybe try searching for it it might come up

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: NE Phoenix AZ
  • 593 posts
Posted by duckdogger on Saturday, December 29, 2012 7:19 PM

According to I-M, their units are standard as DCC. They will ship you a plug to insert into the board if you want DC.  Just the opposite of about everyone else. We asked them why they do not provide dealers with a supply of the plugs and they said it would be too costly, so they ship them to end users when requested.

Okay by me, but ***, man, spell it out on the box, or at least the instruction sheet.  Go figure.

Trains. Cooking. Cycling. So many choices but so little time.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 26 posts
Posted by bnsffan on Sunday, December 30, 2012 5:14 AM

Thanks! When I bought these models, I didn't even realize they are DCC. It's not mentioned on the box.

I'll conact IM to find out if there are plugs to replace the decoder. Weird indeed they didn't add these plugs to the engine - it probably would cost only a dime to do so.

Greetings, Cornelius.



  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: North Carolina
  • 1,905 posts
Posted by csxns on Sunday, December 30, 2012 10:56 AM

bnsffan
I'll conact IM to find out if there are plugs to replace the decoder

That is what i am going to do, i have ten of the ES locos and don't run them much because of the slow start up.

Russell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 26 posts
Posted by bnsffan on Sunday, December 30, 2012 3:15 PM

OK, let me hear your experiences!

Cornelius.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Third rock from the sun.
  • 337 posts
Posted by D&HRR on Sunday, December 30, 2012 5:38 PM

In DCC they run second to none, very nice locomotives.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 26 posts
Posted by bnsffan on Monday, December 31, 2012 4:03 AM

I found the earlier discussion on these engines:

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/184157/2180713.aspx#2180713

Basically it says to connect the pickup wires directly to the motor.

But that leaves a problem with the lights - which can be solved.

Another option is a "wiring harnass" offered by IM.

I'll contact them next year (next week Big Smile).

Greetings. Cornelius.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: North Carolina
  • 1,905 posts
Posted by csxns on Monday, December 31, 2012 1:03 PM

bnsffan

Another option is a "wiring harnass" offered by IM.

I'll contact them next year (next week Big Smile).

I just called Intermountain and have 12 on the way.

Russell

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