Tower 55 Locos

[Tilden]

Got my Tower 55 ES44AC the other day. Since it's UP I suppose it's an SD45ACCTE? Anyway, it uses the Digitrax FX sound decoder and the sounds, though limited, are clear and prototypical. The factory settings are a bit loud for my tastes, but then my layout isn't in a large shed. When left on the track with the sound off (F8 is mute) it will whiz and crackle every once in a while. One reminder, the decoder programs on the main (operations mode). Lighting effects are already programmed. It isn't the best puller though. It was not able to pull fifteen spine cars ( yes the trailers are weighted, about 1/2 oz each) up a 2% or less grade. However an Athearn SSD50 RTR couldn't either, but did better than the Tower 55. The KATO SD90MAC had no problem, haven't tried the KATO AC4400's, or SD45T-2's yet.
The detailing is very, very nice. The grills are distinct, clean and neat, the paint job, with it's crisp lines and bright accents, is super. Almost hate to weather it...a bit.
Price, a bit steep but not too bad when you consider the cost of a KATO, with sound added, or an Atlas Gold Series.
I have not experienced any running problems mentioned in other posts and I did MU it with the SD50 (which I believe has an MRC 350 decoder) without problems.

[Darth Santa Fe]

Sounds like you've got yourself a good engine.[:D] I wish I could afford one.

Maybe the pulling power will improve as it's run. I'm pretty sure there's nickle plating on the wheels, which can be pretty slippery. When I first got my Spectrum F40 (new), the slick plating let it slide about 2 feet if I tried sliding it.[:O] The plating has since worn enough for it to be fairly powerful.[:D]

[Anonymous]

I hope you got a discount these engines are plauged with returns and sound card defects.

[Tilden]

Darth, thanks for the tip on the nickel wheels. I'm thinking a few...hundred, laps around the main ought to do it :-). That should also show up any defects. And no, a single Kato AC4400 won't pull the train either, but it does better than the 55.