THE QSI decoders are dual-mode decoders that will sense whether they are on DC tracks or DCC tracks...although the previous owner may have programmed a value of "34" in CV 29, in which case it won't respond to DC voltage. In fact, if you have someone nearby with a DCC system, before you operate your new engine, have that person do a factory reset of the decoder. Included in the various changes will be a restoration of the right value in CV 29, and that would be "38".
I can't say how good this engine will pull. What do you have in mind for grades and the quality of cars and their number? If your cars are not good rollers, are too heavy, and if you intend to ask the engine to struggle up a 4.5% grade with 20 cars, you should accept today that you will be very disappointed. On the other hand, if you have very slight grades, good quality cars, and only intend to make the engine pull 15-25 cars, it will do that easily.
Cool, now my big questions are pulling performance, and DC operation(the club i'm in hasn't went DCC yet due to an overabundance of DC equipment among members..)
HI, I would be quite chipper if I were you.
I purchased one each of five different Paragon steamers over about a two year period, and I love each one of them. No disappointments.
I think you will come to love this engine, not only for its abilities and looks, but because the real thing was a mighty engine that its creators were proud to call their design. Many consider the J Class engine to be the pinnacle of the Northern type 4-8-4 variants.
-Crandell
Hi again guys,
My mom, knowing my love of streamlined steam engines, recently purchased at an estate sale, a very lightly used N&W Class J steam locomotive for me that's (as best I could tell from her description) a Broadway limited Paragon, and wondering what the features(other than QSI sound and DCC) and performance(pulling capacity mostly) are on it. I haven't picked it up yet, as she lives 3 hours away, so I would like to know if I should be excited or weary of it. THANKS!