GENESIS 2 8 2 OPINIONS PLEASE

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone.
I was curious what everyone's opinions are regarding the Genesis 2 8 2 ?

I have noticed a few on Ebay and was thinking about either buying or selling one.

Thanks again.

Jim

[twhite]

I've got one, it's okay, but a little light in the pulling category. All the pickup is in the engine, the tender's just along for the ride. You might want to search the posts recently, there's one on Genesis 2-8-2's and gears cracking. I'd read the posts before I buy. Actually, if you want a 2-8-2, I'd recommend the BLI, either Light or Heavy. It's a much better loco, better hauler and with tender pickup. The Heavy isn't that much more expensive than the Genesis, either. Plus, you get good sound, if you're into that aspect.
Tom

[Anonymous]

I own a Genesis 2-8-2. The pulling is light. (I was thinking 15 cars but it could not do it) however the BLI's Mike is able to do 15 cars on a 3%er.

It is a "Sweet" running engine!! I like to use it to find flaws in the trackwork. At the current time, it is in the box awaiting either a sell off or a future assignment on a friends layout.

[Anonymous]

They are nice for the price, very picky about poor track work, espicaly on curves. The lead driver set on my likes to pop off the rail at the slighest joint or bad spot on curves. I would recommend the Trix Mikado, all metal, coasting spur gear drive. Should be a good puller and the sound is out of this world! Cheers Mike

[tstage]

Jim,

I've only had two problems with mine: a wheel bushing that had to be epoxied, and a LEFT broken motor wire that I resoldered myself. Other than that, it's been a good engine for me. I've been able to pull 15 - 20, 40' cars on level track without much problem. Haven't tried it on a grade yet.

I will agree with twhite about the Broadway Limited 2-8-2. Saw one recently at one of the local hobby stores (LHS) and it was VERRRRRY NICE looking. [:)] I may seriously consider getting one sometime down the road. True, it's a bit more in price than the Athearn but you get more pulling power AND the addition of sound to go with it.

All in all, either is worth a consideration.

Tom

[Virginian]

The Athearn 2-8-2 is a great little engine for the money in my opinion. I really like it. Yes, you do need to add weight, yes you do need to fix the tender umbilical cord, and it has had some cracked gear issues, but that doesn't faze me (only the gear issue was difficult). If any of that sounds daunting, go with the BLI. I don't have a BLI Light 2-8-2, but I do have a heavy. They are ready to run except for a little wheel and rod blackening.

[tomwatkins]

There are actually several threads on the Genesis light mikado going back quite a while. Opinions vary widely, and I think it has a lot to do with the grades and curves that the loco is normally used on. On relatively level track and broad curves it's probably OK. On fairly steep grades or tighter curves the problems with weight and balance and tracking tend to show up.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all your replies.

So I assume that 30 dollars for a new one on Ebay is a decent price?

Jim

[tstage]

Jim,

If it's new...IN THE BOX? That's a great price! They're regularly $149.99 MSRP. Double-check with the seller to be sure of the condition. Let us know how you come out.

Tom

[Anonymous]

Oh ya! If mint in the box?? Grab it!! 30-?

[robengland]

yeah it's picky about trackwork: the balance is screwed - the front is too light. Not easy to add weight at the front either. Runs quiet. Nice roomy tender for sound - mine sounds great with a Soundtraxx in it. I'm adding pickups to the tender and still trying to add some weight to the loco - any tips anyone?

[Virginian]

To add weight, remove the smokebox front. DO NOT PLACE ANY METAL THAT WILL BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN THE TWO HALVES OF THE FRAME. I filled this area up with #9 lead shot, glued in place with Elmers. Stuck a sliver of old credit card between the halves until I was through. Also glued lead to the back of the smokebox front. Check your clearances for the light and wiring.
You can remove the screw that goes up thru the bottom, and drop shot into the steam chest cylinder area too, but make sure when you do it the rods are in. I also stuck on some weight under the steam chest between the cylinders, and added just a little in the cab roof area.
I have one I went overboard on and even added weight in the steam and sand domes, but I don't think you really need that.
Mine will pull 25 cars now, no sweat, almost as many as the BLI. Very sweet running little engines.

[Anonymous]

Well, its a decent engine definetely.

It is picky about poor track work, but I fixed much of that by removing the springs on the lead and trailing trucks, then added weight to them. Also I check the gauge on the lead truck, it was to narrow, but after correcting it, it did much better. But even after doing all that, it was still kind of picky about trackwork.

Another problem I've had with mine is that the wire leads in the locomotive seemed to be soldered on in a rather frail and unreliable way. Easy to fix, but annoying that something like that needs to be done.

Removing the umbilical is pretty easy, and definetely worth doing. I had done that long before I fixed the other tracking problems.

I have no experience with the other makes.
Alvie.