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International Hobby Corporation SD 35 locomotives Question

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  • Member since
    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, November 21, 2004 5:56 PM
IHCs are ok... i have some of their older C-628s and they run but they arent up to par with better stuff like athearns. i've heard that their newer stuff is better, but i have no experience with it. as for getting an SD-35 if ya want a good one for a decent price look at train shows, ebay or other places that sell used stuff for the old atlas SD-35 that was made by ROCO.... its a good engine althoguth the detail is not the best. that or go for the new atlas SD-35... great puller great detail... just a great engine
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  • From: California
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Posted by AggroJones on Sunday, November 21, 2004 4:18 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by BoRockhard

I'll help. Don't buy garbage! The IHC units are terrible. You WILL regret it. If you really like SD-35s, save up a little more and get an Atlas. They had a couple of runs not too long ago. check www.trainworld.com , www.1stplacehobbies.com , www.firsthobby.com or your LHS.


[#ditto] Yup. IHC steam is great, besides the fact the flanges are too deep, and many of the details are molded on. But the diesels are scrappers. Go for the Atlas SD35. call Trainworld in New York to see what they have. They're $86. Much much better all around.

"Being misunderstood is the fate of all true geniuses"

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  • Member since
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  • From: Weymouth, Ma.
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Posted by bogp40 on Sunday, November 21, 2004 2:29 PM
I have no problems with IHC steam. Just make sure that if it is older stock that it is IHC Premier series. these are powered with a decent can motor and have RP25 wheels. Good quality for short money.
Bob K.

Modeling B&O- Chessie  Bob K.  www.ssmrc.org

  • Member since
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  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Sunday, November 21, 2004 8:27 AM
My gripe with Con-Cor: First, it was advertised as being DCC ready, but was far from it. The motor they used is an extremely small, cheap looking, open frame motor that appears to have been made for a slot car. The motor's metal frame was screwed directly to the locomotive's frame, which made decoder installation extremely difficult. The locomotive was overpriced for the quality of workmanship and running qualities. Con-Cor makes good buildings, construction vehicles, trucks, and semi-trailers, but their locomotives are poorly made. IHC locomotives are a much better product than Con-Cor, and don't cost as much.
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Posted by ericsp on Saturday, November 20, 2004 8:53 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

Con-Cor is one I avoid like the plague after my experience with their MP-15.

I was considering buying a Con-Cor MP15 when the comw out again. What was your experience with it?

"No soup for you!" - Yev Kassem (from Seinfeld)

  • Member since
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  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
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Posted by cacole on Saturday, November 20, 2004 8:31 PM
I have several IHC steamers that run very smoothly and have given me no problems at all. I have even installed decoders into all of them, despite the fact that they are not "DCC ready." I have no experience with IHC diesels, because I prefer to get some of the better brands such as Atlas, Kato, or Broadway Limited. Con-Cor is one I avoid like the plague after my experience with their MP-15.
  • Member since
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  • From: Whitby, ON
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Posted by CP5415 on Saturday, November 20, 2004 8:20 PM
While I'm not sure about the diesels, I'm a fan of IHC's steam program.
I have a 4-6-2 Pacific & it runs great!!!
It's quiet, & while it's not a specific steam locomotive, it works for me after some painting & some detailing!

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!

 K1a - all the way

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 20, 2004 10:39 AM
wow...i have purchased several IHC products including two sd-35's....i also have two c-628's...and a mikado...all of these i will agree needed a little upgrade on the details...but i have beat the heck out of them with run time on my own layout and on my clubs layout and have yet to have any failures....this is actually the first time someones mentioned this that i have heard of...figures....now they will probably die out on me since i said something..
  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, November 20, 2004 12:42 AM
I have a few IHC locos.
Seems I get a lot of them in the parts lots I buy.
They just aren't built to last.
I have modified a few, upgrading the motor, installing steel axles and brass bearings in the trucks, improving the electrical system and on and on.
Buy another Athearn.
  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 11:37 PM
I'll help. Don't buy garbage! The IHC units are terrible. You WILL regret it. If you really like SD-35s, save up a little more and get an Atlas. They had a couple of runs not too long ago. check www.trainworld.com , www.1stplacehobbies.com , www.firsthobby.com or your LHS.
  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: Dallas Texas
  • 262 posts
International Hobby Corporation SD 35 locomotives Question
Posted by Todd McWilliam on Friday, November 19, 2004 10:44 PM
Are IHC locomotives good? I have seen them advertised and I was wondring if they are a good buy? I usually stick with Athearn blue box locomotives because of their stability and price, (I am a full time college student, so I'm poor)[:D] Any input would be appreciated

Todd
Chicago & North Western Railway/Iowa Northern

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