IHC Steamers?

[hd8091]

I have about 20 of them and they all run well,I had a problem with a rivet falling out on a 2-8-2 driving rod but they fixed it no problem. Also they were on sale and they still may be about $59.00 +shipping for the 2-8-2. I have three of the mountians and while they run well , the Bachmann heavy for about the same money seems to be better and is certainly more correct.
Tom

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

If you're looking for a cheaper steamer than a BLI, I'd suggest the new Rivarossi UP FEF-3 or a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 or 4-8-2.

We have two Bachman K4's , looking for Mikados, and Mountains!

[Anonymous]

If you're looking for a cheaper steamer than a BLI, I'd suggest the new Rivarossi UP FEF-3 or a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 or 4-8-2.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I doubt it would run on code 70 though.

The code 70 is dual gauge track , where the EBT meets Mount Union . They wont be running on it!

[rrgrassi]

I have an IHC Steamer (4-6-2 Pennsy) that developes electrical pick up problems, and just stalls where ever it wants. Any ideas where I can find a Belpaire firebox to fit the IHC. The Pennsy version does not look right without it.

I do not have this problem with my Bachmann Pennsy k-4. I'm saving up for the BLI or MTH versions. The Bachmann is a good runner, but does not have enough weight to pull more than 4 passenger cars. Are there any traction tires that can be added, like what BLI includes?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

The IHC Premier 4-8-2 I have is a recent model, deeper flanges than RP25 but not like the older "cookie cutters." Like I mentioned, it does run fine on code 83 so far. Just more clearance on code 100. I doubt it would run on code 70 though.

[simon1966]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxmu

So I take it these are going to hit the tieplates and make a bunch of noise on code 83???
Because our club layout is CODE 83 & 70! Im just trying to find a steamer cheaper than the BLI's we have! Wish Atlas would hurry up with a steam line!!!

The more recent ones run fine on code 83. I think that maybe some of the older models might have had the deeper flanges, but none of the ones I have purchased in the last 4 years have had a problem. I to have found them to be reliable runners.

[Anonymous]

So I take it these are going to hit the tieplates and make a bunch of noise on code 83???
Because our club layout is CODE 83 & 70! Im just trying to find a steamer cheaper than the BLI's we have! Wish Atlas would hurry up with a steam line!!!

[SpaceMouse]

Not yet, but I can't see a problem.

[WilmJunc]

Has anyone had any success installing a Soundtrax DCC sound decoder with speaker in an IHC?

[Fergmiester]

Best bang for the buck. They are a bit on the "cluncky " and generic side with regards to detailing but as far as running and durability they are very good. I have aboout a dozen of these. As far as DCC they can be rigged in about an hour, if not less. Just make sure the wires are taped down and kept free and clear of the Fly-wheel as I had to make a guard from styrene for my Mountain's fly wheel.

You can always super detail these Locos to get what you want.

Regards
Fergie

[Anonymous]

Like mentioned above, IHC are decent runners but the detail is so-so. You cant beat em for the money though. DCC conversion is very simple and just put your decoder in the tender. You can vastly improve the pulling power by removing the wipers from the wheels on the tender. I did this to one of my engines, a 4-6-2, no problems with stalling or anything but it sure does pull better.

[Anonymous]

I have an IHC Premier 4-8-2 Mountain and it was very simple to convert to DCC. Lots of room in the tender for a decoder and easy to remove the factory plug connection and run wires between tender & loco. Make sure to use very flexible wire however, or you will have derailment problems. I used 30 gauge super flex wire I bought at Radio Shack. The all black costs more than the package of multi-color, but looks better going between tender & loco. (Just connect one wire at a time so you keep track of which is which)

Mine is a decent runner, though not great on pulling capacity. It also likes curves wider than 18" though it will run on it ok. I've got a 15" radius section, and it doesn't like it a bit, derails all the time. But a 4-8-2 shouldn't be run on anything that tight anyhow.

Also, the IHC does not have RP25 wheels, they have quite a deep flange. I have run mine on code 83, but it is better on code 100.

As for detail, the IHC is very generic and doesn't seem to be absolutely road specific. It is easy to super detail with add on parts, etc. And even just weathering to kill the semi-gloss finish seems to help alot. There are a couple photos of it on my site in my signature. You can see what a bit of detailing and weathering can do for realism.

I think the best thing I did for looks was paint the "chrome" handrails and coupler lift bars flat black. This makes it look much less "toylike."

Just my 2 cents worth.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by csxmu

What do you guys think about IHC Premier Series? Easy to convert to DCC? I have an old SD 35 ....dont care for it much. Has the quality improved?

I have several IHC steamers and they are decent runners, but others have told me they miss a lot of details. I have one converted to DCC and it seems like it was fairly easy to do with the decoder in tender. The motor is failry large in proportion to the body and putting it on is a tight fit. Getting the body back on was the most difficult part.

[Anonymous]

What do you guys think about IHC Premier Series? Easy to convert to DCC? I have an old SD 35 ....dont care for it much. Has the quality improved?