IHC LOCOS

[Anonymous]

I am thinking of buying two SD35 loco from IHC. Can some one tell me if they run good. I got a Pacific loco from IHC and it is very bad. It just comes to a stop by itself. I got a GG1 from IHC and it runs ok. Does anyone know about the SD35,

[Anonymous]

I've not run any myself, but I've heard some very bad reports of these locos. Then again, I've heard similar reports of locos that turned out to run just fine, so it would seem that quality control isn't always what it should be - I got a good one, others didn't. They're made by Mehano who have recently started turning out some very nice diesels (including DCC and sound equipped versions) but I don't know how their older models behave. Best advice I can give would be to try to find an LHS with one and ask to see it in action, or alternatively look at buying one for now, then order another if you like the first one. That way, you won't have lost as much as you would if you ordered two and then discovered you didn't like them. Hope this helps!

[Don Gibson]

I cannot recall ever seeing a favorable review on IHC engines or Mehano products. They DO offer some product's that no one else has.

[ndbprr]

I thought Atlas had done SD-35's about a year or two ago. If they did they would be my prefered source.

[SpaceMouse]

I have several IHC steamers--all Premiere and they work fine for me. I did a test where with 4 Overton cars attatched, a 4-4-0 pulled them across a 9" section of track in 22 seconds without hesitating or jerking.

Some people say the details are a little incorrect. I can't speak to that.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse
Some people say the details are a little incorrect. I can't speak to that.

Well, I wouldn't say the details are incorrect, it's just that IHC produces one model of a something, then sells them with all sorts of different road names on them (ATSF GG1s, B&O, and SP SD24s (did SP even have SD24s?) in the wrong scheme, UP 4-6-4s, PRR 4-6-4s). I think it's crazy.

[Don Gibson]

SPACE MOUSE:

You travel 9" in 22 second's? You careless madman, you.

[M636C]

4884,

SP didn't own any SD24s. However, EMD did build at least one fully equipped with SP's additional headlights and Mars lights, and painted in SP red and grey, although it was not lettered (in the photo I have, at least). It carried number 7200 and is illustrated on page 64 of "The Pocket Diesel Guide" by F. K. Hudson. So, if you wanted one, you could argue there was a prototype.

Peter

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson

SPACE MOUSE:

You travel 9" in 22 second's? You careless madman, you.

Careful, I'm walking with scissors.

[Anonymous]

I would look for the Atlas version.They can be pricey but you could find one Atlas for the price of 2 of those IHC SD35s.The IHC models ride too high on the trucks among other things.Even the old Atlas Roco built SD35 is better than the IHC. But if you are looking for a cheap locomotive and are not worried about looks the IHC should suit you fine.You could also look at the newer Athearn SD40-2 units.They are nice and sell for about the same as that IHC at a discount.Hope this helps.Dan

[Anonymous]

i have 2 ihc sd35's that were bought as a gift for me....although they do tend to look a little high...the both run flawlessly....i must have got the good ones.....they have never derailed and perform perfect.....just a thought

[METRO]

I'd go for Atlas over IHC any day, hands down. IHCs in my oppinion are lemons and are just a step above the old Tyco models. As part of a bigger lot of model railroading stuff I aquired a few IHC SD40-2s at a yard sale and they preform horribly. Now they are just taking up space in my scrap box.

I'd go with an Athearn SD40-2 or the Atlas SD-35 as you can probably get a very good deal for one on E-Bay and they will last you years and years.

~METRO

[Anonymous]

Silver,

I recently bought a 2-6-0 from IHC and had issues with starting and stopping when first i tried it out. I was ready to return it and decided to give it one more go and by some miracle it worked fine. I am hoping it continues to work fine, but I have trepidation. I don't think I'd buy another IHC.

On the other hand I have an ATLAS diesel which runs like glass, and I woul dhave no problem recommending ATLAS.

Trevor

[rrgrassi]

I have a Pennsy Pacific IHC Premier that develops electrical problems after running a while, while my Athearns, Bachmann and Atlas do not. I also have a PRR IHC Premier SD-35 that just runs well. It is faster and has no problem pulling 30 cars by it self, no slipping or hesitating. Only problem is that is runs too fast, so I cannot MU it.

[mikebonellisr]

I have both a premier mogul and a pacific and i've found that they run so well that i've installed lenz bemf decoders in both and also sound in the pacific.they are modeled after usra designs and although most of the details are there,they are cast on.It was very easy to remove all the molded on parts and super detail them to more closely match NYC power.