It has a built in DCC receiver, thats an improvement. I don't model the SP either, but it looks nice.
http://www.mthtrains.com/news/445
Still, if I were to get one, I think I would hold out for BLI's brass hybrid. Speaking of Broadway, they put out new pics of the daylight engine, preproduction samples of course. The die cast metal chassis looks impressive.
http://www.broadway-limited.com/paragon2spgs-44-8-4-2.aspx
rjake4454
Nicely done, and it looks like it's fitted with a lateral motion device on the front driving axle, too.
Wayne
Well, the MTH model is the AC-6, which is my all-time favorite cab-forward, and that certainly whets my appetite. I've got an older Sunset AC-6 and it gets a real workout when I do an SP run-through on my MR. However, being triple-mode--DC, DCS and DCC--, I don't expect that it will work very well with my other straight DC locos (yah, I know! ) on my straight DC layout. Too bad, too, if they offered it in straight DC, I'd probably get me a couple.
But it's sure a handsome-looking beastie.
Wayne: That's sure one heck of a lateral motion device on the BLI GS-4, isn't it, LOL?
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Did anyone notice in the features that the AC-6 has a realistic coal load for an oil fired engine!!
Rick
Rule 1: This is my railroad.
Rule 2: I make the rules.
Rule 3: Illuminating discussion of prototype history, equipment and operating practices is always welcome, but in the event of visitor-perceived anacronisms, detail descrepancies or operating errors, consult RULE 1!
I'd be curious the know if the orginal cab includes the orginal number boards and walkways in their as delieverd configuration Also, are the circular openings under the cab plated over or in the as delivered design? In my humble opinon, the GS-4 has been overdone, how about a GS-2 or 3 or a war baby GS-6. Overall quite impressive despite my nitpicking.
Dave
rjake4454 It has a built in DCC receiver, thats an improvement. I don't model the SP either, but it looks nice. http://www.mthtrains.com/news/445 Still, if I were to get one, I think I would hold out for BLI's brass hybrid. Speaking of Broadway, they put out new pics of the daylight engine, preproduction samples of course. The die cast metal chassis looks impressive. http://www.broadway-limited.com/paragon2spgs-44-8-4-2.aspx
What is the deal of the GS4 you have in the picture? Is it on their web site?? The BLI hybrid brass version will be an AC12 and the AC4 and AC5 they offer is close to the AC 6, but is older and has different detail.
The new AC6 looks OK and offers us a chance to get the modern version of the AC6 or the early version, which only were available in brass up to this point. The AC6 with the air pumps located on the smokebox is a nice version to have, but if you watch the video, you might notice they are missing the hot water pump that should be below the air pumps for the SA feedwater system.
I sent an email to MTH asking if the pump would be included in the new release but no response as of three days. The model overall is close to the AC6 pictures I have overall except for the hot water pump. I believe that detail is available in brass so that could be added.
The smoke is done nicely also but is an option that I would shut off. Now the only problem is finding one at a discount, which is not an easy job with the MTH.
CZ
Yes, BLI's website has several new pics up of the GS4.
Looks like that lateral motion device was installed on the trailing truck, too. I never knew Espee kept their locos on the track by having flanges riding on both sides of the rail head.
Seriously, that looks like a promising GS4, and the diecast construction should help give it some of the heft and pulling power that's been missing from so many modern plastic steamers.
Nelson
Ex-Southern 385 Being Hoisted
dti406 Did anyone notice in the features that the AC-6 has a realistic coal load for an oil fired engine!! Rick
That'll certainly keep the fireman busy, having to carry one scoop of coal at a time from the tender to the firebox on a cab forward!
SteamFreak Looks like that lateral motion device was installed on the trailing truck, too. I never knew Espee kept their locos on the track by having flanges riding on both sides of the rail head. Seriously, that looks like a promising GS4, and the diecast construction should help give it some of the heft and pulling power that's been missing from so many modern plastic steamers.
Picture obviousely NOT taken by a model railroad fan!
As much as I have tried, have not be able to get fired up over the Cab Forwards. Just do not look right to me. Far as MTH, I will be steering clear of them till they make a true DCC engine.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Assume u r referring to Intermountain's Cab Fwd? Beautiful looking but operation is unacceptable. Top speed is unacceptable, low speed is 3mph, and chuff is 2/ revolution.
jbond Assume u r referring to Intermountain's Cab Fwd? Beautiful looking but operation is unacceptable. Top speed is unacceptable, low speed is 3mph, and chuff is 2/ revolution.
He's talking about the new MTH Cab Forward, and even gave a direct link to it in the original post. MTH has been making some pretty good stuff, but some of their business practices have been questionable.
I would probably get an old Rivarossi or brass Cab Forward if I ever wanted one. It's more fun to get something that needs a little fixing up to look and work right.
_________________________________________________________________
cacole dti406 Did anyone notice in the features that the AC-6 has a realistic coal load for an oil fired engine!! Rick That'll certainly keep the fireman busy, having to carry one scoop of coal at a time from the tender to the firebox on a cab forward!
I noticed they tend to use all of the same boiler plate type of specifications for all of their models. The model itself has an oil bunker with the presure type cap that SP used on the Cab Forwards. The MTH prototype model they used for the video is missing some parts that might be on the production run.
Good catch on the Tsuami lack of being able to chuff 4 time per rev of the drivers in articulated mode.
I called Soundtrax immediately when the Tsunami came out several years ago and they assured me it could be done, but could not give me any CV's that would provide the proper amount of chuffs in articulate mode. You can achieve four chuffs in simple mode but that is not correct for a 4 cylinder locomotive.
The only way I could fix this problem was to use speed tables for the chuffs and use a separate decoder for the motor.
I purchased two more of the AC12's believing that Intermountain had fixed the running problems for the 2nd run, but as nice as they look, they are still very poor in operation.
Cab forwards have always interested me, but they do not fit with my prototype. Hmm, but the Reading could have tested one, right? No? Not buying it? Neither am I....
The article in Classic Trains on cab-forwards was great.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker Cab forwards have always interested me, but they do not fit with my prototype. Hmm, but the Reading could have tested one, right? No? Not buying it? Neither am I.... The article in Classic Trains on cab-forwards was great. --Randy
All of the Cab Forwards on the SP were built by Baldwin in Pennsylvania, so you might use the excuse that they were testing some new change or modification on the Reading???
CAZEPHYR rrinker Cab forwards have always interested me, but they do not fit with my prototype. Hmm, but the Reading could have tested one, right? No? Not buying it? Neither am I.... The article in Classic Trains on cab-forwards was great. --Randy All of the Cab Forwards on the SP were built by Baldwin in Pennsylvania, so you might use the excuse that they were testing some new change or modification on the Reading??? CZ
That's a darn good excuse to model that segment of the Reading..... heck they probably WERE tested on the Reading tracks. Most likely shipped via the PRR though.