P2K NKP Berkshires are in stock and are shipping this week.
The Mars light works with the forward headlight, but it can only be shut off by function 0, with the headlight. The Mars light bulf or LED is a yellow/orange color and should be white. It is a good running model, probably much like the previous releases without sound.
The sound manual with the engine is better than some other manufactures have released for the QSI.
It has a NKP whistle sound, but it sounds like it was recorded at speed, which is not natural in all types of settings.
It is a nice model of the S3 and should make most NKP fans happy.
The bell sound is incorrect, but that will not detract from the fun of the model.
Since Walthers purchased P2K it seems that they are putting traction tires on all of their steam offerings. I have had nothing but trouble with traction tires drying out, cracking, and coming off here in the Arizona climate so I'm shying away from anything that has them. If the tires come as an optional add-on, okay, but not if you have no choice. Several members of our local club have said they will stop purchasing P2K steamers because of the traction tire issue.
4884bigboy wrote:Finally! Any word on the Pere Marquettes?
The ad and listing I noticed said all of them were in stock.
As far as I know, all of them are in stock including the Pere Marquatte and my engine should ship tomorrow.
4884bigboy wrote:Thanks Zehpyr. Question, are the MARS lights on the NKPs working ones? Are they doing any C&O in this run? I like them all so much I might just have to get a PM, NKP and a C&O!!!!
The C&O are also in according to the list. It seems all are in stock. I included the full list below.
I will let you know in three or four days about the working mars light when my Berkshire gets here. I rather doubt it will be a working one, but we will find out in a few days.
It is always amazing to me that model companies do not give more details. I am hoping the whistle is close to the NKP road whistles. I have a BLI USRA light mike that is close to the NKP sound, at least to my ears. Since they are both QSI sound, the sound chips might be interchangable.
I know what you mean. I wish they'd post sound samples like BLI and PCM! The whistle is the thing that really bothers me. The NKP's had banshee whistles, while the PMs were similar but don't sound quite as airy. I've included a link to my video of the Pere Marquette 1225 below.
The whistle on the BLI light Mikado would be a great one, IMHO. If they do their generic whislte like they did with BLI's PRR steamers, UP 4-8-2s, GN S2, to name a few, I'll be royally ticked. PM 1225 and NKP 765 are readily availible for an accurate whistle. When you get yours, any way you could post a video of it?
Link to 1225 video: http://www.dailymotion.com/visited/Conrail_Jon/video/x1q5l_pere-marquette-1225-polar-express-2
I have no way of posting video at this time, but will let you know if it sounds like a NKP.
The QSI sound chips are universal and the USRA mike chip could be used in the Berkshire if the chuffs will not change too much from the different sized drivers between the two engines.
I agree with you on the generic sound they are using , but it is a PRR freight whistle, just not a good recording. The short version of it is very poor and should not have been used. The UP mountains should have the early UP whistle sound which is available to record daily and the Sacramento Museum all summer long. They run the 4466 daily, but QSI and BLI did not have a clue.
Got this from Walthers:
* Now With Factory-Installed Sound & DCC * Specific Prototype Details: -Three Different Tenders -Three Different Cabs -Three Different Boilers * Friction or Roller Bearing Front & Rear Trucks * Outstanding Laser-Sharp Printing * Authentic Painting & Lettering * Improved Driver Appearance * Over 120 Hand-Applied Detail Parts * Metal Handrails & Cut Levers * Brass Bell * 12-Page History Booklet & Certificate of Quality * Operates on Code 83 Track, 18 Radius Curves & #4 Turnouts * Limited-Availability Sound can be operated with standard DC power pack as well as DCC controllers. Sound features include: Dual Steam Engine Sounds, Whistle, Bell, Squealing Brakes, Doppler Effect, Air Let Off (in neutral), Headlight, and Trailer which mutes whistle and bell for double heading.
My question: Dual Steam engine sounds? Does someone at QSI think a 2-8-4 is an articulated?
4884bigboy wrote: Got this from Walthers: Life-Like PROTOHeritage Steam 2-8-4 "Berkshire" - Powered w/Sound & DCC * Limited-Availability Sound can be operated with standard DC power pack as well as DCC controllers. Sound features include: Dual Steam Engine Sounds, Whistle, Bell, Squealing Brakes, Doppler Effect, Air Let Off (in neutral), Headlight, and Trailer which mutes whistle and bell for double heading. My question: Dual Steam engine sounds? Does someone at QSI think a 2-8-4 is an articulated?
* Limited-Availability Sound can be operated with standard DC power pack as well as DCC controllers. Sound features include: Dual Steam Engine Sounds, Whistle, Bell, Squealing Brakes, Doppler Effect, Air Let Off (in neutral), Headlight, and Trailer which mutes whistle and bell for double heading.
I should be able to tell you tomorrow or Friday as my NKP engine should be here for testing, since it was shipped yesterday.
They might have more than one whistle for the three version, since they are listing the different boilers and tenders and other items.
What is the limited-availablility disclaimer used?? If they sell all they have, guess what?? The will order more.
QSI has made some hits and misses when it comes to sound, but no one has missed much worst than the new Big Boy from PCM, unless it is the Genesis line. I am sure the Genesis will continue to use the same MRC sound for their new Big Boy as their Challenger uses, which is not correct in any way, but they still sold them. The conductor yelling " boooaard " for function three has to be the worst function ever in my thoughts.
By the way. The lowest price I could find was $239 for the sound version.
4884bigboy wrote:Zehphyr, where did you find it for $239.99? I was planning on ordering mine from First Hobby.
I sent a reply on the shop by email.
I normally use First Hobby and like their service as they normally get most items at close to the best price.
The P2K Berkshire is here and it is nice.
It is an interesting model with working mars light. I did not expect this but it is a nice addtion. It works with the forward headlight and cannot be turned off with any of the functions except the head light Function 0. The mars light dims and goes stationary when in reverse and the color of the mars light is tinted, not clear bright like the prototype.
Sorry I have no provisions for pictures, but it is a must for NKP fans.
This whistle is much like a NKP Berkshire recorded at speed. I would rather have it recorded at a slower speed to avoid the wind change of tone, but I like it anyway.
The bell is not the correct air ringer type sound for the stationary type bell, but is the type that is the double ring when the bell is swinging. The S3's NKP Berkshires always used the air ringer with the stationary bell.
Overall, it is a good looking model that runs very well.
I got your email, Zephyr. Good to hear the whistle is ok! I will hopefully be ordering a Pere Marquette version pretty soon. I'd almost like an NKP version, that working MARS light sounds awesome!
Have you tested pulling power yet? Is it heavier than the previous Berkshires?
4884bigboy wrote: I got your email, Zephyr. Good to hear the whistle is ok! I will hopefully be ordering a Pere Marquette version pretty soon. I'd almost like an NKP version, that working MARS light sounds awesome! Have you tested pulling power yet? Is it heavier than the previous Berkshires?
The engine weights only about 15 oz, but a traction tire is in the box and can be mounted. My other Berkshires are DVP and Precision scale, so I cannot relate the weight to the previous P2K.
The mars light is very good overall and I will probably change it out to a clear white type of light since the NKP used a clear white light. The lens is clear so they got that correct.
I have only run it on rollers at this time, but you will probably need the traction tire for layout running.
I picked up my C&O Berkshire [Kanawha} this evening, we test run it on my dealers layout . It sounds and runs great, they fixed the drivers so now there is a larger rim on the drivers. That is one reason I did not buy any of the previous issues. The detailing is good but the lights are a little too yellow for me. I may change them later.
It seemed as though the low speed was extra good and I was wondering if maybe they might have the new QSI chips in them. The whistle sounds good as does the bell. I have waited for this engine for what seems like forever and so far it was worth it! Jim
chessiecat wrote: I picked up my C&O Berkshire [Kanawha} this evening, we test run it on my dealers layout . It sounds and runs great, they fixed the drivers so now there is a larger rim on the drivers. That is one reason I did not buy any of the previous issues. The detailing is good but the lights are a little too yellow for me. I may change them later. It seemed as though the low speed was extra good and I was wondering if maybe they might have the new QSI chips in them. The whistle sounds good as does the bell. I have waited for this engine for what seems like forever and so far it was worth it! Jim
The tires on the drivers were fixed on the second non sound run and these look great. I believe they offered replacements for the first run since they looked so poor.
The newer QSI's chips are better than the older QSI models had installed in them. I have the latest N&W J also and it seems to have some addtional qualities over the first run J.
I programmed CV3 and CV 4 for mometum and the Berkshire barks real loud on startup and increased thottle, but is quiet when it is slowing down and drifting like it should be. The Mars light needs a clear bulb, but the model overall is better than I expected and that is great for a change.
I hope they bring in other road numbers in the future.