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Presidenst Choice Christmas 2006 HO train now out BUT I Can't Get One :(

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  • Member since
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  • From: New Joizey
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Posted by SteamFreak on Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:34 AM
 msowsun wrote:

The first pair and the fourth pair are indeed sprung. the 2nd and last are soild. The middle pair are blind, but they are also slightly undersize and don't touch the rails!  The transformation has begun. (new trailing truck)

Thanks for all of the pics, especially the dissassembly. That looks like a Bachmann K4 trailing truck.

Does it have much in the way of weight and tractive effort?

Nelson

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Posted by msowsun on Sunday, November 12, 2006 12:12 PM

Good eyes! It is a Bachmann trailing truck that I substituted.

It does pull quite well....It has a large weight but overall it is not as good as I expected from a 2-10-2. Three things might be causing a slight reduction in pulling power.

1) The weight is a little off center. There should be a liitle more weight near the front.

2) Only 4 sets of drivers are contacticng the rails. (undersize center drivers)

3) The sprung drivers may not be perfectly set up for max adhesion.

Here are some prototype photos:

 

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Posted by SteamFreak on Sunday, November 12, 2006 12:35 PM
 msowsun wrote:

Good eyes! It is a Bachmann trailing truck that I substituted.

Thanks. The Phillips screws in the frame were the giveaway. Big Smile [:D]

 msowsun wrote:

It does pull quite well....It has a large weight but overall it is not as good as I expected from a 2-10-2. Three things might be causing a slight reduction in pulling power.

1) The weight is a little off center. There should be a liitle more weight near the front.

2) Only 4 sets of drivers are contacticng the rails. (undersize center drivers)

3) The sprung drivers may not be perfectly set up for max adhesion.

It's probably all of the above. Steamer traction is always a problem unless they resort to traction tires. Maybe it will improve when the tires wear in a little.

The prototype was a monster.

Nelson

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Posted by selector on Sunday, November 12, 2006 12:42 PM
Would you describe your fixes in some detail for those of us who are interested?  For example, you will move the bell to the left side of the boiler.  How will you patch the hole and will you simply drill a new one?  For my eyes, it seems that the steam dome is too far back on the boiler.  You feel the rear sand dome needs to move back.  How will you get rid of the stanchion once you move the dome?  Will you use styrene to patch?
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Posted by msowsun on Sunday, November 12, 2006 1:51 PM

For example, you will move the bell to the left side of the boiler.  How will you patch the hole and will you simply drill a new one? 

The bell should be easy. I will probably use this bell. http://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/itm00017.htm or this one and make it fit.

or this one and make it fit. http://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/itm00019.htm 

I can plug the hole or there is other piping that will cover the hole.

For my eyes, it seems that the steam dome is too far back on the boiler. 

Yes, I will install a new steam dome where the 2nd sand dome is now.  

You feel the rear sand dome needs to move back. 

 Yes, the 2nd sand dome unscrews from inside the boiler so I will just move it farther back.

The popoff valves need to be relocted inside a circular "tub" where the steam dome is now.

 

How will you get rid of the stanchion once you move the dome? 

Which stanchions do you mean?

Will you use styrene to patch?

 Yes, styrene is is easy to work with.

I am just getting started but I will make updates as I go along....

Mike

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Posted by Fergmiester on Sunday, November 12, 2006 4:48 PM
I talked to the Store Manager at Atlantic Super Store in Dartmouth the other day and was told several interesting bits of info regarding this year's Train Set.

Because of the poor response they got last year (Some sets available at $50) the number of sets produced this year was 25,000.

If these units do not sell this could the last year they will come out with a collectable edition (this will be #11)

When I get mine I will buy at least two and one will be "repainted" in Mess Colours. I'm even wondering how close one of these would come to resemble a CV Texas 2-10-4? or even a M.E.S.S. 4-10-4

mmmmm....

Fergie



http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

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Posted by selector on Sunday, November 12, 2006 7:10 PM

Thanks for your response, Mike.  It looked to me like you had remove the rearmost dome in one of your latest photos and that there was a stanchion of sorts left below it...?

I dropped by the local Extra Foods in Comox and had a look.  I found the model to be less than exciting.  Ignoring the cheap ore cars, the engine's valve gear are problematic...no gear hanger, for example.  Also, the white strip on the walkways are nearly translucent, milky instead of opaque.  Spells cheap.  I know that much of this is fixable, but I think I will just enjoy the Trix Mikado that Santa has stached away some place.

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Posted by msowsun on Sunday, November 12, 2006 7:23 PM

It looked to me like you had remove the rearmost dome in one of your latest photos and that there was a stanchion of sorts left below it...?

Here is a close up........................

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Posted by ghonz711 on Sunday, November 12, 2006 10:11 PM

msowsun,

Wow looks like you've been very busy.  I recently went to my local Lawblaws and they don't have any in stock yet.  "Still in transport" or something.  But some more photo's of your progress would be great as I have been wanting to do the same with some of the latest PC Loco, like the Hudson and 'Bullet-Nosed-Betty.' I certainly can't wait to get my hands on one of these models.  It is probably the best one that out lately!

Ghonz

- Matt

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Posted by Pathfinder on Sunday, November 12, 2006 11:21 PM
None here at our Extra Foods yet either.

May have to look for one when I go to Victoria during the week  Wink [;)]
Keep on Trucking, By Train! Where I Live: BC Hobbies: Model Railroading (HO): CP in the 70's in BC and logging in BC
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Posted by CP5415 on Monday, November 13, 2006 12:27 PM

OK, OK it says "the other railroad" on it.

With most likely a lot of work, it can be made to look like a CPR 2-10-2

It's on my Christmas Wish List now.

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 Fergmiester on Monday, November 13, 2006 2:16 PM
 msowsun wrote:

I just picked up mine today.  It comes with a dummy front coupler and NMRA rear coupler which I have changed already. It runs really well, but my first impression is that it doesn't seem to pull as well I expected for a 2-10-2.

Here are some photos of a brass CNR 4100 to compare.

I plan to change the tender and add an all-weather cab. The rear sand dome is removable so I will be moving it farther back as per the prototype. The tender does not have a DCC plug.

 



I picked up two today and have to say for a Mehano it's an improvement from other Locos. I will probably do a few upgrades my self and am contemplating turning one into a 2-10-4. I will also be putting in a Tsunami.

As for the weight it does seem rather light and may put some added weight  in it  as I  did with the Spectrum 2-10-2 (2.5 oz), which increased pulling power considerably.

Fergie

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

GUB
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Posted by GUB on Monday, November 13, 2006 5:54 PM

Got mine today. Well ... I think I did. At least that's what the wife said. Thanks for the Christmas idea. So.......... I guess I have to wait til Christmas morning to find out. Oh well .....

GUB

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Posted by SteamFreak on Monday, November 13, 2006 6:38 PM
 GUB wrote:

Got mine today. Well ... I think I did. At least that's what the wife said. Thanks for the Christmas idea. So.......... I guess I have to wait til Christmas morning to find out. Oh well .....

GUB

Just don't shake your packages too hard on Christmas Eve! Wink [;)]

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Posted by Fergmiester on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 9:44 AM
And now I have three!

Sorry couldn't resist. I suspect that I will keep one in the box, modify one to a 2-10-4 and the other do additional Canadian mods  and install a Tsunami to make it more prototypical.

for $100 CDN thesse are an excellent bargain.

Fergie

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

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Posted by Pathfinder on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 12:36 PM
All these people buying it and no user reviews on the PC web site.

I will do one once I can get a set, not sure when/if our local Extra Foods will be bringing any in this year.
Keep on Trucking, By Train! Where I Live: BC Hobbies: Model Railroading (HO): CP in the 70's in BC and logging in BC
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Posted by 1train1 on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 1:26 PM

Mine's in the "never to be opened 'til I die" vault - the store I went to even had last years with those ugly cars which I avoided buying for 50.00. (so I bought one)

I am currently negotiating a bulk deal for those since they can't get rid of them at any price.

Paris Junction Mile 30.73 Dundas Sub Paris, Ontario http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php/ppuser/3728/cat/500
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Posted by Railphotog on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 2:01 PM
 1train1 wrote:

Mine's in the "never to be opened 'til I die" vault - the store I went to even had last years with those ugly cars which I avoided buying for 50.00. (so I bought one)

I am currently negotiating a bulk deal for those since they can't get rid of them at any price.

A friend of mine who I think knows the store manager, bought three of last years sets for $25.00 each last week.  We'll probably raffle them at our mid winter show. 

His adult daughter was in the same store and saw a set in a bargain bin, with a slightly damaged box, priced at $25.00.   When she inquired how she could find out if the contents were still OK, they offered it to her for $15.00!   There are bargains out there I guess.   I paid $50.00 for my last years set a few months ago, but paid the full retail price this week for this years set with the 2-10-2.

 

 

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by Fergmiester on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 2:24 PM
 Pathfinder wrote:
All these people buying it and no user reviews on the PC web site.

I will do one once I can get a set, not sure when/if our local Extra Foods will be bringing any in this year.


Fergie's Quickie Review

Runs quiet, smooth and looks very nice and not the typical Mehano clunky. Not 100% prototypical but hey it has an Elesco Feed Water Heater and there isn't too many plastic engines with those... Actualy this is the first one I'm aware of!
I'm very pleased with it.

How's that for a review!

Fergie

http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=5959

If one could roll back the hands of time... They would be waiting for the next train into the future. A. H. Francey 1921-2007  

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Posted by Railphotog on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 4:27 PM
Check the December RMC (Can we mention it here??) for a review of the IHC 2-10-2.  The reviewer likes the engine, and plans to get more of the US $129.95 version.

Bob Boudreau

CANADA

Visit my model railroad photography website: http://sites.google.com/site/railphotog/

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Posted by SteamFreak on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 5:02 PM

 Railphotog wrote:
Check the December RMC (Can we mention it here??) for a review of the IHC 2-10-2.  The reviewer likes the engine, and plans to get more of the US $129.95 version.

In fact over at Eddystone Locomotives they convert the old Rivarossi 2-10-2's into B&O Big Sixes using the IHC frame.

GUB
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Posted by GUB on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 7:33 AM

I was at a show a couple of weeks ago and I saw prices ranging from $70 to $175 for last years model. In fact I was talking to one guy who had just bought one for $70 and I don't think he was too impressed when I told him our local Independant was selling them for $49.95. I purchased another last years model for a freind who was giving it to her son for Christmas and I am thinking of purchasing another for myself. As of Sunday there were still 6 left on the self.

GUB

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Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 9, 2006 9:16 AM
The new one is a very nice model and it seems that the prices range quite a bit.  I am thinking of collecting them again.  I still have the first 4 unopened when they started in 1992.  I keep wondering whether I should start a new layout with them or get them to a collector.
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Posted by msowsun on Saturday, December 9, 2006 9:34 AM

I finally finished kitbashing my IHC 2-10-2. (President's Choice, Loblaws, Superstore, etc)

I don't really have an inventory of parts, but I will describe what I used.

More of my 2-10-2 photos can be seen here at my Photobucket album. http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/Trains/2-10-2/

The Precision Scale (Kemtron) all-weather cab won't work for this loco as it has a sloped front wall. I had planned to use the Miniatures by Eric "Early CN Steam" cab. It is probably more correct for this loco.

http://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/itm00043.htm

I got impatient waiting for it to arrive, so I ended up using a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 cab with a Precision Scale all-weather cab grafted on the back and lower end.

The stock headlight isn't too bad and is probably pretty close in size to the CNR 4100. I had a Cal Scale headlight sitting in the parts box. It is a little large, but I liked the way it looked so I used it.

The bell is the stock bell re-located to the side of the boiler. I used a very small screw to attach the original IHC bell in the new location:

 

 

The rear sand dome unscrews from inside the boiler and was moved farther back.

 

I substituted a Bachmann trailing truck. It should also have a booster on it but I haven't found one yet.It should look something like this.

The tender is a Bachmann "Hicken" tender. Item No: 89911

 

 

 

This tender now has a DCC ready plug and has electrical pickup on 4 of the 6 axles. The plugs are designed to be used with Bachmann locos. It of course doesn't connect with the wiring of the IHC loco, but it is easy to rig something up to add the tender pickup. Older versions of this tender are pretty much the same, but use plastic wheels without any pick-ups.

 

This tender is not exactly right for this loco, but it is a huge improvement over the IHC tender. I cut off the very front, including the steps, so that it would close couple with the all-weather cab. I used .020" sheet styrene to build up a coal bunker on top of the existing oil bunker. The rear light was removed and another Cal Scale light was used at the rear. I don't know the part number as it was also just sitting in my parts box.

 

One other "mod" I did was too invert the triangular number board at the front. IHC has mistakenly printed the number "4100" upside down and then installed them upside down so the number is correct. I added new numbers and installed it right side up.

 

Mike Sowsun

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Posted by Pathfinder on Saturday, December 9, 2006 9:36 AM
Well, tried to buy one at our local Extra Foods.  They are not going to carry it this year so the closest is Kamloops, at 90 km drive one way.  But they also noted a high demand locally for it as well, maybe they will bring it in.

 
Keep on Trucking, By Train! Where I Live: BC Hobbies: Model Railroading (HO): CP in the 70's in BC and logging in BC
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Posted by Paul W. Beverung on Saturday, December 9, 2006 12:06 PM

When Fergie gets done with his locomotive I'm sure it will be a M.E.S.S. sorry fergie I couldn't resist.

 

Paul The Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern " The Superior Route " WETSU
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Posted by selector on Saturday, December 9, 2006 12:07 PM

 Pathfinder wrote:
Well, tried to buy one at our local Extra Foods.  They are not going to carry it this year so the closest is Kamloops, at 90 km drive one way.  But they also noted a high demand locally for it as well, maybe they will bring it in.

 

Would you like me to pick one up for you and ship it to you?  Extra foods had a number of them a month ago, and Super Store in Courtenay advertizes them...although I never saw any.

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Posted by Pathfinder on Saturday, December 9, 2006 1:24 PM
 selector wrote:

 Pathfinder wrote:
Well, tried to buy one at our local Extra Foods.  They are not going to carry it this year so the closest is Kamloops, at 90 km drive one way.  But they also noted a high demand locally for it as well, maybe they will bring it in.

 

Would you like me to pick one up for you and ship it to you?  Extra foods had a number of them a month ago, and Super Store in Courtenay advertizes them...although I never saw any.

 

I do our grocery shopping on Sunday's (unless it is Monday/Tuesday coupon day Wink [;)] ), so if they do not have one tomorrow I will pm you.  I really appreciate the offer, thanks   Bow [bow]

Keep on Trucking, By Train! Where I Live: BC Hobbies: Model Railroading (HO): CP in the 70's in BC and logging in BC
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Posted by Pathfinder on Monday, December 11, 2006 12:31 PM
 selector wrote:

 Pathfinder wrote:
Well, tried to buy one at our local Extra Foods.  They are not going to carry it this year so the closest is Kamloops, at 90 km drive one way.  But they also noted a high demand locally for it as well, maybe they will bring it in.

 

Would you like me to pick one up for you and ship it to you?  Extra foods had a number of them a month ago, and Super Store in Courtenay advertizes them...although I never saw any.

 

e-mail sent! 

Keep on Trucking, By Train! Where I Live: BC Hobbies: Model Railroading (HO): CP in the 70's in BC and logging in BC
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Posted by Kurt on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 6:50 AM

I sent an Email to SuperStore HQ asking about a bulk deal for the non-moving Hudsons.  Heard nothing from them and the next thing I see is that they seem to have disappeared completely in the Halifax stores I've visited.

I wonder if anyone has had better luck with the Hudsons?

 

Kurt

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