MTH class J

[NW Modeling List]

I¹m glad they are using Soundtraxx.  The Spectrum J could pull 8 IHC
streamlined cars on my layout OK, but I doubt if it could handle 8 Walther¹s
or Rapido¹s ­ they seem to be heavier.

Bob


On 4/1/09 6:06 PM, "NW Modeling List" <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:


> Bob

> 

> Regarding the Spectrum J; what is  the pulling power on a flat straight track,

> and how much could they drag up your 1.6% ( 1:60 I think on this side of the

> Atlantic!) banks?

> 

> I have one on order, and though I will have no line for a long while I have

> long term plans for an outdoor line , using Peco code 83 rail, and would like

> it to pull at least 8 up a 1.5% (1:75) grade.

> 

> I see the new spectrum J's come with the Soundtraxx  DCC system so they should

> at least sound  good.

> 

> Barry Reeves

> www.northwestlondonblues.co.uk

> 

>> > Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 10:38:12 -0400

>> > Subject: MTH class J

>> > To: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org

>> > From: nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org

>> > 

>> > Hello everyone,

>> > 

>> > I just received my MTH class J locomotive and can share a few initial

>> > observations.  It has many features that I haven't tried yet (including

>> > smoke, playable whistle, etc.), so I will mention some basics.  I recently

>> > sold my Bachman Spectrum J's so the only comparison I will make there has

>> to

>> > do with operation.  I have 2 BLI J's and 2 brass J's for comparison.  The

>> > overall appearance is very good.  BLI's drivers are totally black whereas

>> > the MTH has unpainted tires.  Likewise for the pony trucks.  I think the >>

MTH

>> > trailing truck and tender trucks have better detail than the BLI.  The

>> paint

>> > is flatter on the MTH than the brass locos, and the BLI is the shiniest.  I

>> > think the space between the loco and tender is too far on the MTH compared

>> > to BLI (and the brass have prototypical space if you can manage your curves

>> > that way).  The headlight has a good slightly yellowish tint to it - looks

>> > realistic.  The MTH has a beautiful coal load in the tender - piled high >>

and

>> > with lots of texture.  The BLI coal pile is flat and with an obvious cast

>> > plastic appearance.  At least they have coal.  I haven't yet gotten around

>> > to putting coal in the tenders of my brass locos!  Both the BLI and MTH

>> have

>> > a traction tire and spare driver set.  This is where they both outperform

>> > the brass locos - more traction.  In my situation, traction is the most

>> > critical element because I needed locos that could haul a 14-car Birmingham

>> > Special up a 1.6% grade, and the brass J's were not able to do that.  After

>> > that, sound and operation are high on my list of attributes.  Both brass

>> > locos have cams and were retrofitted with Soundtraxx DSD 150 (SP GS4)

>> > decoders.  They perform superbly.  In my estimation, nothing comes close to

>> > this combination.  The brass locos can start up or come to a stop with

>> > ultimate realism, and the chuffing sound at speed is very realistic,

>> > coordinated exactly with the driver RPM's.  This is a big plus for the MTH

-

>> > the exhaust matches the driver RPM at all speeds.  This is not true for the

>> > BLI.  Also, the overall sound package on the BLI ranks last.  The whistle

>> is

>> > horribly raspy, and the exhaust sound at speed is ridiculous and has no

>> > relation to the RPM's of the drivers.  The whistle sound of the MTH is

>> > better, but tends to sound a little bit like an automobile horn.  The

>> > control of both the BLI and MTH is spasmodic.  On the BLI's, you keep

>> > turning up the throttle, and then suddenly the train lurches forward.  It

>> is

>> > very hard to make a smooth start.  Likewise, the MTH does nothing at first,

>> > then jumps forward, and even worse, increases in huge increments at each

>> > click of a Digitrax throttle.  Maybe this can be adjusted.  The MTH also

>> > makes a grinding sound at speed which worries me - I will contact them

>> about

>> > that.  The Bachman Spectrum locos ran very smoothly and quietly.  I would

>> > have retrofitted them with Soundtraxx decoders, but they didn't have the

>> > pulling power, and of course had the bright red stripe instead of the N&W

>> > red as is the case on both the BLI and MTH.  Personally, I like the

>> > lettering on the MTH better than the BLI, however it is more muted.  Well,

>> > that's it for now.  When I can work more with it, I will make another

>> > report.  If anyone else has an MTH, please share your observations.

>> > 

>> > Bob Folsom

>> > Clemson SC

>> > 

>> > 

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