And the smell.

Also there is a big difference in the standard available you install smoke units and the ones BLI and MTH use.  There smokes require costume decoders that have the components and wiring to run them.  BLI's have 8 CV for controlling there smoke units.

So installing one is not worth it.   And BLI and MTH ones are cool to play with but. 90% of the time I do not run them.   The one I like the most is the one in the MTH SP Cab forward. The fan blows a constant column of smoke at Idle and it gets quit heavy under load. My next fav is the Blue Goose.

I only have a handful of BLI/MTH locos.  Most of my roster is Bachmann steam locos.

The empty space in the smoke box of the USRA 2-8-2 is great place to add weight. The added weight gave my 2 extra pulling power and it tracks though turnouts better now.   The USRA 4-6-2 has a factor weight in the smoke box. The 4-6-2 weight fits the 2-8-2 but I cannot find it as a part on the parts site. And I am not sure way it is not in the 2-8-2s. 

Just to get a clear picture of your issue.  Starting with DCC track power is off,  place Locomotive plugged into the tender on the rails, turn power on to the track you get a short?

Also is this a USRA 2-8-2 SoundValue loco?     

Yep, I did.  I think it was an April fools joke.  None of my reference books say anything about Frisco having any Berks.

I was looking at which way would be easier Berk to 4200 series 2-8-2  or USRA Heavy 2-8-2 to 4200 series 2-8-2.  The photos I have of the 4200s and setting the models next to each other. It may be easier to rework the Bachmann berk.  Or someone could just produce a model of it hint hint.

And I do agree Frisco has some great looking steamers.

For Heavy mikes the 4200s would make a great looking model. 6 wheel tender trucks, a doghouse and the long boiler jacket, they were all coal burners and where in used up to 1951.   I would also love to a model of the 4-6-0 with Vanderbilt tender Frisco used and a model of the Brooks built Pacifics 1000 -1009 these are also great looking locomotive.  And it would be nice to have affordable models of the three Streamlined Pacifics and Frisco Hudsons. I have only seen these in brass (We do not count the IHC 1060) And not to forget Frisco did have 2-8-8-2s that would also make great models. They look nothing like the any of currently produced 2-8-8-2s.

This is wish list.  If I ever want any of these I will have to learn how to build my own brass locomotives.

   

I own one and it does run on may layout (HO-35 Berkshire Valley Route). This layout has 18" radius covers on the mainline and the branch into the yard.  I did not have any over hang problems with this loco motive. The loco itself is about the same as the Bacmann 4-8-2 Light not counting the tenders. And it also runs just fine on the 18" radius covers. It is shorter then the IHC 4-6-4 I have.   Just make sure the draw bar has enough play in it.
 
I have a much larger issue with passenger car steps smacking obstacles then my locos.  To run my IHC and walthers passenger cars I had to remove the diagonal braces in most of the Atlas bridges. But the Berkshire did not have any issue running even before I removed the braces.  Also the forthcoming BLI Berks are rated for 18" radius covers.

I am thinking about converting my Bachmann 2-8-4 to a Frisco 4200 class.

 

Have a question.  I notice that the catalog list "DCC Econami Sound Value-equipped)for the HO 2-8-4, 2-8-0, 2-6-0, 4-4-0.  But the web shop and most stores still have the non Econami Sound Value list in the description.

So which one do they come with?  There is a big difference between these sound boards. Is it specific item numbers that have the Econami?  Or is it just a catalog misprint.

Soundtraxx website still only show the Sound Value for HO. 

Thank you.

I cast my vote for the Frisco streamlined steamers.  1066 would be the perfect addition to my Frisco engine house. Of course there will not be any complaints if they where to make and 1026 or 1018.   

Then we would also need the matching passenger cars.   

Just to clarify, It is the standard 9 pin that DigiTrax, TMC, and Soundtrax uses for there "HO" labeled sized decoders?
 
Thank you.

I have a question about the latest N scale 2-8-0 DCC ready releases.  It says "This Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation arrives DCC-ready with a socket built-in for the addition of the DCC decoder of your choice."
But does not list the socket type.

Do you know what sock type is being used?

Thank you.

Trainman203,

       You are not alone.  I am also an all steam railroader in HO and N.  And I also model the Frisco. I would say 70% of my Frisco steam locos are repainted Bachmanns.

The Bach-Man
     I also would like to put a vote in for a HO Frisco 2-8-0 with a Doghouse please. And a different numbered 2-8-2 also with Doghouse (I have been using the 2-10-0 Doghouse).

     It would also be nice to see the Frisco Passenger paint scheme 4-8-2 and/or 4-6-2 in HO.  I will be picking up one of the N scale ones that just came out.   (I have 2 Bachmann HO 4-8-2 Lts. One came Frisco white lettering the other was a UP I repainted to Frisco passenger gold scheme, I also repainted one of the 4-6-2 Econami to Frisco passenger gold scheme).

Thank you.
 

I am using the PR4 built in the DCS52 for my first time decoder setup and to save my decoder settings. For my non-SD.. sound decoder models I will make the CV changes on the mainline. Once I have it set to my liking, Then over to the programing track to save the decoder settings to a file.  I mainly use DecoderPro.  Now for SD... sound decoders, SoundLoader has a nifty feature the Sound Test.  This runs the sound only part of the decoder on the programing track hooked to a PR4. You can play with the sounds and change the CVs while you are leasing. It gives the Throttle, direction, Function buttons and CV pull down menu so you can make changes while click buttons.  But as far as I know it only works with SDH and SDX series decoders. I have not tested other decoders with Sound Test.

Thank you.
TenWheeler01

You said this was a DCC equipped loco. I wonder if the smoke unit is ran off a function like other models. I know the the Sound-Value locos have the smoke unit on F6. All the locos I own with smoke units have then set to a DCC function.
  Also are you running it on DC or DCC.  On DC you may have to run a bit faster to get the voltage up.  DCC is constant voltage.
  I have several loco with fan driven smoke units. Each manufacture has different units with different number of drops. I have the smoke units set to off on startup (so I do not run one dry on accident). So to turn it on I have to press a function button.

Thank you.
TenWheeler01   

I am also thinking about dipping my toes into the TT(120) pool.  From the reviews I have watched they seem to run pretty reliability thought the currently available sectional track. I also like the passenger coach coupler system they are using. I was just going to start with just a basic oval layout and then see how it goes.

Thank you.
TenWheeler01