08-22-2012, 11:59 AM
I bought this model (Erie 528) on sale from Model Train Stuff for under $50, and I am pleasantly surprised. There are no grab irons, molded or otherwise. Also, there are no air hoses or much other pilot detail. The handrails and coupler levers are superb. Coupler levers and the radiator walkway are separately-applied details. The finish is very good. The model disassembles easily. It has the plug for DCC atop the PCB, as well as an enclosure for a speaker. The directional L.E.D. headlights are the correct dual Pyle type horizontally oriented for an Erie S-4, and they function very well. According to the instruction sheet, there are two other headlight configurations depending upon the prototype. There is no cab interior detail. My model came with the wheelsets properly gauged and Kadee-compatible magnetic couplers.
This model should be a breeze to detail and weather. It runs very, very nicely. The mechanism operation is smooth right out of the box, and has improved steadily over the six weeks or so I have been playing with this model switching locomotive. Sergent couplers intended to replace Kadees drop right in. This model is not as heavy as the Atlas S-2, but it is heavier than the Proto 2K S-1.
I really like this model because it's easy to take apart/put back together, requires no carving of molded grabs/other detail, runs well, and is set up for easy conversion to DCC with sound. I think this is a very nice model. If you're looking for a neat yard-power project, this Bachmann S-4 may be worth a look.
This model should be a breeze to detail and weather. It runs very, very nicely. The mechanism operation is smooth right out of the box, and has improved steadily over the six weeks or so I have been playing with this model switching locomotive. Sergent couplers intended to replace Kadees drop right in. This model is not as heavy as the Atlas S-2, but it is heavier than the Proto 2K S-1.
I really like this model because it's easy to take apart/put back together, requires no carving of molded grabs/other detail, runs well, and is set up for easy conversion to DCC with sound. I think this is a very nice model. If you're looking for a neat yard-power project, this Bachmann S-4 may be worth a look.