New Walthers Rock Island Alco DL-109

Just received my Alco DL-109's (622, 623) from Walthers yesterday, a complete surprise. According to the forums the locos were cancelled because of low preorder numbers. I haven't run them yet, but they are great looking. Any ideas for a possible decoder for dcc? Pictures later.

Regards, Mike M.

 

Let us know how it runs!

 

Did they make any accommodations for DCC or have they just given up on that whole plan?


Jason

 

I just ordered my Rock Island unit for my rendention of the Zephyr Rocket.

 

What is the mechanism like, is it DCC friendly? I just saw some at an on line dealer we can't mention but don't want to part with my money on a loco that will sit in it's box indefinately while I get motivated to do a major engineering project to install a decoder.

 

I think it was just the RS-2's that were cancelled due to low pre-orders.

-Mark

 

Going by Walthers website, it sounds like the only change is to the couplers (Micro-Trains instead of Accurail). Bummer!

-Mark

 

They also cancelled the 0-8-0 run for the same reason.

 

Kind of surprising that it was the DL-109 that made the cut. I didn't realize they were so popular.

-Mark

 

I'm looking for this in Santa Fe warbonnet. Specifically the B-Unit (#50A). Was it only Con-Cor that made a B-Unit?

 

The only B unit (DL-110) ever made in N scale is brass (Hallmark/Samhongsa, circa 1984) -




-Mark

 

There was a guy here in town making the b-units out of two A's. He was a member of the NM Rainrunners and sold the on e-bay. That's how we got involved with the club.

 

I figured these were long gone when I heard of the other cancellations. So at least I should have one for my inventory!

 

I too would like to know if the mechanisms are DCC friendly. I am going to assume no because that is a significant feature that I don't imagine they would omit if it was present. So the next question is, how hard?

 

Were DL-109s used primarily in passenger service, like E-8's and E-9's?

 

Primarily yes, but the New Haven did use them in freight service.

Jason

 

As I understand it New Haven had to use them in freight service to get the war board to approve the order for production.

 

I wonder if there is a chance Walthers will also rerun the LL Erie Built?

 

Bangor and Aroostook leased them from the New Haven and used them in freight service as well