Union Pacific GTEL 8500 "Big Blow" N Scale

spiffy trains Jan 26, 2017

  1. spiffy trains

    spiffy trains TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for your input. I feel the same as you on the coupler and the locos. Still glad I got the set.
     
  2. sundowner

    sundowner TrainBoard Member

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    Well you do get two engines when you buy the GTEL.
     
  3. RedRiverRR4433

    RedRiverRR4433 TrainBoard Member

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    Spiffy:

    I'm very happy with the GTEL Turbine 3 unit set operation wise. They run extremely well. I'm just have reservations with the style coupler that Scale Trains used on the three units. They are extremely flimsy. Would I buy another set of these Turbines? Probably not. Over the years I've had no issues buying multiple locomotives of the same release from different companies.

    I looked at the way these couplers were installed in the GTEL Turbines very closely. Replacing the factory installed McHenry type couplers with MT Z scale #905 couplers would be difficult because of the way the McHenry type couplers are part of the frame of each unit. That doesn't make sense.

    Staying cool and having fun with it........:cool::cool:

    Shades
     
  4. RedRiverRR4433

    RedRiverRR4433 TrainBoard Member

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    You get two locomotives with decoders plus one tender.

    Staying cool and having fun with it..........:cool::cool:

    Shades
     
  5. sundowner

    sundowner TrainBoard Member

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    Well you only get one decoder in the tender for the DC version, the sound version has three.
     
  6. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    I just noticed that the various models available in this release have several different details too. So... Scale Trains is doing the rivit counting on each of these models for sure. I'm guessing that the lower numbers represent the earliest variations... while the higher numbers represent the latter versions. The #5 model is probably representative of the 1958 as-delivered train. Can anyone out there confirm my 'ass-ump-tion'??

    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
  7. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hopefully... Scale Trains will follow these 'Big Blow' style GTEL (third generation GTEL) with the 'Veranda' style GTEL (the second generation GTEL). I like the Veranda GTEL more-so than the Big Blow GTEL... also... they were frequently found with other UP 'super steam' Big Boys in the mid 1950's.

    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
  8. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Apparently so. Just got mine, and the documentation clearly shows two different tenders, based on road number/delivery. I didn't study the exploded diagrams for the A & B units, so don't know if there are variations there (tend to doubt it)
     
  9. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Re: couplers

    I haven't even put mine onto a track yet (later today), but the first thing I noticed was a small ziplock bag of springs. According to the documentation, you need to use these springs (instead of normal MT ones) if you are changing out the McHenrys for MT couplers.
     
  10. Traindork

    Traindork TrainBoard Member

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    Mine is sitting on the layout. What a beautiful piece of art! It is truly the golden age of model railroading, and I look forward to another wallet-emptying year.
     
  11. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    A few observations now that I have placed it on the track and run it around a bit:

    • The tender light for reverse is on F0. The B-Unit's reverse light is on F10. Documentation sort of confusing on this point.
    • I don't see any issues with the couplers on my units.
    • I read back the CV values in all three, using LokProgrammer. The A and B units are the same sound file, just that the sound slot for the Hostler is set to full volume in the A unit, and 0 in the B unit; vice versa for the Turbine sound slot. When the turbine is turned off (F3 off), then the motors are placed in "switching mode", which basically cuts power by 50%
    • I do not see the normal Notch 0 to Notch 1 startup delay, not really sure if that is a function of the way the locos are supposed to work, or the CV settings. My other LokSound diesels have a significant ramp up time before the locos will start to move.
    • Default Acceleration and Deceleration are not as pronounced as other default ESU settings, but looking at the CVs, they are not set as high, either. Looks like play time for these

    The details are amazing, and they run smooth and quiet. Now the sad part... I have to put them back into the box for 3 weeks.
     
  12. Calzephyr

    Calzephyr TrainBoard Supporter

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    There are significant differences on the A & B units. Different dynamic brakes (H-I, H-H), location of the horn (on #5), fuel tank (on #5), some blanked access panels/doors (late versus early)... and as mentioned early 24k gal tender and late 23k gal tender.

    BTW... sound version of #5 is now shown out of stock at some retailer(s). Seems that interest is increasing at some etailers with real time inventory is showing the sound units quickly running out.

    Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2017
  13. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    One item that is really bugging me - the lighted number boards. They come on (as Aux1) when the sound is turned on, but... the fit around the boards isn't the greatest. There is more light coming out around the perimeter of the boards as through the numbers. Will have to see about closing up the gap (flat black, with single bristle brush) and try to seal up the fit.
     
  14. greatdrivermiles

    greatdrivermiles TrainBoard Member

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    Agreed on the fact that they are amazing locos. but I can't seem to get the Tender light to come on. What decoder are they using in the tender for the lights?
     
  15. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The tender decoder is a special ESU decoder designed for it. For mine, the light came on when I had F0 on and the loco in reverse mode. On mine, it was programmed to address 3, but someone else mentioned his was programmed to 128
     
  16. ogre427

    ogre427 TrainBoard Member

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    Does anyone know what DCC decoder type is needed for the non-sound version?
     
  17. Eugen Haenseler

    Eugen Haenseler TrainBoard Member

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    I got mine Nr 27 this week.
    Its a great model.
    I don't have ani problems with the coupler.

    20170202 205102 - YouTube by Eugen Haenseler posted 16 minutes ago
     
  18. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The boards allow directly plugging in any decoder with a 21MTC plug
     
  19. Carl Sowell

    Carl Sowell TrainBoard Supporter

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    Eugen,

    Thanks for posting the video. It really shows off the locomotive, but also your layout and the excellent scenery work. I especially like the pump jack. Was it the Walthers kit ? You must have modified the pushrods as they look much more substantial than those in the kit.

    Again thanks for the video,

    Carl
     
  20. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Not to bash sound....again...BUT...watching that video and listening thru headphones was....#*^$$#&#&$*&) !!!

    That high pitch was just to much !! I know you can turn the volume down by changing some CV values...I understand that. But that high pitch will still be there. Funny part was....I couldnt take the high pitch thru the headphones...so I switched my audio to the Bose speakers above my desk. My dogs came running in twisting their heads back a forth...listening !!! LOL. I think there is a pitch there that we humans cant hear but my dogs sure did ! :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     

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