In search of - 4-4-0 steamer

TVRR Nov 12, 2014

  1. TVRR

    TVRR TrainBoard Member

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    Hi, I have decided that I need a little 4-4-0 steamer like Model Power put out a few years back. If you have one, how would you rate it's performance in terms of trouble free running? Do TT's help this engine's pulling power? I would replace the MP tender with a B'mannn when I convert to DCC, has really helped with the 4-6-2 and 2-8-2.
     
  2. Boilerman

    Boilerman TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have one and installed a decoder in the tender that came with it, it came with traction tires and it is a smooth runner as for pulling power, it pulls 6 old time coaches up a 2% grade with lo issues.
    IMHO it is a fine little loco!
     
  3. LOU D

    LOU D TrainBoard Member

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    No idea on the Model Power,but the latest Bachmann is pretty good..I have 3,two of them run as well as my Atlas Shay,and I got all three used....
     
  4. TVRR

    TVRR TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, Is this a later run engine? If so, what kind of case do they come in so I'll be able to recognize it vs. the earlier no TT version?
     
  5. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    I have two of these 4-4-0 American locomotives, both have dcc decoders installed after I purchased them.
    They run very nicely. I cannot attest to pulling power at this time because I have only a small loop as a test track.
    One of mine was purchased as Model Power, but the other is the locomotive MTL used in a weathered B&O set with hopper cars and caboose.
    I am not aware the Bachmann offers 4-4-0 American. Bachmann has a Civil War period 4-4-0 that is a much smaller locomotive; I have one that came with an MTL Civil War set.
    I do not like it and purchased the Atlas version of that locomotive to use with the Civil War cars. I have two of them, both with dcc decoders installed after I purchased them.

    Finding a new 4-4-0 American made by Model Power may be a challenge with Model Power current status/merger.
    I did a google search; there may be some in hobby shops. Check this link for pictures of the model.
    https://www.nscalesupply.com/mod/MOD-Locomotive4-4-0.html

    I am now not certain that 4-4-0 American type is used only for these later version locomotives after further research.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 13, 2014
  6. Spookshow

    Spookshow TrainBoard Member

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  7. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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  8. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have owned or own currently all three manufacturers versions. The Bmann version because of the traction tires on all four drivers does have decent pulling power for a small loco. As Mark pointed out in his review though the electrical footprint is minimal so some issues there related to that. My earlier version all later developed issues with the tender truck frames due to the old Zemacktitus syndrome of swelling deteriorating metal. A subsequent ordering of replacement parts got me trucks that were poorly manufactured and as a result I scrapped all of them. So it can be hit and miss with them depending on when made.

    For the small earlier dated version of the 4-4-0 Atlas is the superior. Pick-up is through both tender and loco. They run great and have good pulling power for such a small loco. Details are finer and sharper than the Bmann version. That said the details are more fragile and easier to break. I have had no electrical pick-up issues with either of my two.

    I purchased two of MP's more modern versions of the 4-4-0 with an idea toward converting one or both to a 4-4-2 which I did. Both versions ran well on level track with short trains of about ten cars all freight. When I fabricated the bigger boiler and added a Bmann tender to the one I converted to a 4-4-2 I vastly improved the performance both in ascending grades and cars pulled and the converted version easily handles 6 seventy foot passenger or about 25 freight cars. I attribute that performance to the extra weight of the larger boiler and improved pick-up and less rolling resistance of the Bmann tender. Both of my MP 4-4-0s are the earlier versions without traction tires. So if there is a place where one can shoehorn a little Tungsten putty and keep the balance on the drivers, and add the better rolling and pick-up Bmann tender the non traction tired version performance can be improved some.

    Unfortunately neither the Bmann nor the Atlas older versions of the 4-4-0 come with a pilot mounted coupler while the MP more modern version does. My original Bmann versions I added MT pilot conversions to that unfortunately appear to be no longer available. The Atlas versions I fabricated a coupler pocket on the pilot to allow them to be run doubleheaded as logging line power. I also slightly modernized them with a few added appliances like a more modern air pump and a steam generator. I also converted the tenders to oil bunks which allowed me to also add just a touch of extra weight there to enhance pick-up. As far as adding a decoder it is under either the oil tank or a built up wood load that one can install a small decoder. With the MP version the tender space is adequate in the original tenders or especially in the Bmann tender.

    I never used my 2nd MP 4-4-0 and it is surplus to me having been only run on the test track. However it is the first run non traction tire version. So if your search for a traction tired version comes up bare for results and you want to settle for the original non traction tired version PM me.
     
  9. HOexplorer

    HOexplorer TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have the Model Power model and I'm quite happy with it. Sure I wish it could pull more than 6/7 cars but I like it anyway! Jim

    [​IMG]
     
  10. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    I'm guessing "TVRR" is Tennessee rather than Tionesta, but this is at least mildly relevant to the discussion. This is the Atlas 4-4-0 as modified and somewhat modernized to the early 1900's appearance on the Sheffield & Tionesta - a secondhand 4-4-0 Schenectady-built for the C&NW in the 1880's. I made a lot of operating modifications as well, but the basic locomotive design and performance are really first-rate. I had a first-run Bachmann 4-4-0 years ago and have seen several since - the fatal flaw on that design has always been the tender trucks. I've had several people tell me they 'fixed that', and maybe they did, but I've never seen one that equals what Atlas has done now. It's amazing.

    I did two major changes on the Atlas - added a cast coal bunker and load on the front of the tender (which improved electrical pickup) and added a cab weight (that fixed the balance of the entire locomotive back on the drivers). I made molds for those so I have them if you want them.

    My prototype had a retrofitted knuckle on the pilot. I added a dummy coupler.

    [​IMG]

    The slow-speed performance of this locomotive is simply outstanding. But in tinkering with it to the extent I did I broke the whistle, flag posts, injector nub, etc., etc., and had to fabricate new ones. All that detail is in styrene, not nylon, and it is darn fragile.

    I also have a 'loaner' Model Power 4-4-0 and it's a much larger and more modern 1900's 4-4-0.
     
  11. WPZephyrFan

    WPZephyrFan TrainBoard Member

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  12. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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  13. TVRR

    TVRR TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for all the good information guys. The Model Power 4-4-0 is the one I want, right era(s). It will fit right in with the 1910~ 1940s small line rural theme that is most of my layout.
     
  14. cne_craig

    cne_craig New Member

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  15. RedRiverRR4433

    RedRiverRR4433 TrainBoard Member

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    You can turn the MP 4-4-0 into an outstanding performer by exchanging the MP tender with either a Spectrum small tender or a Spectrum medium sized tender. The draw bar conversion is easy to do by extending the length of the original draw bar and wiring the wires from the locomotive to the new Spectrum tender. If you use DCC, use a TCS Z scale decoder to complete the transition to DCC. Have fun with it. :cool::cool:


    Shades
     
  16. crappie610

    crappie610 TrainBoard Supporter

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    did you add weight to the front truck to keep it from rerailing altas?
     
  17. RedRiverRR4433

    RedRiverRR4433 TrainBoard Member

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    You can add some mold-able tungsten weight under the front truck of the 4-44-0 if you have problems with the front truck derailing.:cool::cool:


    Shades
     
  18. TVRR

    TVRR TrainBoard Member

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    Received a 4-4-0 courtesy of a Board member and I am impressed! This is a loco that looks better in person than in it's pictures, the detailing is much better than expected and for a wonder it runs very smoothly at all speeds. I will do a tender swap, install DCC, and a little detailing ( just because I can). This little guy will be pulling a short rural line consist of a passenger coach and a couple of expedited freight cars. Thanks to all of you who offered comments and a special thanks to the gentleman who sold it to me.
     
  19. randgust

    randgust TrainBoard Member

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    I did add some weight over the FRONT axle of the lead truck on my Atlas 4-4-0, just a tiny piece of lead that's almost completely out of sight in the photos, but it is there. I pound soft lead to rough shape with a hammer on an anvil, cut it with rail cutters, and glue it in place with Walthers Goo.
     

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