loco1999: The CC 2-10-2 is one of the best steam loco's performance wise. The only problem I had with the loco is that CC put the pins for the decoder in backwards. You can't use the standard Digitrax decoder and must use one with a short harness so you can turn it upside down and backwards. The Light won't turn on with the usual and customary decoder. The normal eight pin plug with the loco works without problems. It's one of the best pulling steamers in N scale. Stay cool and run steam...
Loco1999: The detail isn't as fine as a Spectrum 2-8-0 or a LL 2-8-8-2 but it's much better than previous CC loco's. This steamer is a heavy loco. The tender is light and you have to add some weight to the tender, at least 7 grams. It runs very well and pulls 30-40 cars on level track. Stay cool and run steam........
Mark: The CC 2-10-2 is too big for 9 3/4" grades although CC claims that it'll take those radii. On grades expect about 20-25 cars on the grades of the LLL: A MP 2-8-2 is on the point of the consist. The CC 2-10-2 is a big loco: Stay cool and run steam.....
Thanks, too, from my side for the information and photos. I have finally ordered one PRR version with doghouse, and we'll see how this comes out. My experiences with steamers were a bit mixed in the past, from excellent to dog. Christoph
I'm also planning to get the 2-10-2 in the ATSF roadname when it comes out later this year. You're welcome Guys. Stay cool and run steam.....
The Con-Cor 2-10-2 is the best running performing modern-release steamer I have seen IF: the tender pickup works flawlessly! I've posted my test results extensively on the 'big board'. To sum up: the pickup on this loco is 99% tender, and their wiper system is similar to the Tomix method (pickup drum inside wheels, with bronze wiper brushing against drum with slight spring pressure from two bronze wipers in tender bottom). The tender wheels were dirty and poorly surfaced, so I polished them with an abrasive wheel attachment (the stuff they use to make brite boy track cleaners with, but on a Dremel motor tool shaft). I also polished the contact drums behind each wheel, the bronze wiper shoes, and cleaned all the parts with Isopropyl alcohol (NOT rubbing alcohol!) Add a bit of weight in the tender if you can, this will also help electrical contact. These improvements will increase reliable contact. Working with another Santa Fe modeler, I plan to rebuild mine to ATSF 3800 class Santa Fe steamers, complete with scratchbuilt six-axle tenders and DCC/Tsunami sound. These are the signature locomotives for my prototype, era and location, so I have to get them right! Adding six-wheel trucks will greatly improve electrical reliability. These mechanisms are extremely smooth, all three of mine run perfectly if the electrical contact issues are resolved. The loco is heavy, and good for 40-50 standard cars on level track...not bad!
