Unlike the long wait for the fine K-36 (MMI On3 K-36 finally out - TrainBoard.com), MMI rather surprised with the "on time" release of their last On3 Mikado. It is again an impressive and very detailed model. Though I feel there are a few features that they could have improved on after the feedbacks on the K-36. In particular, there is - again - a non-functioning dummy coupler up front. Thus precluding double heading, or mid-train helpers. And the clumsy light bulb in the cab does not quite fit the fine detailing one finds otherwise. But considering the short time span of only six months between the release of the two models, it seems likely that the second one was already too far along for any changes. Well, it is in a way nit picking anyway, as MMI succeeded again with a very convincing rendition. And all this at a price in the same range as before, with only a slight increase despite the strongly devalued Dollar since they announced the model. This should be borne in mind when reading my following gripes. As far as I can judge it, there are mainly two features that detract from that perfect optical score that would have been possible: For one, the gap between the cab and the tender is too wide; in this case it is likely that the plate that is bridging it will drop in-between as the engine runs on a layout. Secondly, the cab handrails are at least untypical if not downright wrong. They are done like in the K-36 when there should have been a long downward curve at the bottom. It is possible that the solution chosen did occur, judging from a picture in NG Pictorial #I, but in the model there is also a long piece of wire protruding on the other side of the bottom attachment. Definitely not that high level that one is accustomed to. My model runs decently on a test stand, but with a short at every turn of the drivers. I had that before, it probably comes from a piece being touched by the wheel that turns with a slight unevenness. That can be easily cured (I hope). Also, on the rear bogie, the one under the cab, there was a problem with some bent parts. Because of them, that bogie was very much restricted in its movement. It was easy to bend things into position, but then one part fell off. So I will have to work a bit on that as well. Finally, as far as I can judge things at this point, the only other problem is the lens of the rear light on the tender that has a very rough edge. I will have to do some filing there, and it should be possible to get that right. But these things reduce the otherwise very good impression. Like in previous releases from MMI, there is no coal. I'll have to do some work there as well.
Do you use San Juan couplers or something else? I did a little test with a grandt coupler and a B-man 2-6-0...with a little filing, I'll be able to couple to that dummy coupler. If the problem is a Kadee coupler...specifically the trip pin...and you don't use magnets...snip snip. I've heard of a number of people doing that before (Boxcab mentioned that he does that)...and I've been intending to do that as well. I think I recall reading that the K-27 was underpowered...how are the motors in the K-36s & K-37s? Nice to hear that they actually got it out to you on time! Michael
Pictures 2 And here are two detail shots showing some of the problems mentioned in post #1, plus some that I have since discovered: On the first picture, those wrongly shaped cab handrails are clearly visible, with the protruding wire under the K-37 lettering. Also, the wide gap with the plate that barely covers it. A newly discovered problem is the fact that the wire that connects the tender with the cab comes out where the coal should. I will have to remove the housing and try to thread it beneath. Should not be a major issue, but I wonder whether they all come out like that or whether mine is an exception. The second picture shows that rough rim of the lens on the backup light. Clearly visible is also the oversized backplate of the coal compartment. Another feature that is wrong but that I had not discovered when I wrote my first post.
Beautiful locomotive. I would guess that your locomotive is unique in having a wire coming out of the coal space...odd indeed!
I am using Kadee couplers where I have to install them. The SJCC RTR cars come with their own brand I assume. I never checked them in detail. The early MMI models had no couplers at all at the back, but the K-36 and 37 have a Kadee On3 coupler there. There are several problems with the dummy coupler up front, as far as I have tested it: For one, there is a protruding "thorn" like structure in the gap where the other coupler is supposed to fit. Thus effectively preventing any attempts to use it as it is. I have not yet tried to file off that thorn for fear the coupler might get loose. But I will try it at some point. However, I also think that the claw is a bit too short to provide a secure hold. I have no problems cutting off those trip pins when they are in the way, be that physically or optically. I have often done it, and I will remove many more in the future. In fact you can see it in a recently posted picture here in post #13: On3 sectional tracks and turnouts - Page 2 - TrainBoard.com And a second example can be seen on the BCR RDC that I just posted: Any BC Rail fans left... - Page 3 - TrainBoard.com Whereas those Alcos in that same post still have the trip pins. As I have no grades on the temporary layout, the only way to tell whether the engines are underpowered is by checking how many cars they can pull. My very limited experience so far rather led to the conclusion that the engine I used, a K-36, tends to slip easily despite its weight. That is why I had to clean both wheels and tracks repeatedly after having oiled the engine.
Despite the problems that is a good looking model! I have to admit that the backup light lens is a mess...the manufacturer should hear about that and the misplaced wire from the tender.
I've been wanting to get a set of SJCC couplers for some time...working knuckle couplers. The only working (as in the knuckle locks and can be released) couplers which I have are a pair of PSC couplers. I want to hook a few up to cut levers on some of my cars. It is a shame that PSC hasn't included their awesome couplers with the MMI engines. I see the trip pin-less Kadees now. Well, if it's slipping, it must not be underpowered! I presume that you haven't checked the balance? (I've only done that a couple times...even though I know that it matters). Now I'm going to get back to work and day dream about MMI's 4-4-0.
Do they have functional couplers as well, then? Well I guess they need to cut cost somewhere considering what they can sell such a model for. I have not really checked the balance, but when carrying it around, the engine part did not seem to be unbalanced. And when the tracks and drivers were clean, it had no problem with the 16 car train. I added the caboose after I had taken the picture posted earlier, that's why there are only 15 cars to be counted there.
This is why I like Bachmann On30...any problems are taken care of either free or at low charge by those folks...
It would be a problem for me anyway. High shipping costs and customs hassles if I'd want to ship things back and forth from Switzerland. So there are some risks I have to take. Trying to get the models here from local dealers would result in much higher prices and a very small selection of available versions.
I just learned from a very good contact that his model has the same odd feature. He also mentioned that the steam electrical generator exhaust is pointing to the front of the locomotive. Same in my model, I just had not noticed it yet. In addition, his model has several more severe problems than mine. That makes two out of two MMI K-37 models with major issues. Are there any around that are kind of "perfect"?
Actually, this may not be an issue of quality control at all. The generator was often mounted backwards on the real K-37's. The exhaust outlet should not point towards the front however. This could be easily remedied by carefully bending the pipe to the rear and perhaps shortening it. Look at photos of the prototypes. When the generator was mounted in this fashion, it often had a shorter exhaust.
WELCOME TO TRAINBOARD!! Thanks for the info...looked at some photos and you are absolutely correct...learn something new everyday
