I know that PCM is coming out with one, but I'm gonna be honest. I don't have $700 even if they do do it right. Rivarrossi and Intermountian came out with a few, but I've heard mixed reviews on them. So I'd liek to know the alternatives. What are they like, and are they DCC/Sound capable or easy enough to convert?
I have a friend who has an Intermountain AC-12 ... it looks good and sounds great too. I'd like to get one myself!
i recently purchased an intermountain ac-12. due to some of the information i had seen about it after i had ordered it, i was rather nervous as to what it would be like. i checked all the wheels and they were in gauge. great sound and detail. it will operate on 24 inch curves as the manufacturer claims. it would look better on larger radius though. due to the wheels not being sprung you will most likely find places on your layout where the track needs improving. i found four spots on my layout where the track needed some minor adjusting. top speed is low, but acceptable for my layout. there was some discussion on the yahoo ho steam group about how to re-gear the gear tower so that the top speed would be closer to the prototype. i have started testing it on a 4% grade to see how many cars it will pull. it will pull at least 19 on the lever, but not on the 4%. i purchased mine from caboose hobbies in colorado for just under $315 with dcc and sound.
I just bought an IM AC12 Saturday and so far I'm extremely impressed. I plan on buying more when money allows. The detail exceeds many brass imports and the running quality is awesome. The only complaint I have so far is the orange headlight. I plan on changing that soon though. I have a few Broadway Limited steam locos and they don't even compare to the Intermountain as far as detail goes.
Well, I know the next sites I'm looking for... Wow. That good huh. And I really like the fact that I can get 2 IM for the price of 1 PCM. Lights can be easily changed, especially with as good a Local Hobby Shop as mine is. Thanks for the help.
