Yesterday I won for myself 2 MicroAce engines, a 0-6-6-0 and a 4-6-4. I can remember seeing topics on the 0-6-6-0 in the past but Idon't remeber what the general comment on it was. I'm buying this one in particular to haul some log cars on my layout. this coming weekend is shaping up to be a great one. For a refresher can some one who is familar with, has a link to, the topic please drop it in your reply or give me some opinion based on direct or indirect encounter with this loco.
The MicroAce 0-6-6-0 is a great running steam loco. I have one on order. I also have a MicroAce 2-10-4 that I planning to outfit with a decoder. I'm going to hardwire a Bachmann USRA tender from a 2-8-0 Spectrum to the 2-10-4. The decoder will have to go into the tender. I'm not sure if there's room in the loco for a Lenz mini gold series decoder. Stay cool and run steam.....
Let me know what the decoder installation is like when you've completed it. I'm still new to the hobby so if it is not a plug and play decoder job I tend to shy away.
The 0-6-6-0 is a gem! I have one, and it is a joy to watch. Bob, let me know how you did the decoder install.
I can also add to the praise for the MicroAce line. After reading about them, I dropped plans to build a 2-6-6-2, and any plans to buy the current 2-6-6-2 on the market and ordered one. I have not been happier with this little jewel. Mine was converted to a 2-6-6-0 with a Vandy tender.
Micro-Ace has great locos and I like to use them for conversions to US style. The 0-6-6-0 is a very good loco. I am currently working (off and on) on converting the 2-10-4 to an American loco. I have found that being a tank engine made the pick up a little touchier but after adding a tender with more pick up it runs very well. Here is a conversion to a D&RGW 2-6-6-0; And a M-A 4-6-2; The M-A 2-6-0 did not need any work at all since it was imported from the US. This is the same loco Atlas brought in. There was also a set of cars that were made to go with the 2-6-0 but are hard to find now.
I have 2 of the Micro Ace 2-8-0's. BLW at one time had these for about $45.00. The 2-8-0 is the same model as the Kato and the Tomix but has the motor in the cab of the engine not the tender. It still has that funky three axle tender. It runs better than a Bachmann but it is designed for and needs tender pickup due to the traction tires. It is a small engine for a 2-8-0 and substituting the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 tender makes it look even smaller.
