12.9.09 Update on my Layout and 2 new MTH HO SD70ACe's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rottiuree]

Hi, Just wanted to know if you still are impressed with MTH. I am contemplating one and was wondering if you would purchase these again after living with them for

a couple of years. Thanx!

[Zebinator]

@rottiuree Yup I sure am! They are still the best running units on my layout. I'd buy more if I could afford it right now.

[drumkid330]

Neat!

[ovationpdh]

The headlight is correct for this model. It does not have a nose headlight like some of the BNSF ACes have .The BNSF ACes that have a nose headlight are the units with isolate cabs like the new Athearn model has. MTH will be releasing an isolated cab version in the future.

[Zebinator]

@ovationpdh Mmmm yes, I discovered this fact after I had posted this video. They stopped using the isolated cab starting with unit number 9370. Thanks for the information though, it's always useful.

[hoscalecody]

hey athren genisis sd70ace is out

[tnttrains]

Have you hooked two of these together? I can't figure how to make a consist with these. I have an MRC express system, just looking for some help if you can. Thanks!

[Zebinator]

@tnttrains I have and still do. You have to do what's called an "old consist" or "universal consist". The decoders that are in the MTH units do not support CV19 which is advanced consisting so you have to do it the old way. Works great once they are set up. Now, any NON MTH units will have to have their speed step tables set to match the MTH units. I've been doing this with my Digitrax decoders because the MTH speed tables, to me, are really good. Hope this helps!

[rocky1266]

wheww I thought I was the only one having coupler problems with mines... good to see someone else is also! other then that, sweet layout! what kind of track are you using? and how do you keep your clean?

[Zebinator]

@rocky1266 Yeah for the most part the couplers work pretty good, they aren't 100% but pretty good considering no one else in the industry has the remote option yet. I'm using Code 100 N/S from Atlas. Great stuff to work with and I use a bright boy to clean it. Looks like an eraser but has more grit to it for polishing.

[rocky1266]

@Zebinator sweet! yea the couplers hang on mines occasionally but yes they are great engines, have you had any trouble consisting yours with other brands? I haven't tried it yet but I heard that it's hard to run an MTH with other brands of engines... somethin to do with the built in speed control feature...

[Zebinator]

@rocky1266 Yes, unfortunately MTH decoders do not recognize CV 19 which means you have to do a Universal or "Old Consist" in order to consist MTH units with other locos that have different decoders. It actually works just fine as far as consisting but in order for them to run properly with non MTH decoders you need to first speed match them to the MTH decoders speed tables. It's not super hard but it's kind of a pain in the ass.

[Dachamp2001]

you can take your dcc system a match the speed of your old engines to you new mth engines

[ByeBye257]

what kind of dcc controller are u using for the mth engines? i want to buy some with sound and im guessing u need dcc to use the sound, but i want something to work for ho and n scale. something other then the mth dcs commander

[Zebinator]

@ByeBye257 I'm using the MRC Prodigy Advance, it works great. The model I have is no longer available, they have a better version now. I'm actually going to purchase the wireless upgrade for it soon.

[mdurdan]

What technique did you use to make the rock faces in the backround here?

[Zebinator]

@mdurdan Woodland scenics rock molds. Any kind of plaster like paper mache can be used in the molds. After they cure, apply to the surface where you want them with plaster paper mache or something similar and fill in around it so it looks filled in or as real as it can. Then the painting comes in.

[CQDX018]

Good video, Zebage! Love the 1989 heritage unit! Hard to get 'er out of Colorado in real life. I seen it though! Layout is looking good.

[BNSF1213]

where did you get that engine? Its awsome!

[JakBal3112]

They look great i got 2 BNSF's the only problem is the same as yours my genesis and such cant keep up. Cant wait to see more done on the layout keep it up mate

[Trainlover12345]

Just out of curiosity, what do you have invested in that layout? (Cars, engones, scerery, etc)

[Zebinator]

Most of my engines are the most expensive part. But the thing with this hobby is that you add to it a little at a time. I've been working on this layout for about 3.5 years now. So the cost is spread out. I don't know the exact cost but it's alot :-)

[ReagonProductions]

BNSF ACe 9300 series headlight is in the correct position. BNSF ACe 9100-9200 series are on the nose though.

[Zebinator]

Interesting, because I do have some photos of 9300 series with them on the nose. I believe 9361 has it on the nose. I have a photo of it too. But I guess that doesn't mean that 9374 doesn't have it up top. Where was the transition point?

[bechho]

I have just checked for pictures on railroad pictures archive and the 9374 does have the headlights up. will sned you a PM.

[Zebinator]

Thanks sir!  Awesome pictures of that unit too!! Love em!

[philandstace]

The detail with the rock face at the start is awesome... Well done

[Zebinator]

Thanks!

[mccunecp]

nice looking layout great video I wish I had money for one of those it be cool I want sound so bad

[Zebinator]

Thanks! I did alot of side work so I could get these.

[xxxrn]

Yeaaaa,, Glad to see your BNSF came in. That thing looks awesome. Thanks for sharing the pros and cons of the MTH's. Hopefully the couplers are working properly. The cloud on the wall looks great as im sure you were just testing to see if it turned out ok. Keep us posted on your layout. Thanks again.

[Zebinator]

Thanks! You are correct, I was testing a spot to see if I'd like the blue. Turns out I liked it :-)

[ewsdneax61eaxe10]

i have the same 9374 as well, very nice love the details especially the smoothness and handrails.

[AndrewandMattsVideos]

nice layout!

[pilotmanmax]

Sounds seem like a blast. I will have to look into that.

[ohiosouthern]

nice job, the engines and layout look great, how big are your curves? 18, they look tight. 5 stars

[Zebinator]

Thanks! Curve radius is 18 to 25 inch. Yeah they are tight mostly because of the space I had to work with. However, I'll be doing larger curves on the expansion.

[guitar446]

great vid and great to see a vid again man cool locos i wish i had one

[Jabbajawz4life]

All I have to say is Great!I WANT MORE!

[joshtheyman]

kool