jlong
New Member
Posts: 35
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Post by jlong on Mar 11, 2013 16:37:30 GMT -8
After seeing a mixed bag of reviews on the AC12, I broke down and got one. The reported lurching I noticed off the bat but it was minor. With a pair of flat tweezers and an Optivisor, I straightened 4 or 5 side rods that were slightly but noticeably bent. It was easy because they are a soft metal of sorts that's easy to shape.
Following the instructions, I gave it a good lube job and ran the AC12 all weekend. It broke in really nice. The lurching is gone and she's a silky smooth puller with some umph.
The low top speed is apparent. Life Like PA style. I can live with it as I am no speed demon nor do I intend to lash it to anything.
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Post by calzephyr on Mar 13, 2013 12:22:44 GMT -8
After seeing a mixed bag of reviews on the AC12, I broke down and got one. The reported lurching I noticed off the bat but it was minor. With a pair of flat tweezers and an Optivisor, I straightened 4 or 5 side rods that were slightly but noticeably bent. It was easy because they are a soft metal of sorts that's easy to shape. Following the instructions, I gave it a good lube job and ran the AC12 all weekend. It broke in really nice. The lurching is gone and she's a silky smooth puller with some umph. The low top speed is apparent. Life Like PA style. I can live with it as I am no speed demon nor do I intend to lash it to anything. The AC12's were not speedy any way and were used in the mountains at least 60 to 70% of their service life. It sounds like it broke in well and is usable. Nice looking model. I am hoping for the best with their new version for HO also. Did you get sound with this model? Larry |
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jlong
New Member
Posts: 35
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Post by jlong on Mar 13, 2013 16:17:56 GMT -8
No, Larry, I did not get the sound model. I bought a half dozen PFE reefers instead..LOL..It looks easy to upgrade should I decide I want sound.
I am aware of the prototype's slow running but the reports were the prototype's top speed was much higher than I'm's.
I think back to the days of having to buy a Key Imports model if a guy wanted a good N scale cab forward. We live in some pretty good times now that we can get a plastic model that is almost or just as good for a fraction of the price.
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Post by calzephyr on Mar 13, 2013 17:14:50 GMT -8
No, Larry, I did not get the sound model. I bought a half dozen PFE reefers instead..LOL..It looks easy to upgrade should I decide I want sound. I am aware of the prototype's slow running but the reports were the prototype's top speed was much higher than I'm's. I think back to the days of having to buy a Key Imports model if a guy wanted a good N scale cab forward. We live in some pretty good times now that we can get a plastic model that is almost or just as good for a fraction of the price. The Key was fairly nice but the price was almost the same as some of the HO models. Intermountain did get a hit with the AC12 and most problems can be worked out. At least it does run well now that it is broken in. Yes, they could run about sixty out of the flat. My first run HO model was only good for about 30 mph but the second run does about 50 mph. They do look good and Intermountain has tried to make them better. Installing sound cannot be easy on an N scale but the tender probably has the space. Larry |
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