Large Scale Central

Aristocraft Mallet- Your thoughts

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I’m thinking about adding more big steam to the roster and I’ve always loved the look of the Aristocraft Mallet. It’s big and ugly- like me. Knowing that Aristo is out of business, I’m just a bit concerned about spare parts, reliability, and/or other potential problems that could arise (Of course, I’ve got plenty of other Aristo engines and rolling stock, and I haven’t had any major problems, yet). So, I’m turning to the experts, once again. What has been your experience with this loco? No bashing please, just the facts. Thanks in advance for all of the info and other useful thoughts.

-Kevin.

#2

I got 3, just make sure the drivers stay tight.

#3

A friend brought one over and ran it on my pike, other than opening tight clearances she ran fine.

A lot more overhang than my 1:24 stuff.

A little odd seeing the back engine pivot, but I soon looked past that.

John

#4

Go here and scroll down to the Mallet. Lots of useful info. http://www.rayman4449.com/gardenrr_mods.htm

#5

Dude,
I have one and love it. I bought mine used. So it has been run.

Nico

#6

I have 2 with Rev and Phoenix sound. Run on Garden Factory winter display weekends through the Christmas season as well as my own layout in the summer. No problems. Crowds at Garden Factory love it!!! Me too!!!

My first has probably about 250-300 hours and no problms, so i cannot address the issue of obtaining parts.

#7

Grant Kerr said:

Go here and scroll down to the Mallet. Lots of useful info. http://www.rayman4449.com/gardenrr_mods.htm

Now that’s a informative site that gives fixes and lacks the drama of some other “experts” sites

#8

I have two and they are great running locos. As mentioned just keep the screws tight on the drivers and all is good. Later RJD

#9

Excellent info!!! Thanks.

Wow, Rayman’s site is full of great stuff. I usually check George Schreyer’s site, but there is no Mallet info there. From what I’ve learned here at LSC, it sounds like a pretty good investment. Now I just need to sneak it past the CEO.

-Kevin.

#10

Mark Dash said:

Grant Kerr said:

Go here and scroll down to the Mallet. Lots of useful info. http://www.rayman4449.com/gardenrr_mods.htm

Now that’s a informative site that gives fixes and lacks the drama of some other “experts” sites

Good point!
I remember when Aristo was introducing this to the market. He brought one to Ridge Rd station and I went to see it. It was running on his rollers and you couldn’t hear it run. Nice and quiet and smooth.

#11

It runs just fine unless the drive wheels come loose on the axles. Then it jams up the drive(s).

#12

I read about a new version (2011) in which the wheel issue was fixed and electronics were moved to the tender. So, I’m guessing that this would be the better model to purchase. Your thoughts?

-Kevin.

#13

If that is what AristoCraft claimed, then who am I to demur. :wink:

Good luck.

#14

Just what I’ve read, Tony. I figured someone here would be able to verify this. I just didn’t want to buy the older version if there was a problem. Especially since Aristo isn’t around anymore. Maybe, there are no problems at all, I dunno. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve got all kinds of Aristo stuff (old and new) and it all works just fine. I like to do some research before I buy.

-Kevin.

#15

I never had a chance to play with the newer version with wheel collets. Mine has MANY hours on it in spite of being in a car accident. If ever you notice it doesn’t start smoothly, drop the rods and find which wheel(s) have come loose. With all the wheels lined up and tight, they run like silk and can pull a lot.

Aristo was rather free about selling drive parts, and there are guys with bags of gears. I’m not one of them.

http://youtu.be/l2sLbXtwLtI

http://youtu.be/sWs6vMsqV4M

#16

Not owning one so i dont know. Would putting thread locker solve the screws from coming loose?

#17

Jake Smith said:

Not owning one so i dont know. Would putting thread locker solve the screws from coming loose?

Its not the screws coming loose that is the problem. It is just a poor design, poorly executed.

#18

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66sr6YSfhoI[/youtube]

Whats better than 1 mallet …2

#19

There is basically about a 1 degree mismatch between the taper in the wheel and the taper on the axle end.

Jake, read all the fixes on Raymond’s site, read all the fixes on my site. Bottom line, the Aristo drivetrain is actually rugged, but if you don’t compensate for some design and assembly flaws, things can go south in a hurry. The forums are littered with people who have sent their mallets in many times to be fixed.

Follow the suggestions you read on sites of people that have many Aristo steamers, and first hand experience.

Greg

#20

Tom Ruby said:

I never had a chance to play with the newer version with wheel collets. Mine has MANY hours on it in spite of being in a car accident. If ever you notice it doesn’t start smoothly, drop the rods and find which wheel(s) have come loose. With all the wheels lined up and tight, they run like silk and can pull a lot.

Aristo was rather free about selling drive parts, and there are guys with bags of gears. I’m not one of them.

http://youtu.be/l2sLbXtwLtI

http://youtu.be/sWs6vMsqV4M

Wow, those sound great!