Bummer 
I need it to lean the other way to go with my Big Hauler stuff 
Ralph
I bought one of the new Bachmann Big Haulers, specifically to examine and evaluate the new drive & loco.
The worm is steel and a double thread (which means, no surging). Worm is driving a brass worm gear. On the same shaft with the worm gear is a small spur gear driving a large axle gear.
Very smooth and quiet. Should last a long time. Don’t know how strong it is. The new pilot is a big improvement over the old unit. They made the same improvement that I did when I was starting out, putting the pilot truck on an arm. One more step to go, make the truck frame flex to equalize the wheels to track the rail contours.
The weight is no longer cast iron, some kind of plate stacked up (it is magnetic).
Really a nice unit.
Barry - BBT
I recently purchased a Pilko 2-6-0 Mogul from Trainworld a few weeks ago and finally got to run it on my outdoor layout.After removing it from its shipping box I must say it is a very heavy locomotive for its size.The painting and detail are very nice.There were no painting flaws that I could find.The tender is also nicely done.There are some detail parts that have to be installed,but after that this locomotive is ready to run.After putting it on the track and adding some smoke fluid I powered it up.The engine ran smoothly and the smoke unit gave off a good amount of smoke.At first the motor sounded a little stiff but after a few minutes it calmed down.I hooked it up to five LGB freight cars and it pulled them easily.I would say for the price it is an excellent buy.
Richard and Barry–
Thanks for the report.
Here’s hopes all the upcoming PIKO products will return us to trusting a quality that was not presumed to need “consumer beta testing.”
Richard-
Does it appear to have easy access to the motor and gearing assembly? My experience with LGB products - out of the box - is lubrication was not a primary focus and was very sparse. Your experience?
Wendell Hanks said:Piko used to pack so much grease in there that it interfered with the electrical pick-up.
Richard- Does it appear to have easy access to the motor and gearing assembly? My experience with LGB products - out of the box - is lubrication was not a primary focus and was very sparse. Your experience?
There’s a review in GARTENBAHNprofi 3/2012, here are the scores according to their points system (six=excellent; one=deficient)
Scale: no score
Detailing: no score
Paint and Lettering: 5
Chassis and Drive: 4
Current Pickup: 4
Production Quality: 5
Running Quality: 4
Ease of DCC Conversion: 6
Instruction Manual: 4
Cost/Benefit Ratio: 5
Worth mentioning: the clever engine to tender connection(very user friendly) and the improved drive.
The previous drives were doubtful at best!
A review is in the July issue of Model Railroader. The staff report on this loco is favorable. The loco weighs 5 lbs and 7 with the tender. The draw pull test result was 30+ cars. Impressive.
Wendell
Wendell Hanks said:I guess that's almost like promoting LS in MR, isn't it? :) :D :lol:
A review is in the July issue of Model Railroader. The staff report on this loco is favorable. The loco weighs 5 lbs and 7 with the tender. The draw pull test result was 30+ cars. Impressive. Wendell
I’ll check what the details are when the town library has it ready for circulation.
But if I look at the
MR said:
The model has a powerful mechanism and can be easily converted to Digital Command Control.
I ask myself if the same proviso applies that Marc H mentioned in the E94 review
Marc H said:
…engine will evidently accept only PIKO decoder and sound system (available separately).
Perhaps something to keep in mind, especially in view of the trials and tribulations people usually go through tweaking the CVs to have the PIKO engines behave in a normal manner.
A friend of mine just bought one and he’s very happy with it’s performance.
Nick
Has he converted it to DCC?
Just track power so far HJ, I will let you know if he puts the decoder in it.
Nick
Barry reports above he bought one of the new “Annies” with the new metal gears, etc.
OK, here’s the question unanswered to this point: How this newer model be ordered mail-order (say TRAINWORLD) and ensure receiving the “newest” model? From what I saw in the TRAINWORLD ads, the numbers for the loco are the same as last year and last year…etc.?
Is there a code on the box? What is persuasive to the nice person taking your order?
For Barry: Is the new gear box for the Annie of particular interest because of the insights you shared with the Bachmann product designers?
Wendell
If anyone is interested in the current Piko Mogul w/o sound I suggest buying one now at the still low price, next years Mogul and Switcher are both only available with sound with corresponding price bump and are both MSRP $450 big ones, thats too much for me
Thank Bmann for the Lil Big Hauler lines
My buddy seems to enjoy his but they are way to small for me.
Am considering one of the Piko Moguls… Can anyone add anything to the pervious comments, running experience and the sound quality?
Thanks in advance
We have a member that has a newer version and it runs great. While i’m not a Piko guy this has encouraged me to what to order the Camel back as a pusher engine to retrieve all the dead Aristo loco’s around the layout. The 0 6 0 runs well.
**Nick S. said:**engine to retrieve all the dead Aristo loco’s around the layout. The 0 6 0 runs well.
LMAO
In all fairness - I’ve only had trouble with one Aristocraft engine- An early version Pacific -I liked it enough that I replaced it with another (newer version). Never had any trouble with any of my Hartland or LGB engines - I have only had one USA train engine, which after less the six months would only run in one direction, and which they would not repair the one-year warranty- They wanted over $100. to fix for an engine that retailed at the time for $169.00 I’ll never give em another chance even though I loved the quality of the graphics … Really unfortunate, as I live about three miles from Charles Ro Supply. Anyway should know about the Piko soon enough as Fed-ex is supposed to deliver it today.
Thanks for your input-
Phil-
I find your accounting of Charles Ro, Inc., not honoring their one-year warranty strange at best.
My interpretation is you personally went to the company, presented evidence of date of purchase, after your problem description, they tested it, and then refused to either fix it or replace it – unless a $100 repair fee.
Is this sequence of events accurate?
I am very surprised – in particular since you were in the store personally and this was not a e-mailed impersonal transaction.
What reason was given for not honoring the warranty?
Did either of the Ro family interact with you?
Thanks,
Wendell
In fairness to Charles Ro…
I purchased the engine at a Dealer on Cape Cod which is about 60 miles or so from Malden, Mass.When I started having trouble with it, I called, explained the situation, the unit, when I purchased it,Etc. I was told that they would only repair it for the $100.00, I found out later that that employee was let go (hearsay)
In hindsight, I should of taken it over to the store, with the receipt, however the drive is miserable from here (even as close as I’m located… just 3 miles or so). I just find the “new” store employees rude, and don’t want to deal with them-it’s easier to punch a few buttons on-line and watch for the “Wells Fargo Wagon coming down the Street” To paraphrase a saying from my days in the service "i voted with my wallet (feet) I personally like Charlie, and yes I know it can be absolutely miserable dealing with the public… I recall I also had trouble with two Aristocraft eggliners, one they mailed me a new engine motor no questions asked, the other was a wire not connected at the factory
In addition I love the quality graphics on USA products, I see that a huge number of fellow G scalers think highly of his products, To me good service is paramount - I have received that from Aristocraft and Hartland when needed so that’s who I have supported. I can only relay my own experiences - Feel free to disagree