Re: MDC 2-8-0s

MDC started offering these kits again a couple of years ago and they are still available. The frames are a little different to accommodate a can motor. Unfortunately, they still sit up too high and like Coker said they don't match any particular prototype engine. They can be lowered and fixed up to run fairly well. If you are looking to model the D&RGW with a real die-hard prototype attitude then these are not for you. If you are like I am and you are freelancing your own HOn3 pike then they can be a good cheap source of motive power.
There are several good pieces of brass out there. It is much like buying a car…even the big names put out a few lemons. If you don’t mind fixing them up then your choices are better. If you want it to run straight out of the box then you’ll have to test-drive them at your local dealer. Even some of the plastic engines in standard gauge are real hit or miss. A member of a club I used to belong to ordered a new release D&RGW engine from Riverossi ( I don’t remember which engine) and the first one that came in had a driver fall off the engine before it had even had the power to it. After refusing that one the second one came in and it just sat on the rails and smoked…and not out of the stack!! IHC makes some nice, inexpensive, engines. Always test them out before you buy. One will run great and never give you an ounce of trouble and the next one won’t run to save itself. Like most things in life…you get what you pay for…most of the time.
Duane Richardson
[members.home.net]