Born in 1962. Grew up watching the C&NW running past the backyard. My favorite era with lots of GP7, 9, 18, 30 and 35 also FM baby TM. Those were good times.
I love the simplicity yet solid build of these Mehano steamers. Tremendous value for money. Mehano sub contracted for Rivarossi even back in Yugoslavia days. Slovenia is right next door to Venice in Italy. So the factory just over the border and still there making HO trains.
I have cleaned up and refurbished a couple of Mehano Pacifics and have removed the smoke unit in each as they seem to melt the boiler and smoke stack. Had to do a complete stack replacement on one unit as it was melted at a blizzard angle. Ha got you by three years Ron! My layout that does not exist yet is in the 50s or so to maybe 60s so mix of late steam and early to mid diesels and will be Midwest as well! Raquel Welch. ☺️. They also made a simplified valve gear version as well. Thanks Ron!! Great review!!! Take care!
I'm 77 years old and my freelance layout is set in 1962 and represents a very short dieselized remnant of an electric interurban. It does switching services for two customers and also has its own team track. I run DCC with a DCC-EX command station and a homebrew wired throttle. I have 4 DCC locos (Plymouth ML-8, GE 44 tonner, GE 70 tonner, and EMD SW9), but I run only one at a time as the whole layout is built on a 1x6 foot shelf unit. I would like to see you do DCC conversions on older locos. I browse eBay for old, used small switchers (my first HO loco was a Marx imitation of an Athearn Hustler), but unfortunately most of them seem to have flanges too large for my code 75 track. Cheers from Wisconsin!
Smaller shelf layouts can be a lot of fun. I'm gonna say it is documentably more than 'seem to' have flanges too large for Code 75 rail as a good number of, if not all, older HO scale locos from the 20th century were given flanges sized for Code 100 rail.
I would definitely like it if you could put a sound decoder in an older Rivarossi Pacific. I recently did one and it works when it wants to. Can't figure out what I did f$&##/ wrong. Maybe watching you will help me (please), I used a decoder buddy and a soundtrack economi 21 pin decoder ....btw I'm a proud 33 per center....
@@paulpietrowski1940 I have a Tyco pacific with a Digitrax decoder w/ sound I built and it works half the time as well. Thats the nature of the beast best I can tell.
I'd love to see that Mike running on DCC. Would be nice to see a before/after performance test as well, if there's a difference. And that truck is just grand, a good ol' V8 with four on the floor. Foolproof as a block of granite! Thanks for posting / 33%er from Sweden!
I have been modeling HO trains since I was a kid now im almost 42 and here to admit I know nothing what so ever about DCC. If you make videos on DCC stuff like how to for beginners would be very interested to have you teach me all about it :) Love your vids man and the new intro was awesome.
I'm interested in seeing this locomotive converted to DCC. Your videos are very informative and you do an very good job explaining how these engines operate! Thanks
Loved the intro to this video. I am currently an armchair modeler and would use the 1950s as the Era I would model even wanting to use plasticville buildings. I was born in 1966 and I vote dc, my dad's layout in the 70s and 80s was dc and I enjoyed being the "tower" and having to turn the rotary switches for each block for the correct cab. 33%
Love your truck, my first set of wheels was a '69 Chevy C-20. Same cab, different grill. Lots of great memories. You mentioned putting a DCC decoder in an older steam locomotive. I have a Rivarossi 4-6-4 that I need to convert to DCC and would love to see how you would convert a similar unit.
I never expected to see a pickup in the tender for illumination. And I appreciated seeing the restoration and Mehano's ability to pull a substantial load and operate smoothly and quietly. A DCC project would be interesting to see.
I agree, Mehano made some great locomotives. I bought one in the 1990s, mine is a pacific, love it. Another great show Ron. I can do without the DCC, I’ll watch if you do DCC stuff. I’m not into the modern era electronics everyone else seems to be a part of. And yes I model days gone by on a 2x8’ shelf layout, primarily where my dad used to work here in sparks NV. Keep up the great shows…
Thanks for your video on this locomotive! I recently purchased a Mehano pacific on EBay. This was my first experience with Mehano. As a youth, I purchased the Mantua/Tyco products, and later Bowser. The Mehano ran fine until it came to my 3% grades. It could barely pull more than two cars. My initial reaction was to replace the motor with an old NWSL can motor. It ran more smoothly and quietly, but no improvement in pulling power. I eventually discovered that the electrical connections on the tender trucks were a significant drag on the pulling power. Maybe a thorough oiling would have helped, but I simply removed the electrical connections. No longer any light in the tender, but it can now readily pull four passenger cars up the grade. Thought some readers might benefit from this experience.
I love these Mehano models. I've gotten some flack elsewhere for saying that but hopefully not here. I think they have a great balance of having a decent level of detail, a very futureproof mechanism (someone could replace that motor with a new one real easy if so inclined; and wire up DCC way easier than a lot of older engines); and being relatively cheap to make. I wish they had more pickups on the loco, but I guess that's something you can fix yourself if you want, and at least some of them let you hook them up to the tender pickups. And they're pretty easy to work on. One of the few locomotives I still have from when I was a teenager was an IHC (made by Mehano) 2-8-0. It was great to have then and great to be able to fix up again a few years back. I'd have tons of them if I could. Glad to be in the 33% club, even if I'm skeptical of any club with low enough standards to let me in. I think throwing a DCC decoder in here would be a good idea.
Love to see some DCC on these older engines. Kinda reminds me of some of the upgrades folks are giving to vintage Lionel. Electronic Railroad makes boards for power, realistic sound, and command control.
I finally got my table built, now working on painting the sky and clouds. I'm going with mid 19th century to early 20th century. I do like the 1900's to the 1930'. Not sticking to a particular era, just doing whatever strikes my fancy. Going DCC. This hobby has come a long way since I was a kid in the 1950's!
Hi Ron. I have a few of the IHC and Mehano from Slovenia steamers. I've actually been waiting for you to pull that project off the shelf. I think I mentioned that to you in one of my past notes. so, thanks for that! I think they a very good runner. Another great video. I like DC. I'll watch your stuff either way. I model the 1950s to the 1990's... give or take a few years. Born in 1964 and I love the era of the war bonnets. I have them all. Super Chief and El Captain. I also have GN trains and Zephyr trains. All the trains that went from Chicago and to the West. I did just pick up a NYCentral train. It was just too kool. I justified it because that train ran from NY to Chicago. I'm sure there's some fellers from NY who needed to get to California via Chicago. I want nothing to do with NY, but I got a super deal, and it was just to kool. I like the diesel engines. 38 years of trucking diesel fuel on the highways here in SoCal. I like diesel fuel. I watch your video of the 5th wheel travel trailer you got for a buck. What a mess. I think you paid too much. LOL. Are you building a new spot for a bigger layout? I thought you made some sort of reference to that. I hope so. I miss your first layout. Went way too long on this note. Take care. Gary
Hello Gary, Thanks for answering your "era" for your layout. A few Fellers have that large gap in the years. A trucker in Cally? WOW! Bet you have some cool trucker stories for sure!! I spent many years bending wrenches on them big rigs. The 5th wheel project will ultimately help me get a bigger building for a larger layout yes, but it's not going in the 5th wheel.
Raquel Welch my all-time favorite love the intro Ron nice truck my layout represents 1944 through roughly 1957 when I was born kind of end of steam through beginning of diesel. I also try to add detail of places I have visited in my travels lately
I love these old Mehano engines. They are a great value, very reliable and easy to maintain. Two things distract from these engines, one being the molded on handrails and the other being a bit of a lack of pulling power due to their weight. The later versions with metal handrails, flywheels and additional weight took care of the issues. Thanks for this great video.
Just received an eBay bargain job lot half hour ago with my first IHC/Mehano locos X3. . 2 x4-4-0 and a 2-6-0. Great smooth,quite runners straight out of the box. Will definitely keep an eye out for some more. Great vid. . Love the change up on the intro ✌️
@@scottfw7169 found out that these ones at least have a very good crawl. I have a couple of old H and M clipper controllers I use for DC. You can adjust the resistance and waveform of the juice. Full wave and high resistance. Half power on the controller and they are all as smooth as silk on the crawl. 👍
I model 1955, the year before I was born. These are good little engines. I have a few of the later Mehano/Rivarossi 4-6-2s that don't have the pizza cutter wheels. they make a good inexpensive base for kitbashing. I believe these engines were sold under Mehano/AHM/IHC and Rivarossi brands.
Fun video, I got no complaints on my AHM steamers. Dcc seems like more trouble than it's worth? Don't have it myself so maybe Im just uneducated with it? The ol truck is looking and sounding good! Have a great day!
Yep, I have been through more locomotives that the wheels fall off (Bachmann) so yes I have been picking up as many ( Riv/Moho/Ros locomotives for me on the long dinner table ...LOLOL works great, and I work on trains watching you on the PC ..Thanks, Ron.
@@classicmodeltrains I have to say most of what I do have, as in Locomotives HO scale you have worked on trains I have...20 years ago I never knew what it took to clean, repair, and hope for the best when fixing them up. I go on eBay to seek different trains I might repair with your know-how. I enjoy locomotives.😆
Tea, biscuits and Ron makes for a good evening. Great to see the old style intro back! Keep your voice down about these Mehano's loco's (and sets). When people find out how good they are, the prices will go up...Oh no! Too late! I wore out my old 10 speed on the paper route, 364 days a year, 5 o'clock am, rain or shine. My layout is a "run what i like" but, with a nod to the 50's/60's. Great vid as always.
Hello Darren, Thanks for stoping in and answering the "era's" question. I was thinking the same thing about the Mehano's. Shhh...... dont tell everybody ;-)
Hi Ron, I myself have a Mehano CNR mogul, and I love it to death. It is very easily my favourite locomotive and I'm glad you like the company as well! Very rare to find one that's super clapped out. 😄
This video is a fun video to watch. Yes show us how to put DCC in these small HO steamers. I’ve always been wary of taking these little things apart. Thanks, Classic model trains.
What a great video starting with the truck and ending with another great train on the rails again. I always stay to the end thanks for the time you spend with us 👍🏻
Mehano were hands down the best budget locos you could buy. Very well built for not much money. They were selling them in toy stores in Europe up until mid 2000's. They even made sets for LIDL Europe which were great value. I've quite a few Mehano/IHC locos, European and US. Great video as always Ron
Nice goin to town rig ya got there. I’m not a Chevy guy, but if I was to get one, it would be that vintage. I model 1966 in Freelance and Great Northern. I’m going to have to keep my eye out for one of them there locomotives. Thanks for another great video. 33%!!
Hi Ron, another great video, always look forward to what you are doing, I have got the dungerees, and a cap, also I have purchased a railroad pocket watch, so I'm now kitted out in merry old England, but my neighbours think I have lost the plot,somewhere along the road, until next time, pete, from lincoln.
Hello Peter. Thanks for the compliments. So now you can pass for an American locomotive engineer? Love the pocket watch idea. Been thinking I need one as well!!
Nice "yammering" Ron! I live in New Zealand and model USA late fifties era. F7s and GP7s/9s in rocky desert scenery. After watching, gonna keep an eye out for a Mehano steam!
LOL...love the intro Ron!! Was born inn 1970, but Im "Proto-lancing" Central Maryland back between 1950 to 1970. My railroad (HO Scale 34ft x 8ft) is a double track main loosely based on Central Maryland where I live. It is a bridge route between Harrisburg, PA and Richmond, VA. The railroad was picked up by the Chessie, but retains its home road name, The B&N (Boeville & Newtown). Still a work in progress, though it is operational
I was born in 69 and I lived in Springfield Missouri. I remember Old Frisco Diesels before they was replaced by Burlington Northern. My layout is of train yard with industrial side set 70’s to 80’s
I like the 80's. I have a tyco Howard Johnson's restaurant. I remember eating cake with mint chip ice cream on my birthday at that restaurant. Brings back a lot of memories. I did buy a modern Era Culver's restaurant because my kids like Culver's. I do, too lol. I guess you would call it second generation modeling. Building a layout is like playing God. You create the best of your life.
It was funny in a sad sort of way at the model train club I was in 2009 to 2019 when my IHC/Mehano 2-8-0 and 0-8-0 would run and run and run and run for hours straight on open house days on the DC track while the expensive steam locos on the DCC track were having continual technical difficulties. I'm the kind of model railroader who enjoyed getting a basic IHC or MDC or Athearn locomotive then painting and detailing them for my freelance roads.
@@classicmodeltrains If they did they didn't say it to me or the public. There, however, was another group of modelers who did run down my use of 3mm LED from Christmas lights as a replacement for the two locos' defunct headlight bulbs. They made it well known how cheap and suspect quality the LED used in holiday lights are and how they were guaranteed to never last. Which is kind of interesting since those "worthless" mass market planned obsolescence holiday discount light LED have been going strong since 2011. A thing which I will admit in public suits my sense of pride quite well. 😁 And 4 LED from same set also are going strong in an IHC SD9 done at same time. Those 3mm LED fit its sealed beam headlight holes perfectly.
I struggled with the decision to go to DCC also. I'm glad I decided to make the change. Only problem, DCC for my 1973 Dixie Bell. That's my original set when I was 8 years old.
I have one of these Mehano Mikes, but it doesn't have a smoke unit. The Mehano Pacific does though (and the shell is identical). I put DCC and sound in both of them, and it was very easy. My layout is loosely based on my little Iowa hometown circa 1965 or so, before the CB&Q became the BN (and much later, the BNSF). Nicks is my local go-to hobby shop, thanks for giving him a mention.
Another great video. Love your truck and the fact that it is a stick. Brings back good memories of some of my old cars. Had a 68 442 and a 69 GTO back in the day. Both with 4 speeds. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Ron. That 2-8-2 does look decent. I have recently been playing with an old Mehano RS-11. It's better than you think too, but you have to add all wheel pickup and ditch the original headlight installation. The headlight contacts are loose and jiggly and cause all kinds of problems. I made additional contact wipers for the trucks from K&S brass sheet and converted to LED lighting. It now out performs my Athearn GP9, and that has the gold motor in it. Wow.
Liked the different opening. I haven’t pin pointed a year, era would definitely be late fifties, early sixties because like you stated, fifties ended in Feb.’64, steam was done, and things just got uglier in the world. Born in ‘69, you got me by a year. This is the first classic model I got right, R.Welch. N e way, another great video, thanks for sharing a little bit more of you, and your life.
I’ve been resurrecting my old trains from storage myself the past couple of months and have found many of your videos helpful! I definitely enjoy your videos more than some other creators. Anyway, I haven’t decided on what I want to do with my layout as of yet because of the eclectic collection of different engines that I have. I do have quite a few diesel’s a large collection of streamlined passenger cars, etc. I would like to see what you have in the line of old Model Power/Roco diesel’s if you have any. They’re pretty strong runners! Thanks for all you do! 33%ers club member!
I started work on my layout about twenty five years ago. It's a DC powered block system. I have no ambition to convert to DCC. What I have works well and to convert it to DCC would wind up being an expensive proposition. That being said some DCC content would be interesting and worth while. I model the Milwaukee road that operates around the fictional city of Coldwater. I live on the shore of Lake Michigan so that's sort of where that came from. The time period is around the early 70's, but some steam still rides the rails. I knew that was Raqual Welch when I saw the picture. Ha. I stayed to the end anyway.
Interesting video, Ron. I would never have purchased a Mehano thinking it was a poor quality runner like most AHM/Rivarossi locos. I do have some AHM/Rivarossi locos and that’s how I based my opinion. I prefer the TYCO/Mantua locos for steamers but it’s all a moot point. I haven’t run my trains for a long time now. I keep intending to, but my aches and pains keep me firmly in my chair. Good show, keep them coming.
90s Mehano steamers are always a joy to get running again. Typically takes 15 minutes if it's been sitting in a hot attic unrun fir a decade or more. AHM, TYCO Old Bachman is several evenings to disassemble and clean up or replace parts.
Great video&layout story, Ron. On my Roman Coliseum of model trains. I loosely model the CASO>R airline 60/70/80's.JellyBean era. Grew up beside them. Leaves me the leeway to run almost any railroad. Because I seen it🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋
Dcc is the thing I always wanted as a kid for my railroad. It used to drive me nuts that the passenger car's lights would turn off when you stopped the train. I love running my trains instead of my track. Plus they consist much better and you want to see a train go slow? Add DCC and let the decoder do the hard stuff like reading the back voltage to regulate the speed. Like cruise control. I have been dying to learn how to do the DCC signaling with blocks and auto switch correction, pausing trains to let another pass. Super cool stuff. And I get that you are classic trains but you have to see how good it feels adding a DCC decoder, new LEDs for head lights, ditch lights, etc. And now they have a little speaker for $8 that will blow your mind. (Cell phone technology for trains.) I also have a great idea for a WiFi camera car for cheap! And not nearly as bad as the Lionel F2? (you should try taking that black lens off the shell in front of the camera, if that's what I'm seeing.) Anyway thanks for the entertainment and I guess you must be a big Vice Grip Garage fan too. Well, I don't believe it. But I guess I'm gonna have to because I'm looking right at it! Tom
Hello Tom. The Classic DCC upgrades have been green lit by the positive comments for that kinda information. Yes a few Fellers have pointed out I present a lot like VGG
Thanks for all you work to show us how repairs are done.
OMG!!!! THANK YOU VERY MUCH JOHN!! So very kind of you Sir!!! :-)
I Have, a small -n- scale, Denver & Rio Grande, twice around lay out, I like the fifties-sixties
As someone from the Midwest, you did a good job representing a typical midwestern town.
Right on!
Born in 1962. Grew up watching the C&NW running past the backyard. My favorite era with lots of GP7, 9, 18, 30 and 35 also FM baby TM. Those were good times.
Thank for the "era's" reply Brian!
Enjoyed the video, thanks for posting. I'd vote for adding DCC to the Mikado
Thanks for the input!!
Fellow mechanic here, loved that intro!! Lot of us train guys love the cars and trucks. Thanks for the great videos!
Hello Fellow Mechanic Aaron! I agree, a lot of train and hot rodders here :-)
I love the simplicity yet solid build of these Mehano steamers. Tremendous value for money. Mehano sub contracted for Rivarossi even back in Yugoslavia days. Slovenia is right next door to Venice in Italy. So the factory just over the border and still there making HO trains.
Yes, I was surprised at how nice this "inexpensive" steamer was
It’s Raquel Welch. I have chosen an imaginary Ohio town in the 40’s and/or 50’s for my layout. It’s about what makes you happy!
Yup! Thanks for your input on your "era" Mark
I have cleaned up and refurbished a couple of Mehano Pacifics and have removed the smoke unit in each as they seem to melt the boiler and smoke stack. Had to do a complete stack replacement on one unit as it was melted at a blizzard angle. Ha got you by three years Ron! My layout that does not exist yet is in the 50s or so to maybe 60s so mix of late steam and early to mid diesels and will be Midwest as well! Raquel Welch. ☺️. They also made a simplified valve gear version as well.
Thanks Ron!! Great review!!! Take care!
Hello Erick, another win on your card. Thanks for the input on the "era's" question :-)
I'm 77 years old and my freelance layout is set in 1962 and represents a very short dieselized remnant of an electric interurban. It does switching services for two customers and also has its own team track. I run DCC with a DCC-EX command station and a homebrew wired throttle. I have 4 DCC locos (Plymouth ML-8, GE 44 tonner, GE 70 tonner, and EMD SW9), but I run only one at a time as the whole layout is built on a 1x6 foot shelf unit. I would like to see you do DCC conversions on older locos. I browse eBay for old, used small switchers (my first HO loco was a Marx imitation of an Athearn Hustler), but unfortunately most of them seem to have flanges too large for my code 75 track. Cheers from Wisconsin!
Smaller shelf layouts can be a lot of fun. I'm gonna say it is documentably more than 'seem to' have flanges too large for Code 75 rail as a good number of, if not all, older HO scale locos from the 20th century were given flanges sized for Code 100 rail.
Hello Andrew, Thanks for telling me your layout era. Sounds like you get a lot done on your shelf layout!!
I would definitely like it if you could put a sound decoder in an older Rivarossi Pacific. I recently did one and it works when it wants to. Can't figure out what I did f$&##/ wrong. Maybe watching you will help me (please), I used a decoder buddy and a soundtrack economi 21 pin decoder ....btw I'm a proud 33 per center....
Arriving in STYLE! DELIVERING the goods!
@@paulpietrowski1940 I have a Tyco pacific with a Digitrax decoder w/ sound I built and it works half the time as well. Thats the nature of the beast best I can tell.
Another great video!! I can relate to modeling the years before being born!! I like the 50's myself. Great job Ron !😊 Raquel Welch "Fantastic Voyage!"
Thanks Tony, and your right on Raquel
Gave my grandpa a A.T.S.F mehano mikado as a birthday gift and he loves it. They really are great runners
Yes they are!!
What a great runner. They made this one right.
Yes! Doing a DCC conversion has my vote.
Thanks Norm
Hi Ron, I loved the introduction. That truck sounds mean. I'd like to see you do the DCC thing with this locomotive.
Hello John, Thanks for your input!
Nice to see you and trains from Slovenija(part of former yugoslavia) in America
Thanks :-)
Like the pickup.
Thank you!
Hi Ron, again love you 72 chevy I miss mine, Great video I think I have that locomotive in parts now I need to get it running
Thanks William. Hopefully you still have all the parts to get that Ol Gal going again :-)
I'd love to see that Mike running on DCC. Would be nice to see a before/after performance test as well, if there's a difference.
And that truck is just grand, a good ol' V8 with four on the floor. Foolproof as a block of granite!
Thanks for posting / 33%er from Sweden!
Thank you Mr A. for your input and support of the channel :-)
Thanks for the advice. Much appreciated.
:-)
I have been modeling HO trains since I was a kid now im almost 42 and here to admit I know nothing what so ever about DCC. If you make videos on DCC stuff like how to for beginners would be very interested to have you teach me all about it :) Love your vids man and the new intro was awesome.
Thank you for your input!!
Intro was great! Awesome train vids! BTW truck sounds good.
Thanks Matt!
I really really like your 72 Chevy pickup 3/4 ton. I have an 82 Chevy pickup with a 468 big block in it 3/4 ton and it's the same age as me
Thank you and sounds like you have a beast as well!
I'm interested in seeing this locomotive converted to DCC. Your videos are very informative and you do an very good job explaining how these engines operate! Thanks
Thanks for your input Keith!!
Loved the intro to this video. I am currently an armchair modeler and would use the 1950s as the Era I would model even wanting to use plasticville buildings. I was born in 1966 and I vote dc, my dad's layout in the 70s and 80s was dc and I enjoyed being the "tower" and having to turn the rotary switches for each block for the correct cab. 33%
Thank you for your support of the channel and your input on the DC vs DCC. I like your story as well!!!
Love your truck, my first set of wheels was a '69 Chevy C-20. Same cab, different grill. Lots of great memories. You mentioned putting a DCC decoder in an older steam locomotive. I have a Rivarossi 4-6-4 that I need to convert to DCC and would love to see how you would convert a similar unit.
Thanks Thomas, both for your compliments and response to my DCC question. DCC conversion video's will be put into programming.
I never expected to see a pickup in the tender for illumination. And I appreciated seeing the restoration and Mehano's ability to pull a substantial load and operate smoothly and quietly. A DCC project would be interesting to see.
The tender pickups threw me off as well. Kinda over engineered in my book. Nice loco they Made for sure
I agree, Mehano made some great locomotives. I bought one in the 1990s, mine is a pacific, love it. Another great show Ron. I can do without the DCC, I’ll watch if you do DCC stuff. I’m not into the modern era electronics everyone else seems to be a part of. And yes I model days gone by on a 2x8’ shelf layout, primarily where my dad used to work here in sparks NV. Keep up the great shows…
Thanks for your input John!!
Let's see you dcc in it. Always a great video and educational.
Thanks, will do!
This was my first special locomotive! My parents bought me one in 1984!
I love this old mehano steam engines!
They are sturdy, reliable, and respond well to 1980s MRC power packs! Which makes them a favorite.
@@scottfw7169 now i have a few of them. 462 is the same loco just has one big wheel more.
:-)
Great video. You crack me up. Super entertaining!
Glad you enjoyed!
Great video, lots of fun to watch. Yes, I would enjoy seeing DCC installations in old steam locos.
Thanks Michael, Over whelming majority want some DCC video's :-)
DCC would certainly make an interesting video. Enjoyed the repair Ron! Keep the awesome vids comin’!
Thanks for the input !
Thanks for your video on this locomotive!
I recently purchased a Mehano pacific on EBay. This was my first experience with Mehano. As a youth, I purchased the Mantua/Tyco products, and later Bowser. The Mehano ran fine until it came to my 3% grades. It could barely pull more than two cars. My initial reaction was to replace the motor with an old NWSL can motor. It ran more smoothly and quietly, but no improvement in pulling power. I eventually discovered that the electrical connections on the tender trucks were a significant drag on the pulling power. Maybe a thorough oiling would have helped, but I simply removed the electrical connections. No longer any light in the tender, but it can now readily pull four passenger cars up the grade.
Thought some readers might benefit from this experience.
Thank you for watching Jay, and also a good story with a resolution at the end for others to try if they are having the same problem :-)
I love these Mehano models. I've gotten some flack elsewhere for saying that but hopefully not here. I think they have a great balance of having a decent level of detail, a very futureproof mechanism (someone could replace that motor with a new one real easy if so inclined; and wire up DCC way easier than a lot of older engines); and being relatively cheap to make. I wish they had more pickups on the loco, but I guess that's something you can fix yourself if you want, and at least some of them let you hook them up to the tender pickups. And they're pretty easy to work on.
One of the few locomotives I still have from when I was a teenager was an IHC (made by Mehano) 2-8-0. It was great to have then and great to be able to fix up again a few years back. I'd have tons of them if I could.
Glad to be in the 33% club, even if I'm skeptical of any club with low enough standards to let me in. I think throwing a DCC decoder in here would be a good idea.
Thanks for your input on the DCC question. No flack from me on these Mehano's. there quite nice in my book
Yes, I've always had a soft spot for Great Northern.
:-)
I Love your general and Pullman cars. I'm modeling early 1900's Middletown CT
Also CV railroad in the 40's & 50's on my upper level
Very cool!
Love to see some DCC on these older engines. Kinda reminds me of some of the upgrades folks are giving to vintage Lionel. Electronic Railroad makes boards for power, realistic sound, and command control.
Lots of upgrades possible out there now a days
I finally got my table built, now working on painting the sky and clouds. I'm going with mid 19th century to early 20th century. I do like the 1900's to the 1930'. Not sticking to a particular era, just doing whatever strikes my fancy. Going DCC. This hobby has come a long way since I was a kid in the 1950's!
Thanks for the input. I like that "era" as well :-)
Hi Ron. I have a few of the IHC and Mehano from Slovenia steamers. I've actually been waiting for you to pull that project off the shelf. I think I mentioned that to you in one of my past notes. so, thanks for that! I think they a very good runner. Another great video. I like DC. I'll watch your stuff either way. I model the 1950s to the 1990's... give or take a few years. Born in 1964 and I love the era of the war bonnets. I have them all. Super Chief and El Captain. I also have GN trains and Zephyr trains. All the trains that went from Chicago and to the West. I did just pick up a NYCentral train. It was just too kool. I justified it because that train ran from NY to Chicago. I'm sure there's some fellers from NY who needed to get to California via Chicago. I want nothing to do with NY, but I got a super deal, and it was just to kool. I like the diesel engines. 38 years of trucking diesel fuel on the highways here in SoCal. I like diesel fuel. I watch your video of the 5th wheel travel trailer you got for a buck. What a mess. I think you paid too much. LOL. Are you building a new spot for a bigger layout? I thought you made some sort of reference to that. I hope so. I miss your first layout. Went way too long on this note. Take care. Gary
Hello Gary, Thanks for answering your "era" for your layout. A few Fellers have that large gap in the years. A trucker in Cally? WOW! Bet you have some cool trucker stories for sure!! I spent many years bending wrenches on them big rigs. The 5th wheel project will ultimately help me get a bigger building for a larger layout yes, but it's not going in the 5th wheel.
Sweet locomotive Ron!
P.S. - nice Chevy pick up.
Thanks Henry. That P.U. keeps me poor :-)
Raquel Welch my all-time favorite love the intro Ron nice truck my layout represents 1944 through roughly 1957 when I was born kind of end of steam through beginning of diesel. I also try to add detail of places I have visited in my travels lately
Hello Frank, Thanks for the info on your "era" of layout :-)
I love these old Mehano engines. They are a great value, very reliable and easy to maintain. Two things distract from these engines, one being the molded on handrails and the other being a bit of a lack of pulling power due to their weight. The later versions with metal handrails, flywheels and additional weight took care of the issues.
Thanks for this great video.
Thanks John!
Just received an eBay bargain job lot half hour ago with my first IHC/Mehano locos X3. . 2 x4-4-0 and a 2-6-0. Great smooth,quite runners straight out of the box. Will definitely keep an eye out for some more. Great vid. . Love the change up on the intro ✌️
Thank you Darrell! Service them "new" to you loco's before a lot of time gets put on them. They might need a little "drink" of the lube. :-)
@@classicmodeltrains always. That's part of the fun of getting new(old) loco's 👍
Their 2-6-0 Camelbacks are interesting, pull off the wide firebox part and there's the firebox and backhead detail for their SP 2-6-0.
@@scottfw7169 found out that these ones at least have a very good crawl. I have a couple of old H and M clipper controllers I use for DC. You can adjust the resistance and waveform of the juice. Full wave and high resistance. Half power on the controller and they are all as smooth as silk on the crawl. 👍
As a former 72 K5 Blazer owner....love the truck!
Thank you! I wished I had the Blazer version as well.
Really enjoyed the video of repairing the macado.Great northern engine very nice mechanical mechanism in it
Thank you very much!
hey ron remember there was no dcc in 1963 o buy the way love the intro
Thanks Greg
Hey Ron great info and nice repair...
second classic model I got...
Keep up the great work...always learning something from your videos...
Rich...
Hello Rich! Thanks for stopping in :-)
I model 1955, the year before I was born. These are good little engines. I have a few of the later Mehano/Rivarossi 4-6-2s that don't have the pizza cutter wheels. they make a good inexpensive base for kitbashing. I believe these engines were sold under Mehano/AHM/IHC and Rivarossi brands.
Thanks for the "era" comment. Mehano and Rivarossi's products were sold under the AHM and IHC brand here in the States
Fun video, I got no complaints on my AHM steamers. Dcc seems like more trouble than it's worth? Don't have it myself so maybe Im just uneducated with it? The ol truck is looking and sounding good! Have a great day!
Hello Jason. Yes I agree DCC is kinda a pain but Fellers seem to put up with it.
That ol pickup is amazing. Fantastic intro
PS Nicks Trains in Raleigh is my favorite train store, lots of nice folks helping me get into the hobby!
Thanks Nick :-)
Yep, I have been through more locomotives that the wheels fall off (Bachmann) so yes I have been picking up as many ( Riv/Moho/Ros locomotives for me on the long dinner table ...LOLOL works great, and I work on trains watching you on the PC ..Thanks, Ron.
You must be just about caught up on all of the videos by now?
@@classicmodeltrains The truth Ron, is it's true, but I don't remember everything so by watching the videos again I learn so much more.
@@classicmodeltrains I have to say most of what I do have, as in Locomotives HO scale you have worked on trains I have...20 years ago I never knew what it took to clean, repair, and hope for the best when fixing them up. I go on eBay to seek different trains I might repair with your know-how.
I enjoy locomotives.😆
Tea, biscuits and Ron makes for a good evening. Great to see the old style intro back! Keep your voice down about these Mehano's loco's (and sets). When people find out how good they are, the prices will go up...Oh no! Too late! I wore out my old 10 speed on the paper route, 364 days a year, 5 o'clock am, rain or shine. My layout is a "run what i like" but, with a nod to the 50's/60's. Great vid as always.
Hello Darren, Thanks for stoping in and answering the "era's" question. I was thinking the same thing about the Mehano's. Shhh...... dont tell everybody ;-)
Gotta love these Mehanos. They're always great value for money.
They sure are! Glad I stumbled upon this one
Another great video ron keep up the great restorations yes put dcc in them.
Thank you!
wow! Looks like I know what I’m getting for my birthday!
Right on!
Hi Ron, I myself have a Mehano CNR mogul, and I love it to death. It is very easily my favourite locomotive and I'm glad you like the company as well! Very rare to find one that's super clapped out. 😄
Right on!!
AHM/ Rivarossi... definitely my favorite vids to watch
:-)
This video is a fun video to watch. Yes show us how to put DCC in these small HO steamers. I’ve always been wary of taking these little things apart. Thanks, Classic model trains.
Thank you and thanks for your input
Best made locomotives ever made
They are up there Dave!
What a great video starting with the truck and ending with another great train on the rails again. I always stay to the end thanks for the time you spend with us 👍🏻
Thank you very much for your support!
Mehano were hands down the best budget locos you could buy. Very well built for not much money. They were selling them in toy stores in Europe up until mid 2000's. They even made sets for LIDL Europe which were great value. I've quite a few Mehano/IHC locos, European and US. Great video as always Ron
Thank you and I like the way you think!!
As always very enjoyable!
Thanks Thomas!
Nice truck
Thanks 👍
Nice goin to town rig ya got there. I’m not a Chevy guy, but if I was to get one, it would be that vintage. I model 1966 in Freelance and Great Northern. I’m going to have to keep my eye out for one of them there locomotives. Thanks for another great video. 33%!!
Hello S.T. Thanks for your input on the "era" you model and your support of the channel :-)
Hi Ron, another great video, always look forward to what you are doing, I have got the dungerees, and a cap, also I have purchased a railroad pocket watch, so I'm now kitted out in merry old England, but my neighbours think I have lost the plot,somewhere along the road, until next time, pete, from lincoln.
Hello Peter. Thanks for the compliments. So now you can pass for an American locomotive engineer? Love the pocket watch idea. Been thinking I need one as well!!
Nice "yammering" Ron! I live in New Zealand and model USA late fifties era. F7s and GP7s/9s in rocky desert scenery. After watching, gonna keep an eye out for a Mehano steam!
Very nice Dave! Thanks for answering the "era's" question :-)
Love the Great Northern l like it simple DC for ever
Thanks for your input Brent :-)
Nice video . I solder wires connecting the loco to the tender to improve the contact for both and add weight to the tender also.
Thanks and sounds like a good idea to me!
Raquel Welch. Great opening Ron.
Yup and thank you Rick
LOL...love the intro Ron!! Was born inn 1970, but Im "Proto-lancing" Central Maryland back between 1950 to 1970. My railroad (HO Scale 34ft x 8ft) is a double track main loosely based on Central Maryland where I live. It is a bridge route between Harrisburg, PA and Richmond, VA. The railroad was picked up by the Chessie, but retains its home road name, The B&N (Boeville & Newtown). Still a work in progress, though it is operational
Thanks Ray for the "era" your modeling question!
You have a very very good channel Love the way you show how to do repairs don't change only if it is for the better.
Thanks so much Mike :-)
I was born in 69 and I lived in Springfield Missouri. I remember Old Frisco Diesels before they was replaced by Burlington Northern. My layout is of train yard with industrial side set 70’s to 80’s
Nice!!
this is just like my AHM 4-6-2 Pacific even the screw and tabs on the back of the cab. Great little locomotive.
It could be built by Mehano as well
it has yugoslavia stamped on the bottom. tender is identical too so my guess it is.@@classicmodeltrains
I like the 80's. I have a tyco Howard Johnson's restaurant. I remember eating cake with mint chip ice cream on my birthday at that restaurant. Brings back a lot of memories. I did buy a modern Era Culver's restaurant because my kids like Culver's. I do, too lol. I guess you would call it second generation modeling. Building a layout is like playing God. You create the best of your life.
Yup! I agree
It was funny in a sad sort of way at the model train club I was in 2009 to 2019 when my IHC/Mehano 2-8-0 and 0-8-0 would run and run and run and run for hours straight on open house days on the DC track while the expensive steam locos on the DCC track were having continual technical difficulties. I'm the kind of model railroader who enjoyed getting a basic IHC or MDC or Athearn locomotive then painting and detailing them for my freelance roads.
I LOVE this story!!! Bet the DCC boys ran that loco down every chance they could huh?
@@classicmodeltrains If they did they didn't say it to me or the public. There, however, was another group of modelers who did run down my use of 3mm LED from Christmas lights as a replacement for the two locos' defunct headlight bulbs. They made it well known how cheap and suspect quality the LED used in holiday lights are and how they were guaranteed to never last. Which is kind of interesting since those "worthless" mass market planned obsolescence holiday discount light LED have been going strong since 2011. A thing which I will admit in public suits my sense of pride quite well. 😁 And 4 LED from same set also are going strong in an IHC SD9 done at same time. Those 3mm LED fit its sealed beam headlight holes perfectly.
I struggled with the decision to go to DCC also. I'm glad I decided to make the change. Only problem, DCC for my 1973 Dixie Bell. That's my original set when I was 8 years old.
I dont want to run DCC. I just Figured others might want to learn how to convert DC to DCC. I find DCC operation to be finicky
Great video Ron! Mehano made some great locomotives. Solid as a rock.
Thank you & yes they did!
They still do, they just don't have much US distribution besides Ebay, Amazon sometimes and Trans-euro-network (TEE-usa)
60s to 1976 northeast coal country,LV/EL/PRR/CNJ/Reading Company,love the old Chevy truck!
Thanks for the "era's" input and compliments on the old Pickup :-)
I have one of these Mehano Mikes, but it doesn't have a smoke unit. The Mehano Pacific does though (and the shell is identical). I put DCC and sound in both of them, and it was very easy.
My layout is loosely based on my little Iowa hometown circa 1965 or so, before the CB&Q became the BN (and much later, the BNSF).
Nicks is my local go-to hobby shop, thanks for giving him a mention.
Thanks for the "era" you model input!!
Another great video. Love your truck and the fact that it is a stick. Brings back good memories of some of my old cars. Had a 68 442 and a 69 GTO back in the day. Both with 4 speeds. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you John. 4sp cars? Love it!! 442 and GTO? LOVE IT EVEN MORE!!!!!!
Hi Ron. That 2-8-2 does look decent. I have recently been playing with an old Mehano RS-11. It's better than you think too, but you have to add all wheel pickup and ditch the original headlight installation. The headlight contacts are loose and jiggly and cause all kinds of problems. I made additional contact wipers for the trucks from K&S brass sheet and converted to LED lighting. It now out performs my Athearn GP9, and that has the gold motor in it. Wow.
Mehano's are really good units that get under rated by some people
33% here and I'd definitely enjoy seeing some DCC fitting. I've been messing around with DCC fitting some old locomotives myself.
Thanks for your input and support of the channel
One of the best parts of this video was the sound of that V8 in your “Intro” - really enjoyed the teardown as as well 😁🇦🇺👍
Thank you! I have not heard it all winter so I was kinda "wrapping the pipes" ;-)
I freelance my layouts too. I like some mountains. More foothills really. I mix vehicles but model only "old" buildings.
Rustic and more 1930's or so.
Thanks for the input on the "era's" question
Very nice locomotive you worked on and nice classic Chevy truck you have!
Thank you Matt!
I definitely would like to see you put DCC in that👍
Thanks Michel!
Awesome vids
Thank you!
Liked the different opening. I haven’t pin pointed a year, era would definitely be late fifties, early sixties because like you stated, fifties ended in Feb.’64, steam was done, and things just got uglier in the world. Born in ‘69, you got me by a year. This is the first classic model I got right, R.Welch. N e way, another great video, thanks for sharing a little bit more of you, and your life.
Thanks for your input on the "era's" question Scott :-)
Nice video! Lets see a DCC conversion on it!
Thanks for your reply!
I’ve been resurrecting my old trains from storage myself the past couple of months and have found many of your videos helpful! I definitely enjoy your videos more than some other creators.
Anyway, I haven’t decided on what I want to do with my layout as of yet because of the eclectic collection of different engines that I have. I do have quite a few diesel’s a large collection of streamlined passenger cars, etc. I would like to see what you have in the line of old Model Power/Roco diesel’s if you have any. They’re pretty strong runners!
Thanks for all you do!
33%ers club member!
Thanks for your support of the channel. Most all I have is on the walls here. Just a few on shelves in another room. Need more shelves. :-)
I started work on my layout about twenty five years ago. It's a DC powered block system. I have no ambition to convert to DCC. What I have works well and to convert it to DCC would wind up being an expensive proposition. That being said some DCC content would be interesting and worth while. I model the Milwaukee road that operates around the fictional city of Coldwater. I live on the shore of Lake Michigan so that's sort of where that came from. The time period is around the early 70's, but some steam still rides the rails. I knew that was Raqual Welch when I saw the picture. Ha. I stayed to the end anyway.
Hello James! Thanks for the input on the DCC question and a great little story about your layout :-)
Ron, great intro, great video!
I have one of these, and it’s a real bear!
I always learn from you, so keep it up! 🚂
Thank you Joseph! A real bear as in good or its bad?
Interesting video, Ron. I would never have purchased a Mehano thinking it was a poor quality runner like most AHM/Rivarossi locos. I do have some AHM/Rivarossi locos and that’s how I based my opinion. I prefer the TYCO/Mantua locos for steamers but it’s all a moot point. I haven’t run my trains for a long time now. I keep intending to, but my aches and pains keep me firmly in my chair. Good show, keep them coming.
Thanks for the compliments and input. Sorry to hear your aches and pains are keeping you down. I hear getting old aint for wimps ;-)
Hi Ron I'm born 1973 I model 1980 98 foot flats with jb hunt & contrails love montana
Thanks for the input on your "era"
As always great video.. I absolutely love that old Chevy truck. 1 of my dream trucks. ❤ yes do dcc. It's cool. I do both DC and dcc.
Thank you!
Good video I would like to see DCC stuff that would be cool keep them coming brother
Thanks James for the input on the DCC question :-)
90s Mehano steamers are always a joy to get running again. Typically takes 15 minutes if it's been sitting in a hot attic unrun fir a decade or more.
AHM, TYCO Old Bachman is several evenings to disassemble and clean up or replace parts.
Them Mehano's are good runners that are overlooked way to often
Great video&layout story, Ron. On my Roman Coliseum of model trains. I loosely model the CASO>R airline 60/70/80's.JellyBean era. Grew up beside them. Leaves me the leeway to run almost any railroad. Because I seen it🚂🇨🇦🇺🇲🙋
Thanks!!
Welch....nice video
Yup and thank you!
Dcc is the thing I always wanted as a kid for my railroad. It used to drive me nuts that the passenger car's lights would turn off when you stopped the train. I love running my trains instead of my track. Plus they consist much better and you want to see a train go slow? Add DCC and let the decoder do the hard stuff like reading the back voltage to regulate the speed. Like cruise control. I have been dying to learn how to do the DCC signaling with blocks and auto switch correction, pausing trains to let another pass. Super cool stuff. And I get that you are classic trains but you have to see how good it feels adding a DCC decoder, new LEDs for head lights, ditch lights, etc. And now they have a little speaker for $8 that will blow your mind. (Cell phone technology for trains.) I also have a great idea for a WiFi camera car for cheap! And not nearly as bad as the Lionel F2? (you should try taking that black lens off the shell in front of the camera, if that's what I'm seeing.) Anyway thanks for the entertainment and I guess you must be a big Vice Grip Garage fan too. Well, I don't believe it. But I guess I'm gonna have to because I'm looking right at it!
Tom
Hello Tom. The Classic DCC upgrades have been green lit by the positive comments for that kinda information. Yes a few Fellers have pointed out I present a lot like VGG
Presidents Choice train sets in Canada had AHM locos in them. Love the intro. Should do a video in your old rig that's bad ass.
Thanks. I need to finish up the "build video" on that pickup