James, the well light under the engineer's window is for the engineer to know when he starts moving. Looking out the front window at extremely slow speeds, especially at night, the engineer cannot tell whether he is moving or not. By looking directly down at the ground from the engineer's seat, he can see the most minimal movement of the locomotive in the dark. That's how it has been explained to me by several NS and CSX engineers. Great review.
Thanks for the update. I have three MTH SD70ACE's that I use at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club in San Diego. They easily pull 36 cars up a 2% grade. I can just imagine how many cars the ES44ac's would pull.
I am so excited for this model. This review is perfect because it's very informative and just awesome, James. You have great reviews as always. And I just can't stop looking at this model. I can't wait to see how the BNSF and UP ones are going to turn out.
Very nice model, James and as always great review. However, once again in one of the model train groups on FB there was yet another issue with customer service with a guy who had sent his locomotive in over a year ago and had not been contacted after SEVERAL phone calls and emails. Finally a NMRA guy came in on the board and wanted to know the issue and gave the guy a phone number to call. That right there is enough to keep me away from MTH. I work hard for my money and things like this will keep me away from companies like this. There are way too many good companies that will get my money far ahead of this one. Thanks for the review.
Mike (MTH) has had issues with customer service for over a decade.... TOO bad, really. They're beautiful, functional yet overpriced locomotives. And I WISH he wouldn't keep proto smoke and proto couplers all to himself! :(
Those well lights besides serving to illuminate areas for safety serve to help the crew know they have come to a stop and are not moving. (They illuminate a part of the ground)
If MTH was as innovative with the customer service department as they are with their products they would be top dog IMO. Thanks for the review jlwii2000!
Ive watched several of your videos and enjoy them. Easy to understand good audio quality and optic Q vg. Have many questions but will save them for another time. Thanks for your entertaining information re: MTH HO GE HYBRID LOCOMOTIVE !!!
I have this same locomotive with the tech car in brass and it didn't cost me a thing . My dad worked for General Electric and got it from the GE plant during some project promo thing he had to attend and sent it to me in Vegas.
James I think you're in accurate. I have an AC 6000 by BLI and I haven't found a single engine that pulls as good as BLI. I also have an SD 40-2 that pulls just as good if not better than my MTH SD 70 ACe!! I think you should try Doing the pull test between MTH and BLI
That was a awesome review. Could really tell you were into it. I always liked mth when I was into O scale. I'm glad they are really showing progress on their ho line. Keep these reviews coming
Hi James, can you actually visit some of the companies to se how to they manufacturing these locos. How do they choose the modells and the entire process? I would really like to see one of these companies inside. Keep up the good work!
James, not a big fan of MTH due to my problems with their customer service (or complete LACK of service), but these look very promising. I am particularly interested to see their BNSF and UP GEVOs and their BNSG C44-9W's. An upgraded Dah 9 is long overdue. In eastern Nebraska the BNSF uses Dash 9's and GEVOs for everything but yard switching, so remain interested in the models. I just hope that MTH backs them up with improved service! Great review - Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Thanks train buddy. .was thinking that but wasn't sure..thanks again..and thanks again for the great review. .and I did order one of the hybrid engines from my local hobby shop.. can't wait..
Awesome review james i so want one of these now after seeing your review ive been looking for a nice gevo and love my mth sd70m-2 thanks again and keep up the good work.
Nice review of the MTH GE Hybrid unit. The prototype uses the dynamic brake to charge batteries that can then be used for tractive effort. And that is a great idea that is long overdue. Regarding grade crossing horn sequences, the FRA requires us to blow a minimum of 15 seconds total with the last long blast lasting until we reach the middle of the crossing. Also, on modern prototype locomotives the bell automatically activates whenever the horn is sounded and will continue to ring until it is manually shut off. It would be cool if decoders would be able to do the same. I'm looking forward to the Dash 9-44CW units coming out in the NS scheme. Has MTH said when they will be released? Thanks! Tim G
Great Job James, really liked this model. Would be great with my NS Heritage unit from Bachmann I just received as a b'day present. $319 is pretty stiff though....
My mind has been blown.. Fantastic model. I'm not really a modern guy but this is definitely on my list of things I need to buy. The only thing I wish they would have added was a smoke unit but then again it's not really needed on this model. Great review James! Did you get the MTH Allegheny?
Very good review on the ES44AC, are you going to review the Penn RR Steam turbine when it comes in April 2015 from MTH that's going too be a big seller!!! I am looking forward too that one it should be a great steam engine.
Nice review James but the one thing that every body has dismissed is one of the biggest questions. Will these new locomotives from MTH play well with others along with that will they play well with each other. There's always been an consisting issue with MTH. If this problem has been resolved I consider adding the Hybird along with one of the dash 9 to the fleet.
James is this the same model you reviewed a wile back or an updated one? because to me the other one look better. When you did the close up on this one I could see tiny paint build up on the hand rails and other parts of the model... like may the paint was sprayed on to thick!? Anyway the model still looks amazing! and besides I already order mine ha ha. Merry Christmas to you and yours. RT
Thank for uploading, one thing I'm concerned about with Ge's. When you hear GE's there's the rumble, then there's the sound of the piston cycling I've been looking for a dcc loco that has these characteristics. any suggestions. Please respond. Mark-Andre.
MTH makes the best trains out there. Smooth running, sturdy, bright lights, best prototypical sound. Broadway Limited is the worst by far with their engine noise drowning the horn and bell out. Broadway limited also does not run smoothly through speed tests. Atlas makes a good looking engine but lights are so dim they are basically worthless. MTH has the best out of box LED’s.
hi james , I know this is a older video , I just went and purchased one of these mth ES44AC , do you have trouble with the couplers on it , I can't seem to get mine to lash up with any cars , they have kadee,s next time you get a electronic coupler from MTH , can you review the couplers , hooking up to cars , and un hooking from them , I don't want to change the couplers off the loco , if it is just me that can't figure out how to use F7 and F8 functions ,, thanks James for the review ,
Hi James enjoy following your reviews but I have a question. You measure the pulling power of a locomotive in ounces but what does that translate to in cars. I realize that there are factors that need to be accounted for weigh grade friction etc but having an idea at least would really help.
Great review. I'd like to know if the shell comes off easier than say the mth sd70ace bc that as a pita. I'm may pick up a non-sound one and put an esu in it.
Idk if you can do me this favor, but you know how when you buy new diesel locomotives from Walthers (Train line) and some of their diesels don't come with the detail parts installed? I was wondering if you could make a video on how to install them.
awesome engine! Not into the Proto sound though... Still think LokSound kicks that out of the park. I would rather get an engine that is standard DC and then put a loksound decoder in it..
I have had this on preorder with Trainworld since summer 2014. WHEN OH WHEN is this thing going to ship James!? Do you have any inside information on the production run? What is the deal???
Question for you James ? I want to get the dcs commander. .do I need a transformer to go with it ? Looking to get the commander and 100 watt transformer set..What do you think train buddy ??
You only need the transformer if you don't have another power source. I used my other dcc system to power the dcs commander through the wire inputs so I didn't need a transformer.
If Im paying over 300 bucks for an engine it should at least have the correct horn and bell sounds. Ill stick with intermountain. Its a hundred bucks cheaper and sounds a hundred times better.
Lots of GEVOs to choose from here coming this year. Intermountain, MTH, BLI, Athearn, and Bachmann. I think Loksound is really great sound, but I have to see what all the companies have to offer.
Wow disco lives lol but that is a cool loco, Even thou im not a "modern diesel " guy I have SD70ACe from MTH so they are growing on me But MTH's manufacturing issues like this last disastrous Run off HO scale big boys is gonna make me shy away from MTH for a while, still nice loco
I found your whole series on mth dcs so very useful, much appreciated. With my new trainbord & a full DCS system (TIU, WIU, AIU ), the sytem found new engines added in only 7 of 10 tries with a signal trated 10 out of 10. After I added additional power to the TIU with a wall wart ( besides the normal connection to my Z4000 transformer), it did improve and, so far, found every egine each time I added a new engine. I actually did a video to summarize my experiences with DCS and what I leanned to make the choice between a mth DCS Explorer or the full function DCS System with a TIU, Wiu' & AIU. posted as file1man, here: ua-cam.com/video/mSmjqvXQ_dQ/v-deo.html
James, the well light under the engineer's window is for the engineer to know when he starts moving. Looking out the front window at extremely slow speeds, especially at night, the engineer cannot tell whether he is moving or not. By looking directly down at the ground from the engineer's seat, he can see the most minimal movement of the locomotive in the dark. That's how it has been explained to me by several NS and CSX engineers. Great review.
3 years of following your channel and your enthusiasm for the hobby is just as fresh.
Have a great Christmas.
Thanks for the update. I have three MTH SD70ACE's that I use at the La Mesa Model Railroad Club in San Diego. They easily pull 36 cars up a 2% grade. I can just imagine how many cars the ES44ac's would pull.
I am so excited for this model. This review is perfect because it's very informative and just awesome, James. You have great reviews as always. And I just can't stop looking at this model. I can't wait to see how the BNSF and UP ones are going to turn out.
Very nice model, James and as always great review. However, once again in one of the model train groups on FB there was yet another issue with customer service with a guy who had sent his locomotive in over a year ago and had not been contacted after SEVERAL phone calls and emails. Finally a NMRA guy came in on the board and wanted to know the issue and gave the guy a phone number to call. That right there is enough to keep me away from MTH. I work hard for my money and things like this will keep me away from companies like this. There are way too many good companies that will get my money far ahead of this one. Thanks for the review.
Mike (MTH) has had issues with customer service for over a decade....
TOO bad, really. They're beautiful, functional yet overpriced locomotives.
And I WISH he wouldn't keep proto smoke and proto couplers all to himself! :(
he's not, Carmine. BLI is coming out with HO smoking unit diesels this year!
Those well lights besides serving to illuminate areas for safety serve to help the crew know they have come to a stop and are not moving. (They illuminate a part of the ground)
If MTH was as innovative with the customer service department as they are with their products they would be top dog IMO. Thanks for the review jlwii2000!
What a fantastic locomotive! Great review James! Thanks
Ive watched several of your videos and enjoy them. Easy to understand good audio quality and optic Q vg. Have many questions but will save them for another time. Thanks for your entertaining information re: MTH HO GE HYBRID LOCOMOTIVE !!!
I have this same locomotive with the tech car in brass and it didn't cost me a thing . My dad worked for General Electric and got it from the GE plant during some project promo thing he had to attend and sent it to me in Vegas.
Thank you for your awesome videos! I have bought 3 locos as a result of your very detailed and accurate reviews. Nice job bud!
Can't wait until mine gets delivered. Been reserved for months!
The light beneath the cab helps the engineer determine locomotive movement when it's dark.
James I think you're in accurate. I have an AC 6000 by BLI and I haven't found a single engine that pulls as good as BLI. I also have an SD 40-2 that pulls just as good if not better than my MTH SD 70 ACe!!
I think you should try Doing the pull test between MTH and BLI
James - Once again, a great review, and apparently a great model too! Thanks for all of your efforts, and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
That was a awesome review. Could really tell you were into it. I always liked mth when I was into O scale. I'm glad they are really showing progress on their ho line. Keep these reviews coming
Excellent details on that train.
Saw this video and ordered one right away. Excellent review. Keep up the great work!
Hi James, can you actually visit some of the companies to se how to they manufacturing these locos. How do they choose the modells and the entire process?
I would really like to see one of these companies inside.
Keep up the good work!
James, not a big fan of MTH due to my problems with their customer service (or complete LACK of service), but these look very promising. I am particularly interested to see their BNSF and UP GEVOs and their BNSG C44-9W's. An upgraded Dah 9 is long overdue. In eastern Nebraska the BNSF uses Dash 9's and GEVOs for everything but yard switching, so remain interested in the models. I just hope that MTH backs them up with improved service! Great review - Thank you and Merry Christmas.
Always good reviews, love your enthusiasm and your channel. I need to ketchup on your videos.
Thank you Steve Rowe. I was wondering about that myself.
Thanks train buddy. .was thinking that but wasn't sure..thanks again..and thanks again for the great review. .and I did order one of the hybrid engines from my local hobby shop.. can't wait..
Great video. Ordering one this weekend in NS livery.
Awesome review james i so want one of these now after seeing your review ive been looking for a nice gevo and love my mth sd70m-2 thanks again and keep up the good work.
That's one fine model talk about having all the bells and whistles, now to find some cash to buy one.
wow!!! MTH really did good on that!!
Nice review of the MTH GE Hybrid unit. The prototype uses the dynamic brake to charge batteries that can then be used for tractive effort. And that is a great idea that is long overdue.
Regarding grade crossing horn sequences, the FRA requires us to blow a minimum of 15 seconds total with the last long blast lasting until we reach the middle of the crossing. Also, on modern prototype locomotives the bell automatically activates whenever the horn is sounded and will continue to ring until it is manually shut off. It would be cool if decoders would be able to do the same.
I'm looking forward to the Dash 9-44CW units coming out in the NS scheme. Has MTH said when they will be released?
Thanks!
Tim G
The LokSound decoders have an auto bell with horn function.
Yes, they're projected for 2/28/15
Great Job James, really liked this model. Would be great with my NS Heritage unit from Bachmann I just received as a b'day present. $319 is pretty stiff though....
keep in mind with discounts it's probably around $250 ish.
My mind has been blown.. Fantastic model. I'm not really a modern guy but this is definitely on my list of things I need to buy. The only thing I wish they would have added was a smoke unit but then again it's not really needed on this model. Great review James! Did you get the MTH Allegheny?
The MTH Allegheny is also here and will be reviewed in the next few weeks!
***** Nice, looking forward to that review!
Those are some HUGE and I do mean HUGE couplers for HO Scale
That is wicked. I am nit sure if I wanna love it or hate it and I am not a GE fan...lol Great review
That is very cool. What year did you do this review? Will the BNSF have all the light & sound?
very nice i like these just for pulling great review
Very good review on the ES44AC, are you going to review the Penn RR Steam turbine when it comes in April 2015 from MTH that's going too be a big seller!!! I am looking forward too that one it should be a great steam engine.
Nice review James but the one thing that every body has dismissed is one of the biggest questions. Will these new locomotives from MTH play well with others along with that will they play well with each other. There's always been an consisting issue with MTH. If this problem has been resolved I consider adding the Hybird along with one of the dash 9 to the fleet.
Nice review, very cool and unique engine.
Wow..great video. .have to go to hobby shop to order asap
Omg there out got to get my hands on one
You should compare the MTH version of the ES44AC to the Intermountain.
Any plans to review MTH's upcoming HO Ready2Rail series GP38-2?
Great review thanks
The detail is nice!
For comparison sake the MTH SD70Ace/w sound weighs 670 grams vs. MTH ES44AC 580 grams
Awesome review James!! :)
James is this the same model you reviewed a wile back or an updated one? because to me the other one look better. When you did the close up on this one I could see tiny paint build up on the hand rails and other parts of the model... like may the paint was sprayed on to thick!? Anyway the model still looks amazing! and besides I already order mine ha ha. Merry Christmas to you and yours. RT
This is the production model, on my visit to MTH I was looking at a pre production model.
Awesome!
Walthers Proto has the best pullers in the market. They'll out pull anything else from what I've seen.
Thank for uploading, one thing I'm concerned about with Ge's. When you hear GE's there's the rumble, then there's the sound of the piston cycling I've been looking for a dcc loco that has these characteristics. any suggestions. Please respond. Mark-Andre.
MTH makes the best trains out there. Smooth running, sturdy, bright lights, best prototypical sound. Broadway Limited is the worst by far with their engine noise drowning the horn and bell out. Broadway limited also does not run smoothly through speed tests. Atlas makes a good looking engine but lights are so dim they are basically worthless. MTH has the best out of box LED’s.
hi james , I know this is a older video , I just went and purchased one of these mth ES44AC , do you have trouble with the couplers on it , I can't seem to get mine to lash up with any cars , they have kadee,s next time you get a electronic coupler from MTH , can you review the couplers , hooking up to cars , and un hooking from them , I don't want to change the couplers off the loco , if it is just me that can't figure out how to use F7 and F8 functions ,, thanks James for the review ,
Hi James enjoy following your reviews but I have a question. You measure the pulling power of a locomotive in ounces but what does that translate to in cars. I realize that there are factors that need to be accounted for weigh grade friction etc but having an idea at least would really help.
I would guesstimate 45 cars on a flat layout.
White light is for engineers to see if unit is moving in slow speed
Great review. I'd like to know if the shell comes off easier than say the mth sd70ace bc that as a pita. I'm may pick up a non-sound one and put an esu in it.
yes.. Yes.. YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!!! FINALLY!!! ok.. I'm going to watch the review now.. lol
Idk if you can do me this favor, but you know how when you buy new diesel locomotives from Walthers (Train line) and some of their diesels don't come with the detail parts installed? I was wondering if you could make a video on how to install them.
awesome engine! Not into the Proto sound though... Still think LokSound kicks that out of the park. I would rather get an engine that is standard DC and then put a loksound decoder in it..
Hey James can you do a little how to on the couplers as Im having trouble figuring out how to use them on mine.
great looking but don't think it will handle 18"R
I'm really thinking about drawl ing a power move with this locomotive
Sharp!
Is this your new layout?
Hey there, just curious what controller you are using? Thanks
I have had this on preorder with Trainworld since summer 2014. WHEN OH WHEN is this thing going to ship James!? Do you have any inside information on the production run? What is the deal???
I hear it is late February on the release
Appreciate the feedback- very frustrating!
TubeDude2013 It always is, just adds excitement to the hobby!
Question for you James ? I want to get the dcs commander. .do I need a transformer to go with it ? Looking to get the commander and 100 watt transformer set..What do you think train buddy ??
You only need the transformer if you don't have another power source. I used my other dcc system to power the dcs commander through the wire inputs so I didn't need a transformer.
If Im paying over 300 bucks for an engine it should at least have the correct horn and bell sounds. Ill stick with intermountain. Its a hundred bucks cheaper and sounds a hundred times better.
Lots of GEVOs to choose from here coming this year. Intermountain, MTH, BLI, Athearn, and Bachmann. I think Loksound is really great sound, but I have to see what all the companies have to offer.
the final price which i paid for it was 255. not bad, pretty much even with all competitors for pricing
TJ Yumoto Where did you get yours from?
LaQuan Miller i got mine from mb klein's but trainworld has them for 250. but klein's had them before trainworld so i went with them instead.
Yea I see that. Went on Model train stuff last night and they were sold off but saw them on trainworld. Are you happy with your purchase?
What is the expected release date for the Dash 9's? Haven't seen a demo model yet.
Murry Christmas!
#murrychristmas
Wow disco lives lol but that is a cool loco,
Even thou im not a "modern diesel " guy
I have SD70ACe from MTH so they are growing on me
But MTH's manufacturing issues like this last disastrous
Run off HO scale big boys is gonna make me shy away from MTH for a while, still nice loco
Do you have a favorite engine the best of beasts. Durability problems an such.
How many engineers does it have?
I like to see a good train show ii never see one
Do you keep all trains when you have reviewed them or do you give them away?
Fredde Backhaus he keeps them all
***** Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :)
How many cars can that es44ac pull?
Wich on is bigger a f unite or a e unit
I think from now on, you should use the term "speed notches" since locomotives use "notches" for throttle!
Speed notches on the locomotive you are correct. However on the model, it's speed steps in DCC from 0-126
I love the engine its a cnicw train
What remote do you use so you can control sounds as will ?
bunny team probably has the MTH app
I am starting a layout what kind of ho scale track is best thank you
micro engineering i think
Thank you James :-)
Will you do a review on the MTH dash 9's?
I plan to, yes.
***** Awesome review James I uploaded some new vids
I like it. 300?
Function 6 messes with sound volume on MTH
Do you get these Loco free for the reviews or have to they charge you?
They charge me.
They charge him
I found your whole series on mth dcs so very useful, much appreciated. With my new trainbord & a full DCS system (TIU, WIU, AIU ), the sytem found new engines added in only 7 of 10 tries with a signal trated 10 out of 10. After I added additional power to the TIU with a wall wart ( besides the normal connection to my Z4000 transformer), it did improve and, so far, found every egine each time I added a new engine. I actually did a video to summarize my experiences with DCS and what I leanned to make the choice between a mth DCS Explorer or the full function DCS System with a TIU, Wiu' & AIU. posted as file1man, here: ua-cam.com/video/mSmjqvXQ_dQ/v-deo.html
Pffftt, no way, after the BLI issue on the AC6000's? Never buying MTH crap again. Can't wait for the new Intermountain ES44 release including UP 7964