I gutted mine and put TCS WOW in it. I love it a lot better now. Paid 380$ total for it, but I think it is worth less with Paragon 4. With TCS WOW and some other lighting features added like firebox flicker, I could agree with a 380$ price tag.
Tell me about putting TCS in the decapod, waiting for that vid. I'm new to DCC and best I can tell, it sucks! Everyone has to use it, is the only saving grace
I was very much considering purchasing one of these for my collection, but to spend $500+ and have something that sounds like it was built 10+ years ago. On top of that, I purchased a BLI streamlined K4 last spring. Worked fine then. Went to run it for the first time since last spring here a couple weeks ago, and now it doesn't move. 😒 Not too keen on purchasing more BLI at the moment
You don't have to be a hardcore Pennsylvania railroad fan to want one. I am sort of a casual Pennys fan, although I am not sure what would make one hardcore. I am happy for the refurb store BLI offers, but with the exchange rate the way it is, it will still be near $500 Canadian from the refurb price of $359.99.
Good review Matt. I understand why you had to have it. I wouldn't mind one myself actually, but the budget doesn't allow it right now. Glad I'm not the only one who has had trouble getting "in the mood" lately.
Where did you get yours because this is a very in accurate model first it’s nit suppose to have a keystone number board on the front it’s way too shiny I do t know if you noticed this the headlight is way down but nice sounding model
The shiny one is the as it appears today version and seeing the recently cosmetically restored real life one in strasburg I can confirm it is indeed shiny
@@RodimusPrime oh yeah I forgot about that one lol but I’m thinking about getting one for myself do you have a link for any Pennsylvania railroad heavyweight cars?
@@NorfolkAndWestern611 bachmanns are always cheap and branchline and walthers make heavyweights but none are currently run it would have to be a train show or ebay find
Overall a good review of a beautiful engine. Not sure why you think the sounds are bad (I have a BLI Paragon 3 Cab Forward that sounds great). I do agree that it is a bit overpriced for what it is, though inflation may have a part to play in that. I do think your criticism of its lack of pulling power is a bit unfair. I have an atlantic in my fleet, and it has a similar issue, but I think that is to be expected. It only has two driven axles, after all.
I would not call the cost a deterrent to the overall quality of the locomotive. If you shopped around you could have got it a lot cheaper. I paid $459.00 for mine.
I agree with Matt. I paid 380$ full for mine, but it could have been a lot better for the price with better electronics that are made by the likes of ESU or TCS. Which by the way, I have done a TCS swap on my E6s, and in my opinion it is a lot better.
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I gutted mine and put TCS WOW in it. I love it a lot better now. Paid 380$ total for it, but I think it is worth less with Paragon 4. With TCS WOW and some other lighting features added like firebox flicker, I could agree with a 380$ price tag.
@Pennsy Joe you did a FANTASTIC Job on that it sounds SO ACCURATE well done!!!!!!!!!!!
Tell me about putting TCS in the decapod, waiting for that vid. I'm new to DCC and best I can tell, it sucks! Everyone has to use it, is the only saving grace
Matt, have you still got the MTH ho big Boy the you reviewed around 2022? you didn't like the sound. anyway, have you still got it? Cheers!
Is that a Bachman spectrum pennsy sleeper car I see? I've only been able to find coaches and diners. Where'd you get it?
A train shop back in the 90s thats not been around for decades
I was very much considering purchasing one of these for my collection, but to spend $500+ and have something that sounds like it was built 10+ years ago. On top of that, I purchased a BLI streamlined K4 last spring. Worked fine then. Went to run it for the first time since last spring here a couple weeks ago, and now it doesn't move. 😒 Not too keen on purchasing more BLI at the moment
My BLI streamlined K4 ive had on the layout constant for almost 3 years and its been amazing performer
You don't have to be a hardcore Pennsylvania railroad fan to want one. I am sort of a casual Pennys fan, although I am not sure what would make one hardcore. I am happy for the refurb store BLI offers, but with the exchange rate the way it is, it will still be near $500 Canadian from the refurb price of $359.99.
I have a BLI refurb coming in for Christmas ($359). Also have some Con-Cor Pennsylvania P54 commuter coaches coming in as well for it to pull.
Good review Matt. I understand why you had to have it. I wouldn't mind one myself actually, but the budget doesn't allow it right now. Glad I'm not the only one who has had trouble getting "in the mood" lately.
I think its worth passing up for alot of other small steam locos that are better
Where did you get yours because this is a very in accurate model first it’s nit suppose to have a keystone number board on the front it’s way too shiny I do t know if you noticed this the headlight is way down but nice sounding model
The shiny one is the as it appears today version and seeing the recently cosmetically restored real life one in strasburg I can confirm it is indeed shiny
@@RodimusPrime oh yeah I forgot about that one lol but I’m thinking about getting one for myself do you have a link for any Pennsylvania railroad heavyweight cars?
@@NorfolkAndWestern611 bachmanns are always cheap and branchline and walthers make heavyweights but none are currently run it would have to be a train show or ebay find
@@RodimusPrime oh okay thanks and nice model!
I’m looking to get the 1920’s version and gut the Parajunk for Tsunami 2.
It is shiny because it’s the museum edition of that locomotive
Yes and in person seeing it I can tell you the real one is very shiny
Definitely needs Tcs or Esu totally agree Paragon 4 is awful
Did you see the driving wheels reversed. The heavy weight should be on the rear wheel not the front one.
I wouldnt know
Overall a good review of a beautiful engine. Not sure why you think the sounds are bad (I have a BLI Paragon 3 Cab Forward that sounds great). I do agree that it is a bit overpriced for what it is, though inflation may have a part to play in that.
I do think your criticism of its lack of pulling power is a bit unfair. I have an atlantic in my fleet, and it has a similar issue, but I think that is to be expected. It only has two driven axles, after all.
Pulling a 7 car passenger train isnt a huge ask
@@RodimusPrime That is about the top limit of my atlantic. I am just saying that asking any more than that of an atlantic is silly.
@@RodimusPrime
Who is RodimusPrime?
I thought this was Matt's Performance Locomotive
@@exarkun42
Far as I know, atlantics weren't found in mountain districts and I never saw actual footage with more than two or three coaches
@@gonebamboo4116 something changed on youtube and it went back to my old channel name in comments its me though lol
Very cool Paragon
Awesome
Is it die-cast?
Yes
I would not call the cost a deterrent to the overall quality of the locomotive. If you shopped around you could have got it a lot cheaper. I paid $459.00 for mine.
I made the mistake of pre ordering through trainworld. In any case this engine shouldnt be a dime over 350 for as small as it is
I agree with Matt. I paid 380$ full for mine, but it could have been a lot better for the price with better electronics that are made by the likes of ESU or TCS. Which by the way, I have done a TCS swap on my E6s, and in my opinion it is a lot better.
Where did you pay $459 for it?
@@RodimusPrime I understand. I preordered from my local hobby store that also discounts.
Wait for it . . . the P4 K4s will be $800. Its about the money supply generated by the Fed more than anything else
Cheap packaging? You must have lost all your wits! This type of packaging is the best protection you can get.
I don't know that its the best or wether its cheap but I do prefer it over the foam that snags and bends every detail.