@AmFlyer posted:I have had my UP FlyerChief for a few years now. From an operational standpoint I rate it excellent. The four small roller pickups work great. I never ran it on Gilbert track , rather on MTH flex with mostly #6 and #8 turnouts. It looks like the small roller pickup could hang up on the metal frog point on the #8 turnouts but they do not. These trucks were apparently thoroughly tested with AF FasTrack. The pulling power is good. Mine will start and pull 15 freight cars (mix of Gilbert and AM) up a 2.25% grade. At 18 cars it can keep the train moving but cannot start it on the grade. That is a longer train than most purchasers will run.
The trucks are about the right length, just too tall. The Gilbert trucks are way off. The silver tucks on the UP really stand out even while running on the layout as too tall. The black trucks on the Clinchfield should just disappear when running so the size will not be noticed.
Wholeheartedly agree with your review, Tom. I would only add that my sample of the NKP GP7 operates just fine on Gilbert track and switches, as well. Black trucks on a mostly black diesel translates into a fairly sharp looking engine. The electrocouplers are useful and the FlyerChief horn and bell sounds are decent. My only quibble is that the motive power sounds can be grating; however, one can adjust the volume to suit. I would be willing to wager that the T+P freight set is going to be pretty sharp.
Bob
