My review and impression of the Menard's Santa Fe Beta 3.5 F unit

I watched a review from Eric Siegel (Eric's Trains) on YouTube on the first edition of this loco and he said the reason that the engine jackrabbits is because it has non-flywheel motors. It's an entry-level locomotive so that is one way to cut on production costs.

@Dynamo2112 posted:

I watched a review from Eric Siegel (Eric's Trains) on YouTube on the first edition of this loco and he said the reason that the engine jackrabbits is because it has non-flywheel motors. It's an entry-level locomotive so that is one way to cut on production costs.

They solved that issue with the software on the 2.0 models which don't have flywheels either. Starts and stops were very smooth.

@BobbyD posted:

They solved that issue with the software on the 2.0 models which don't have flywheels either. Starts and stops were very smooth.

Good deal!

I contacted Timkos repair in Beavercreek, OH, they claim to add a pair of flywheel can motors and metal gears for $95.00?

I may have to take them up on their offer.

what is your voltage to the track?

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I contacted Timkos repair in Beavercreek, OH, they claim to add a pair of flywheel can motors and metal gears for $95.00?

I may have to take them up on their offer.

That seems like a very reasonable price for that work.  However, after doing that, you'll be in it for over $300 (original price, upgrade, shipping to and from Timko).  Seems to defeat the purpose of a low-cost entry-level locomotive.

@Dave Koehler posted:

what is your voltage to the track?

I have a 1.0 and run it about 8-10 V. It's manageable at that voltage, even with the hard starts/ stops.

@prrhorseshoecurve- thanks for the info about Timko.

There was a post on the 3.0 thread that had an issue with the low hanging pilot.  He stated that it was an easy fix.  You may want to find that posting as it also included photos.  If I can find it, I'll place a link here.

https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...9#158251952037525219

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

I contacted Timkos repair in Beavercreek, OH, they claim to add a pair of flywheel can motors and metal gears for $95.00?

Why not just buy a nice Railking with PS/3?

@RSJB18 posted:

I have a 1.0 and run it about 8-10 V. It's manageable at that voltage, even with the hard starts/ stops.

@prrhorseshoecurve- thanks for the info about Timko.

The Beta 1 does that was corrected with an electronic momentum on 2 or 2.5 , the one that came out in December.  And there is no need for new motors with fly wheels, if your not heavy on the remote

So that begs the question,  if I were to get a 2.0 or 2.5 remote, would my 1.0 Beta version run smoothly using that remote?

I’m with gunrunner.  I don’t understand the fascination with a cheapo engine from Menards.  I can think of better things to do with $300 than be their tester.  Send me the dough and I can probably locate an engine that doesn’t work in a trade.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Why not just buy a nice Railking with PS/3?

Cause Railking never made an FP unit. Try to get the 3rd rail FP7 in 3 rail, good luck! Its been reported in the 3 rail scale forum that the molds for the FP unit are gone from changing between various mfgs so there is no reissue of 3rd Rail FP7s anytime soon.

@Mallard4468 posted:

That seems like a very reasonable price for that work.  However, after doing that, you'll be in it for over $300 (original price, upgrade, shipping to and from Timko).  Seems to defeat the purpose of a low-cost entry-level locomotive.

But not compared to the cost of a 3rd rail 3-rail FP7 on the secondary market...if found!

@Allegheny posted:

So that begs the question,  if I were to get a 2.0 or 2.5 remote, would my 1.0 Beta version run smoothly using that remote?

I believe the board in the engine had software changes , not the remote

@William 1 posted:

I’m with gunrunner.  I don’t understand the fascination with a cheapo engine from Menards.  I can think of better things to do with $300 than be their tester.  Send me the dough and I can probably locate an engine that doesn’t work in a trade.

the engine wasn't 300.00!

@Dave Koehler posted:

the engine wasn't 300.00!

The "bayed ones are close or adding the $90+ for new motors to yours. Clearly pushing MTH scale F prices considering the difference in features.

I understand someone may want the cab for a super detailing project. It was mentioned the Sunset mold is no longer available for the "P" model.

@Dave Koehler posted:

the engine wasn't 300.00!

True, but I think GRJ was responding to the posts about spending additional $$ to upgrade the loco. The initial purchase price, plus whatever it costs to upgrade/enhance. I get it.

@William 1 posted:

I’m with gunrunner.  I don’t understand the fascination with a cheapo engine from Menards.  I can think of better things to do with $300 than be their tester.  Send me the dough and I can probably locate an engine that doesn’t work in a trade.

It's because it was being sold for 160 bucks and some folks think it will have Lionel quaking in their boots.  Four "runs" total up to 800 produced.  Hardly competition, particularly as these seem to be scarfed up by the roughly same people and not the general public at large.

There's probably at least another 200-400 sitting at the factory waiting for 4.0 and 4.5 "upgrades."  Cynical, I know but that's how it appears to me.

Rusty