With Spring around the corner and some of you getting outdoors to get to the (train) tracks again, here are some completely unrelated thoughts and facts. No-- make that opinions.
Yours Truly is observing the eBay web site about once a week, looking for "just posted", "highest price", and "ending soonest". In my humble opinion, the market for LGB products is starting to show more realistic values in the high end and higher end area for locos. Mikados, Aster, Pullman sets and Mallets seem to be priced according to their values. The same holds true for F 7 See Through/ clear locos. Moguls on the other hand show all kinds of prices; from $ 400.00 for a Mogul made in 1990 or 1993 (value is approx US$ 1,200) to US$ 1,000.00 for China crap - ...quoting Famous Klaus...- (mint condition value will not top US$ 600.00). Similar realistic prices show up for cars that are rare like the # 35355 DB Passenger car or the 35350 DR Passenger car (around US$ 500.00 with a tendency to increase), but finds are still possible for old 1993 or older tank cars, Swiss "Mohrenkoepfe"( marshmallows?) and similar.
Yours Truly and the two Klaus' (your Famous Klaus and Klaus Baumann) believe that the market will consolidate within the next two to three years. This goes only for the existing LGB locos and cars being built between 1970 and 2006. If any of you owns an LGB loco or car or toy made before 1970, hold on to it, care VERY well for it and name it in your will! Yes, it will show up at a Sotheby or similar auction in about 5-10 years from now.
On another subject:
Klaus Baumann is currently working on Mallet and Forney data so that we can provide better information about those loco values and value development. One of his finds during this operation was that so many different Forneys were manufactured that LGB Nuremberg had to extend the series number from 5 digits to 6 digits for a certain time frame. So, in case you come across an LGB box with a 6-digit number on it and a "25" in it, we'd be interested in a photo. At the same time, so many Forney sets were made for specialty groups that -alas !- a Forney set was made for Florsheim Shoes. How 'bout that?!!
You have read about this subject here before, the lifetime of Buehler motors. Since we had quite a lot of questions about this, let me reiterate and add some, too. All LGB locos have Buehler motors in them except two:
One: The Porter which was made in Korea by PIKO and came with a Korean motor in it. To Klaus' knowledge no motors are available once the Original Korean motors are defunct/ kaput.
Two: a very very early LGB loco that had a Siemens motor in it. Klaus is currently working on more information about that loco or locos(?). If any of you have any information about that, Klaus would more than appreciate your information and contacting him.
A Buehler motor for LGB locos has an approximate life span of 15-20 years. At the time they were first utilized in LGB locos it seemed incomprehensible for the technical crew in Nuremberg that anyone would "play" with an LGB loco for either that long or that excessively to reach the end of that lifetime. To see some of those older Buehler motors still running is a nice confirmation for the old "Made in Western Germany"- Quality.
Sometime in the mid-nineties (1996-1998?) Buehler decided to change the design of the motors - recognizable by an all-silver colored body and no replaceable brushes.At the very same time Buehler also decided to outsource the LGB Buehler motor production to the Chech Republic. This turned out to be a problematic move. The motors did not have the same quality and lifespan as the ones made in Germany, so Buehler placed production back into Germany. These motors made in the Chech republic can go kaput without warning. Unfortunately there is no way to tell where a Buehler motor was made. But all in all the Buehler motors are the most reliable possible for the LGB locos.
Buehler motors for LGB locos are currently undergoing a price change. Where they will end up eventually is still to be seen. Unfortunately we heard more than one rumor that the new retail price will be close to US $ 150.00. We will keep you updated on this subject. Fortunately, Klaus has a sufficient number of motors available for his repairs and restorations, so your locos are safe with him.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Nuremberg Toy Fair 2012 - My LGB Report
Our man at the Toy Fair - Klaus Baumann, a name you should keep in mind since you'll be hearing a lot about and from him in the near future specifically re his expertise in LGB loco values - send the "GARTENBAHN profi" magazine to Yours Truly which is the base for the following "news". In case any of you like to go to the original article please look for pages 6 - 15 in The "GARTENBAHN profi 2/2012 - Wieder Gas geben" ( meaning: stepping on the gas again). Taking the liberty to condense the contents dramatically here is what one German press is thinking about LGB this Spring.
Not much is new at LGB this year. It's more a "re-animation" of things well known, tried-and-true. The RhB series are shown in different colors. The Toy Train program got re-instated with a battery-driven, RC-controlled "Harlekinzug"(=Clown Train) for toddlers and an ICE, the German high-speed train. Within the RhB series the "Bernina" is a 3-part rail-car which is currently not available. Production is planned but a clear delivery date has not been set, with earliest delivery suggested to happen in 2013. (Yours Truly heard rumors that the German dealers are extreemly upset about the new Marklin/LGB policy to NOT publish information about possible delivery dates. Yet, they started selling by promoting pre-ordering. Yours Truly thinks that neither policy will help much to improve the new LGB image....). A Saxonian 1K loco was displayed at the fair in an unfinished housing, not yet motorized.
Available locos and cars have a hefty price tag this year . The RhB Gea 2/4 (No.211) is listed for Euro 600.00 ( approx. US$ 800.00 - in Germany!), the RhB Ge 2/4 in green (No. 202) will be Euro 550.00 (or US$ 730.00) in Germany. Quite a few cars have been re-manufactured some in new colors which will not necessarily support the collector's intention of supplementing their layout.
A really new LGB mold for a loco is actually a Marklin loco (E 10, a German Express Train Loco from the 1950's) and will be manufactured in the newly planned "Mix-and-match G-scale" and will NOT match the Old German LGB (version) standard. This is supposed to be a "counter-offer" to the new PIKO models. - Why - the Old LGB was a standard in itself...! A few more German locos are listed to be available sometime, as the VT 133 and the Niki S.
The US market gets the same treatment as the German customer: quite a few announcements and no specific delivery date include the Mikado in New York Central colors , the Porter steam loco (with no spare parts or spare motors available on the US or German market), and a White Pass Diesel engine No. 4 - 2-axle. Car-wise are scheduled (?) a Conoco tank car, a transporter with 2 muscle cars (Cobra and Corvette), and a 3-car Union Pacific live stock car set.
An opinionated Yours Truly believes that selling something someone does not have at hand is a bad thing in the long run. Promises are broken, contracts cannot be kept as traded in the first place, money is spent and goes where it does not belong. The looser is in the end the manufacturer because the customer will go where his wishes are fulfilled. For the Old German Standard LGB enthusiast that will be more and more the collectors/auction market or the estate market.
And now to something completely different.... a note from "the editor": Klaus' web page is growing. He would be tickled if you keep reading at www.traincraftbyklaus.com. He put an interesting "lemon-list" on it. You will find it under "Repair".
Not much is new at LGB this year. It's more a "re-animation" of things well known, tried-and-true. The RhB series are shown in different colors. The Toy Train program got re-instated with a battery-driven, RC-controlled "Harlekinzug"(=Clown Train) for toddlers and an ICE, the German high-speed train. Within the RhB series the "Bernina" is a 3-part rail-car which is currently not available. Production is planned but a clear delivery date has not been set, with earliest delivery suggested to happen in 2013. (Yours Truly heard rumors that the German dealers are extreemly upset about the new Marklin/LGB policy to NOT publish information about possible delivery dates. Yet, they started selling by promoting pre-ordering. Yours Truly thinks that neither policy will help much to improve the new LGB image....). A Saxonian 1K loco was displayed at the fair in an unfinished housing, not yet motorized.
Available locos and cars have a hefty price tag this year . The RhB Gea 2/4 (No.211) is listed for Euro 600.00 ( approx. US$ 800.00 - in Germany!), the RhB Ge 2/4 in green (No. 202) will be Euro 550.00 (or US$ 730.00) in Germany. Quite a few cars have been re-manufactured some in new colors which will not necessarily support the collector's intention of supplementing their layout.
A really new LGB mold for a loco is actually a Marklin loco (E 10, a German Express Train Loco from the 1950's) and will be manufactured in the newly planned "Mix-and-match G-scale" and will NOT match the Old German LGB (version) standard. This is supposed to be a "counter-offer" to the new PIKO models. - Why - the Old LGB was a standard in itself...! A few more German locos are listed to be available sometime, as the VT 133 and the Niki S.
The US market gets the same treatment as the German customer: quite a few announcements and no specific delivery date include the Mikado in New York Central colors , the Porter steam loco (with no spare parts or spare motors available on the US or German market), and a White Pass Diesel engine No. 4 - 2-axle. Car-wise are scheduled (?) a Conoco tank car, a transporter with 2 muscle cars (Cobra and Corvette), and a 3-car Union Pacific live stock car set.
An opinionated Yours Truly believes that selling something someone does not have at hand is a bad thing in the long run. Promises are broken, contracts cannot be kept as traded in the first place, money is spent and goes where it does not belong. The looser is in the end the manufacturer because the customer will go where his wishes are fulfilled. For the Old German Standard LGB enthusiast that will be more and more the collectors/auction market or the estate market.
And now to something completely different.... a note from "the editor": Klaus' web page is growing. He would be tickled if you keep reading at www.traincraftbyklaus.com. He put an interesting "lemon-list" on it. You will find it under "Repair".
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Turntable - Part 2 and other News
After my last blog about the Original LGB turntable I received some very nice emails from one of the blog followers that he allowed me to publish here. He pointed out that in addition to the original LGB turntable with 100 pieces made there are more in use today like: (some editing for concentrating on the subject)
"...Pola made their G 1946 turntable (I think in 1996) that, if my memory serves me right, has "LGB" molded into the underside. It is not visible from the top so I cannot confirm this.
My memory has gotten pretty bad but as I recall I talked to someone at LGB of America at the time and I was told that Pola molded "LGB" into the turntable without authorization from LGB and Pola was told to stop so marking their turntables.
I can see how others might also be confused and think their Pola turntables might be "LGB turntables." ---He continues.....I looked at the top of the turntable and did not see any markings but I do still have the (black) box it came in which is marked: Exclusiv Modell - 2,900 Exemplare weltweit - Numerierte und begrenzte Auflage
I don't understand German but I used the internet which translated it to: Exclusively model- 2.900 copies world-wide -Numbered and limited Edition. I have no idea how many might have the "LGB" markings on the underside.--He continues further...
I have always thought that LGB and Pola were made for each other. The turntable box is marked 1:22.5 scale and the Pola items always seem to perfectly compliment LGB products.
Unfortunately I think the turntable was one of Pola's not very well designed products as I gave up years ago trying to get it to work with its electric motor. Even manually rotating the turntable is problematic but it really does look great and fits very nicely with their Shunting (train) Shed. Fortunately I don't use it often and it adds greatly to the visual appearance of that part of the layout.
...and he found this....
While sorting through some old LGB Telegram issues I ran across the very 1st issue and on page 12 I found instructions on how to make "An American Turntable."
Of course this is not the LGB turntable Klaus is talking about but the instructions are copyrighted by E. P. Lehmann. That in itself is interesting in that this issue of the Telegram was published by E. P. Lehmann while newer issues were published by Buffington Publishing ."
This kind blog-follower asked not to be named. If you'd like to 'chat' about this issue, please email to klaus@traincraftbyklaus.com and Yours truly will forward your email.
On other news: our webpage has come to new life and is worked on now on an almost daily base. We invite you to follow and read at www.traincraftbyklaus.com
The next blog will continue reporting from the Toy Fair which closed its doors on Feb 6.
"...Pola made their G 1946 turntable (I think in 1996) that, if my memory serves me right, has "LGB" molded into the underside. It is not visible from the top so I cannot confirm this.
My memory has gotten pretty bad but as I recall I talked to someone at LGB of America at the time and I was told that Pola molded "LGB" into the turntable without authorization from LGB and Pola was told to stop so marking their turntables.
I can see how others might also be confused and think their Pola turntables might be "LGB turntables." ---He continues.....I looked at the top of the turntable and did not see any markings but I do still have the (black) box it came in which is marked: Exclusiv Modell - 2,900 Exemplare weltweit - Numerierte und begrenzte Auflage
I don't understand German but I used the internet which translated it to: Exclusively model- 2.900 copies world-wide -Numbered and limited Edition. I have no idea how many might have the "LGB" markings on the underside.--He continues further...
I have always thought that LGB and Pola were made for each other. The turntable box is marked 1:22.5 scale and the Pola items always seem to perfectly compliment LGB products.
Unfortunately I think the turntable was one of Pola's not very well designed products as I gave up years ago trying to get it to work with its electric motor. Even manually rotating the turntable is problematic but it really does look great and fits very nicely with their Shunting (train) Shed. Fortunately I don't use it often and it adds greatly to the visual appearance of that part of the layout.
...and he found this....
While sorting through some old LGB Telegram issues I ran across the very 1st issue and on page 12 I found instructions on how to make "An American Turntable."
Of course this is not the LGB turntable Klaus is talking about but the instructions are copyrighted by E. P. Lehmann. That in itself is interesting in that this issue of the Telegram was published by E. P. Lehmann while newer issues were published by Buffington Publishing ."
This kind blog-follower asked not to be named. If you'd like to 'chat' about this issue, please email to klaus@traincraftbyklaus.com and Yours truly will forward your email.
On other news: our webpage has come to new life and is worked on now on an almost daily base. We invite you to follow and read at www.traincraftbyklaus.com
The next blog will continue reporting from the Toy Fair which closed its doors on Feb 6.
Monday, February 13, 2012
LGB News from the Toy Fair
Here is the link to view the newest LGB catalog 2012
www.lgb.com
then go and click on "Neuheiten 2012" and then you should be able to download the new catalog.
The new catalog is in German and English. Most of the locos and trains they show are models you are more or less already familiar with. I still think they have done a nice job. There is a "new" Mikado in the catalog as well as a "new" Porter. However, none of these new locos are available right now. Marklin was pretty reserved when our "man at the Fair" asked when he could buy and take home one of the new engines. We will keep you updated. Prices seem to go up for the new engines and that combined with the current Euro/US$ exchange rate will make them sort of expensive again here for us in the US.
Last time I promised you a story about the turntable. Doing research for that story I learned that only about 100 turntables were made by LGB - all of them literally by hand by an artisan craftsman by the name of Herr Diller at the LGB factory in 1979. The LGB # was LGB 1400. If you know somebody who has an old LGB turntable, please let them know that these turntables are very valuable, no matter what condition they are in. Here's a comparison: a do-it-yourself turntable set for 0-scale goes for Euro 700.00 or roughly US$ 950.00. And a very nice 0-scale turntable ready-to-use goes for Euro 1,700.00 or US$ 2.200.00. That brings the value of an LGB turntable easily to US$ 1,500.00 even though it is operated manually. Klaus has motorized two turntables in the past with great success. If you have an LGB turntable and want to clean it- please be very careful and do not use harsh household cleaners. Specifically do NOT USE household glue on it to "repair" something. That for sure destroys a great part of its value. Better, you contact Klaus for advise.
On other news, we are following the development of DCC by I-Phone/ I-Pad and will keep you updated.
Yours truly also wants to point out that all the new decoders that your Famous Klaus is going to utilize and offer for sale are ALL mix-and-match"able" with your existing decoders that are to NMRA standard like NCE, Phoenix, Lenz, Massoth or others.
One thing you will see me write more about in the future: If you own LGB locos that are made before 1999, list their numbers somewhere, take a photo, store them on a CD and make sure they are covered by your household insurance. If you need a certificate re their value, you may contact us- we are certified to do that.
www.lgb.com
then go and click on "Neuheiten 2012" and then you should be able to download the new catalog.
The new catalog is in German and English. Most of the locos and trains they show are models you are more or less already familiar with. I still think they have done a nice job. There is a "new" Mikado in the catalog as well as a "new" Porter. However, none of these new locos are available right now. Marklin was pretty reserved when our "man at the Fair" asked when he could buy and take home one of the new engines. We will keep you updated. Prices seem to go up for the new engines and that combined with the current Euro/US$ exchange rate will make them sort of expensive again here for us in the US.
Last time I promised you a story about the turntable. Doing research for that story I learned that only about 100 turntables were made by LGB - all of them literally by hand by an artisan craftsman by the name of Herr Diller at the LGB factory in 1979. The LGB # was LGB 1400. If you know somebody who has an old LGB turntable, please let them know that these turntables are very valuable, no matter what condition they are in. Here's a comparison: a do-it-yourself turntable set for 0-scale goes for Euro 700.00 or roughly US$ 950.00. And a very nice 0-scale turntable ready-to-use goes for Euro 1,700.00 or US$ 2.200.00. That brings the value of an LGB turntable easily to US$ 1,500.00 even though it is operated manually. Klaus has motorized two turntables in the past with great success. If you have an LGB turntable and want to clean it- please be very careful and do not use harsh household cleaners. Specifically do NOT USE household glue on it to "repair" something. That for sure destroys a great part of its value. Better, you contact Klaus for advise.
On other news, we are following the development of DCC by I-Phone/ I-Pad and will keep you updated.
Yours truly also wants to point out that all the new decoders that your Famous Klaus is going to utilize and offer for sale are ALL mix-and-match"able" with your existing decoders that are to NMRA standard like NCE, Phoenix, Lenz, Massoth or others.
One thing you will see me write more about in the future: If you own LGB locos that are made before 1999, list their numbers somewhere, take a photo, store them on a CD and make sure they are covered by your household insurance. If you need a certificate re their value, you may contact us- we are certified to do that.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Working Title
Folks, folks folks...Yours Truly has seen Moguls this December in Klaus' workshop... You can't be serious. One Mogul dated from 1994, everything original on it. BUT: it was "repaired" on by someone who had no clue, never cleaned properly and instead of having a value of US$ 1,500 the best offer would have been $600.00 if at all. Another Mogul from 1998, still fully made in Germany was so dirty and filthy that I didn't even recognize it was by LGB. Now- of course what belongs to you is yours to treat. I understand that. So how about a nice New Years resolution: You look a bit more after your nice and specifically older LGB locos and Yours Truly provides more maintenance tips.
Starting with: to put on new traction tires on your loco keep in mind that the Original LGB traction tires are no rubber bands. They can not really be stretched. Klaus says a screwdriver is a good tool to help the traction tire onto the wheel. Start by putting the traction tire on a part of the wheel, lead it around as far as you can go, then, holding it in place with one hand, use the screwdriver to help lift the traction tire completely onto the wheel. If the traction tire gets strechted too much, and a little more than 1/8" would be too much, it will break/split.
About power shoes: If they are too run down and used up on your loco they can actually hurt the value of your loco and wears out your tracks.
Most importantly: If you need to "glue something back on" to your LGB loco, puhhleeeze email Klaus first to make sure you're using the correct glue and not something from your grandkid's school supply kit. That (Gilmer's) glue can do a lot of harm to the LGB plastic. And never EVER use hot glue!
On other news: our lawyer advised us to put to your attention, dear reader, again this matter: the email contactusa@massoth.com DOES NOT lead to Klaus' PC (strike through by Yours Truly for protection of our readers). We don't know what happens to those emails, we don't know what happens to your email address when you use this address. Please use caution and use klaus@traincraftbyklaus.com or klausstork@earthlink.net. THANK YOU!
On a lighter note: The Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany will open its gates on February 1, 2012. We will have our very own "Our Man in Havanna..., ahh Nuremberg", at the Fair to report directly from the Fair; and will have the hottest topics right here on this blog.
Starting with: to put on new traction tires on your loco keep in mind that the Original LGB traction tires are no rubber bands. They can not really be stretched. Klaus says a screwdriver is a good tool to help the traction tire onto the wheel. Start by putting the traction tire on a part of the wheel, lead it around as far as you can go, then, holding it in place with one hand, use the screwdriver to help lift the traction tire completely onto the wheel. If the traction tire gets strechted too much, and a little more than 1/8" would be too much, it will break/split.
About power shoes: If they are too run down and used up on your loco they can actually hurt the value of your loco and wears out your tracks.
Most importantly: If you need to "glue something back on" to your LGB loco, puhhleeeze email Klaus first to make sure you're using the correct glue and not something from your grandkid's school supply kit. That (Gilmer's) glue can do a lot of harm to the LGB plastic. And never EVER use hot glue!
On other news: our lawyer advised us to put to your attention, dear reader, again this matter: the email contact
On a lighter note: The Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany will open its gates on February 1, 2012. We will have our very own "Our Man in Havanna..., ahh Nuremberg", at the Fair to report directly from the Fair; and will have the hottest topics right here on this blog.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
2012 - The Year of TrainCraft and the water Dragon
New beginnings are here, Dear Fans and LGB Operators! Yours Truly is coming out of retirement and smack right into TrainCraft. "TrainCraft By Klaus" will be a full blown product, service and parts company starting January 1 and as soon as Klaus is back from surgery . That was my Christmas gift to Klaus and hopefully to the LGB community in the USA. Yours Truly would not mind you spreading the word if you have the time. We have been silently gathering products and packages over the last few months and are still adding.
The new price list is currently in the works and will double as a sort-of-catalog. Will also be on the web page. Main focus will be : Keeping Your LGB Trains Alive and Running" with the main product line in digital products and a second line for LGB loco spare parts. Analog electronic parts will be critical because they are getting extinct. But we will keep trying. New technology is also coming in helpful. -
Our products will range from driving and sound decoders to operating accessories, loco maintenance parts, Original LGB spare parts and motors, all kinds of cables, service, restoration, repairs, installations, consulting and counseling, evaluations for collections and tax valuations (in case someone considers donations to your local or other charity). Simply a fully operational LGB trains maintaining entity. New or upcoming products that ensure the value of your LGB trains will be added over time and a few may be eliminated. Again, our mantra is to keep your LGB trains running. And if a part is not available anymore Klaus will manufacture / re-produce it on his sophisticated machinery - if the price is right...!
Will we need help? You bet. For that matter it is very helpful to know that 2012 is the year of the water Dragon. "The water Dragon... is an intelligent and laborious worker who never puts aside work though sometimes this leads him to excesses. The water Dragon has enough courage to face challenges and easily finds weak points that stand in his way to success..."(quoted from www.gotohoroscope.com...).
Sounds mightily like an experienced LGB loco operator to me- don't y'all think??!!
Well then - All Aboard, come join and support us in our endeavor to keep LGB trains running. And if you happen to see a water Dragon invite him to your LGB layout- he might make a fantastic steam AND water engineer...
Happy New Year
Yours Truly and Famous Klaus
P.S. Next blog will be about the restoration of the old original LGB turntable
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
Testing, testing, one-two-three... - Klaus has been testing and working with the new decoders I have been talking about for a while. Yours Truly and Famous Klaus have been on the look-out for new and improved decoders and sound (decoders) to keep all LGB Operators running here in the USA. And the results are in.
Klaus decided on these driving decoders, which are in stock and ready to ship out ofSanta's, ahh, Klaus' workshop
Uhlenbrock IntelliDrive Deluxe 77 500 , 3Amps continuous capacity and 5Amps in peaks for analog and digital operation. US$ 116.00
Most outstanding feature: works with old and newer LGB control systems like MTS and with the old LGB sounds. Plus: provides very smooth driving operation (no more studdering in slow operating mode)
Pros: SUSI Bus (to connect -via"plug"- to smoke or sound from "any" manufacturer), silent motor control, 8 function outputs, can control A/C motors (!) like in some Adlers or other. Address range 1-9999. No heat built-up. Various light functions. Mapping&dimming for outputs.
Cons: none so far
On second came in the Digitalplus By Lenz GOLD maxi: (US$ 110.00) with pretty much the same basic technical features as the Uhlenbrock, but no LGB compatibility to old analog sounds. Its most outstanding feature is a very well written and easily understandable American english manual that even Yours Truly can read and follow easily.
Pros: performance in slow speed (digital) operation is excellent, SUSI Bus, functions for many light effects like Gyra, MARS, Strobe etc, functions for fire box light, mapping+dimming for outputs
Cons: limited LGB MTS operation (only parallel commands)
Klaus also tested the ESU LOKSOUND digital decoder which as of right now is a complete compare to the Massoth sound decoders (XLS), with a better price tag at US$ 244.00 and pretty much the same sound library. NOTE: ESU is working on an improved sound decoder version to be available in February 2012. That new decoder will combine the excellent driving operation features of the Uhlenbrock/Lenz decoders with the excellent sound quality of the ESU decoders. We don't know the price tag yet, but do know that ESU loves to compete....
By the way: all three manufacturers are German companies located in Bottrop (Uhlenbrock), Giessen (Lenz), and Ulm (ESU). Klaus is in personal contact with their resp. General Managers. All three of them come across as very professional and knowledgable about their own product and market(s) combined with a keen understanding of the future needs of G -Scale operation.
Well, LGB fans, that sums it up for today. Detailed information and photos will be available on our webpage, soon or a bit later- Yours Truly is preparing for Christmas as well....In the meantime just call Klaus (770-886-6670) for further information or ordering.
Klaus decided on these driving decoders, which are in stock and ready to ship out of
Uhlenbrock IntelliDrive Deluxe 77 500 , 3Amps continuous capacity and 5Amps in peaks for analog and digital operation. US$ 116.00
Most outstanding feature: works with old and newer LGB control systems like MTS and with the old LGB sounds. Plus: provides very smooth driving operation (no more studdering in slow operating mode)
Pros: SUSI Bus (to connect -via"plug"- to smoke or sound from "any" manufacturer), silent motor control, 8 function outputs, can control A/C motors (!) like in some Adlers or other. Address range 1-9999. No heat built-up. Various light functions. Mapping&dimming for outputs.
Cons: none so far
On second came in the Digitalplus By Lenz GOLD maxi: (US$ 110.00) with pretty much the same basic technical features as the Uhlenbrock, but no LGB compatibility to old analog sounds. Its most outstanding feature is a very well written and easily understandable American english manual that even Yours Truly can read and follow easily.
Pros: performance in slow speed (digital) operation is excellent, SUSI Bus, functions for many light effects like Gyra, MARS, Strobe etc, functions for fire box light, mapping+dimming for outputs
Cons: limited LGB MTS operation (only parallel commands)
Klaus also tested the ESU LOKSOUND digital decoder which as of right now is a complete compare to the Massoth sound decoders (XLS), with a better price tag at US$ 244.00 and pretty much the same sound library. NOTE: ESU is working on an improved sound decoder version to be available in February 2012. That new decoder will combine the excellent driving operation features of the Uhlenbrock/Lenz decoders with the excellent sound quality of the ESU decoders. We don't know the price tag yet, but do know that ESU loves to compete....
By the way: all three manufacturers are German companies located in Bottrop (Uhlenbrock), Giessen (Lenz), and Ulm (ESU). Klaus is in personal contact with their resp. General Managers. All three of them come across as very professional and knowledgable about their own product and market(s) combined with a keen understanding of the future needs of G -Scale operation.
Well, LGB fans, that sums it up for today. Detailed information and photos will be available on our webpage, soon or a bit later- Yours Truly is preparing for Christmas as well....In the meantime just call Klaus (770-886-6670) for further information or ordering.
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| Merry Christmas to All - and to ALL a Mogul Good Night |
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