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Offline tulit  
#1 Posted : 07 June 2014 00:26:20(UTC)
tulit

Canada   
Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC)
Posts: 400
Does anyone have any KM1 locomotives in their collections? I'm interested in getting one. Are there any good stocking dealers that ship worldwide?
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#2 Posted : 07 June 2014 03:08:37(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Not yet, but I have the BR 01 180 on order which is due for delivery later this year.

I ordered it through http://www.modellbahn-se...;pid=287548&recno=28

(All KM1 stuff is here:- http://www.modellbahn-se...mp;rid=1184&tid=002)

I could have ordered it cheaper from Modellbau Fisher, but I was too slow off the mark. They only have the KM1 V100 listed at the moment - http://www.mbs-fischer.de/modelleisenbahn/km-1/

A friend has a KM1 controller which he likes, but another friend had several arrive in NZ dead on arrival.
Offline TouchCab  
#3 Posted : 07 June 2014 11:30:06(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
I have a BR 50, and several other club members have KM-1 engines.

Generally I am extremely pleased with my BR50. It runs flawlessly and it looks great. I would not hesitate to recommend one, but I know people who disagree with me there - and for good reason.

You should be careful with tight curves. KM-1 models are not built for garden railroads, and they do require large radius curves. Especially engines with large overhang like a BR85 will give you trouble in a crossover using anything but very large radius turnouts. Shorter engines do not have this problem.

KM-1 is using ESU decoders, but I believe they're customized to some degree. This suggests that service and spare parts could be a problem. Having tinkered with it (more about that later), I no longer have much respect for the electronics, and I am fully confident that in a worst case situation, I can get it running and smoking using ordinary shelf components.

Now, the really bad part:
Some customers have had horrible experiences (as in: "What? I'll never buy that brand again) with KM-1 service. Shipping an engine away for service - packed exactly like it was received - only to have it returned with a remark that it was not properly packaged is ... well, arrogant to put it mildly. I for one would go away and not look back. For this reason, buying through a dealer and not directly with KM-1 is a must. Even then, you need a dealer who is prepared to fight.

Me, I bought directly from KM-1 and I'm doing it again. Here's why.

The current generation KM-1 smoke generator seems to have a general weakness with the fans. The blades pop off the axle, or the motors die relatively fast. I've seen it on several newer engines now. I have fixed it on my BR50 using slightly larger motors, and I have also replaced the wicks in the smoke liquid tanks while I was at it, and the result is great. Having had a look inside the engine, I am confident that even if KM-1 should ever go out of business, I can keep my BR50 running, smoking and making noises.

In general you'll get a beautiful locomotive from KM-1, but if you believe that for that kind of money, you should get a flawless engine that runs without problems for years, KM-1 may not be for you.

If you are prepared for and don't mind having to do a little bit of surgery now and again, go for it.
If not, at the very least buy through a local dealer or the shipping cost will kill you.

As I said, I order from KM-1 directly, but I am prepared to tinker with it.


Best regards
Jens
Best regards,
Jens
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#4 Posted : 07 June 2014 11:39:41(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Jens, will they run on 1170 mm radius curves, or do you need larger than that?
Offline TouchCab  
#5 Posted : 07 June 2014 12:08:50(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
If it's you BR01 you are concerned about, I think you're OK, but I can't speak with authority.
You may have problems if you're pushing a train through an S-curve or crossover, loco going forwards.
Best regards,
Jens
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Offline tulit  
#6 Posted : 07 June 2014 12:34:29(UTC)
tulit

Canada   
Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC)
Posts: 400
Thanks guys. I'm deciding between BR01 and BR03 at this point.
It will likely be a shelf display. I don't have a 1 gauge layout nor the room, so as funny as it sounds, running characteristics may not be that important to me.

One thing I haven't been fully able to figure out is what is the difference between the Classic and Premium models? (other than one includes figures?)
Offline TouchCab  
#7 Posted : 07 June 2014 12:43:27(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
In the classic series, some of the die-cast parts are made from cheaper metals. That's all.
Best regards,
Jens
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Offline TouchCab  
#8 Posted : 07 June 2014 21:11:58(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
Originally Posted by: tulit Go to Quoted Post
I'm deciding between BR01 and BR03 at this point.


Get the BR03 !!!
Get the BR03 !!!
Get the BR03 !!!

Woot Woot Woot

... and let us see pictures of it.


Best regards,
Jens
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Offline Bigdaddynz  
#9 Posted : 07 June 2014 23:14:41(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Here's the manufacturer's picture of the BR 01 and BR 03. BR 01 is from the Classic series and BR 03 is from the Premium series. According to the KM1 website (http://www.km-1.de) BR 01 will be available soon and BR 03 is no longer available (but individual copies are available on request).


UserPostedImage


UserPostedImage
Offline monster134  
#10 Posted : 08 June 2014 00:38:51(UTC)
monster134

South Africa   
Joined: 23/10/2007(UTC)
Posts: 705
Location: ,
Get a Marklin BR38. Half price, has better smoke (even the flute steams) and for playability vs detail, it is unbeatable. 1990Euro if you know where to look. It only has one category in which it is slightly weaker than the KM1 stuff...... it's sound is not as crisp and perfect. I would get a Loksound XL, a Visathon speaker..... and for under 150Euro extra, have whatever sound I want.

With the change, you can buy a full ten consist set of Marklin wagons on Ebay, out the set 5502. Now you have a proper display set.
If at any stage in the defusing of a bomb,you should see a bomb technician running,try your utmost best to keep up with him-Army magazine of preventative action.
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#11 Posted : 08 June 2014 00:58:45(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
I thought about the BR38, but decided it was too expensive to get it along with the KM1 already on order - the BR01 goes better with the passenger coaches I recently got. Nice loco though
Offline tulit  
#12 Posted : 08 June 2014 16:05:43(UTC)
tulit

Canada   
Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC)
Posts: 400
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
Get a Marklin BR38. Half price, has better smoke (even the flute steams) and for playability vs detail, it is unbeatable. 1990Euro if you know where to look. It only has one category in which it is slightly weaker than the KM1 stuff...... it's sound is not as crisp and perfect. I would get a Loksound XL, a Visathon speaker..... and for under 150Euro extra, have whatever sound I want.

With the change, you can buy a full ten consist set of Marklin wagons on Ebay, out the set 5502. Now you have a proper display set.


The KM1 BR01 is around 2000 euro so about the same as the Marklin BR38. The BR38 is really nice - the whistle emitting smoke is very cool. Im probably just more into the larger prototypes like the 03 and 01.

Offline TouchCab  
#13 Posted : 08 June 2014 16:18:05(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
While the BR38 is very nice - Märklin is really catching up here - I'd go for a larger locomotive, since it's going to be a showpiece anyway.
If the price is an issue, take the BR01, else go for the BR03, which is a little bit out of the ordinary as far as models go. A lightweight BR01, if you will.

One thing I don't like about the steaming whistles is that they're messy. I've seen it on the M* BR38 and on the BR57 by KM-1. Condensed fluid is spattered over the boiler after operations, but again - that doesn't matter if it's just for display.
Best regards,
Jens
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Offline monster134  
#14 Posted : 08 June 2014 19:43:49(UTC)
monster134

South Africa   
Joined: 23/10/2007(UTC)
Posts: 705
Location: ,
Originally Posted by: tulit Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
Get a Marklin BR38. Half price, has better smoke (even the flute steams) and for playability vs detail, it is unbeatable. 1990Euro if you know where to look. It only has one category in which it is slightly weaker than the KM1 stuff...... it's sound is not as crisp and perfect. I would get a Loksound XL, a Visathon speaker..... and for under 150Euro extra, have whatever sound I want.

With the change, you can buy a full ten consist set of Marklin wagons on Ebay, out the set 5502. Now you have a proper display set.


The KM1 BR01 is around 2000 euro so about the same as the Marklin BR38. The BR38 is really nice - the whistle emitting smoke is very cool. Im probably just more into the larger prototypes like the 03 and 01.



If you get a KM1 BR01 for close to 2000Euro, I will eat it.

If at any stage in the defusing of a bomb,you should see a bomb technician running,try your utmost best to keep up with him-Army magazine of preventative action.
Offline steventrain  
#15 Posted : 08 June 2014 19:50:47(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Is the KM1 Gauge 1?

Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline TouchCab  
#16 Posted : 08 June 2014 19:54:53(UTC)
TouchCab

Denmark   
Joined: 04/03/2009(UTC)
Posts: 149
Location: Denmark
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
If you get a KM1 BR01 for close to 2000Euro, I will eat it.


Well, the BR01 (classic edition) that is in production today is listed at € 2390.
The BR50 is listed at the same price, and the pre-order price for that was just below € 2000.

@Steven: Yes, it's gauge 1.
Best regards,
Jens
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Offline steventrain  
#17 Posted : 08 June 2014 20:03:43(UTC)
steventrain

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31,601
Location: United Kingdom
Originally Posted by: TouchCab Go to Quoted Post


@Steven: Yes, it's gauge 1.


Thanks, I though it was HO.
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy.
Offline tulit  
#18 Posted : 08 June 2014 21:08:04(UTC)
tulit

Canada   
Joined: 20/05/2012(UTC)
Posts: 400
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: tulit Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
Get a Marklin BR38. Half price, has better smoke (even the flute steams) and for playability vs detail, it is unbeatable. 1990Euro if you know where to look. It only has one category in which it is slightly weaker than the KM1 stuff...... it's sound is not as crisp and perfect. I would get a Loksound XL, a Visathon speaker..... and for under 150Euro extra, have whatever sound I want.

With the change, you can buy a full ten consist set of Marklin wagons on Ebay, out the set 5502. Now you have a proper display set.


The KM1 BR01 is around 2000 euro so about the same as the Marklin BR38. The BR38 is really nice - the whistle emitting smoke is very cool. Im probably just more into the larger prototypes like the 03 and 01.



If you get a KM1 BR01 for close to 2000Euro, I will eat it.



Better sharpen your dinner knife!

http://www.modellbahn-se...mp;rid=1184&recno=34
Offline Bigdaddynz  
#19 Posted : 09 June 2014 04:51:54(UTC)
Bigdaddynz

New Zealand   
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC)
Posts: 18,661
Location: New Zealand
Originally Posted by: monster134 Go to Quoted Post
If you get a KM1 BR01 for close to 2000Euro, I will eat it.


Eat away!

Mine was ordered for 1899 euro (1595 euro ex VAT). I could have got it from Modellbau Fisher for 1799 euro, but dithered too much and by the time I made up my mind, Fisher had sold their quota (and weren't going to be ordering more).
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