Continuing with my reviews of my N Scale French locomotive fleet, here is the
A1A A1A 68000 diesel locomotive from
Mabar.
Mabar may be yet another new name to persons outside of Europe. They appear to be a Spanish manufacturer which typically focuses on the Spanish market and Renfe but have recently released some French models (Similar to
Star Train). The prototype of these diesels on the SNCF have apparently reached the end of the line, with just a few remaining examples providing power to various infrastructure and work related duties (I believe they have all been retired however).
While the prototype might be vanishing, Mabar has produced a fantastic model! The detail, operation, and quality of these locomotives are incredibly impressive! If this is typical of Mabar's standards, then the Spanish model railroaders are truly fortunate!
The AIAAIA 68000 is very similar to the BB 67300 model (shown above and below from
Minitrix) with the most obvious difference being the extra axle in the bogies.
The Mabar model, however, outshines its Minitrix cousin with a level of detail (separately applied grab irons, LED lighting to the above the cab window light) beyond the BB 67300. I love seeing this locomotive next to its fellow diesel locomotives as shown in the below photo!
Of course, more detail in the video (above). Please feel free to add a comment or add additional information!
Great Locomotive! I've got it too and it's wonderful! Enjoy it! ;-)
ReplyDeleteExcellent site; always something interesting to view, read about or watch.
ReplyDeleteR S
North Berwick
UK
@ Jose - thank you for the comment!
ReplyDelete@ RS - Thanks for the kind words!
This is not typical of Mabars quality standards. Modelling is very good always, but electronic and mechanical reliability in the last times is not very good. On the other hand, they are always offering digital sound decoders source-assembled with real sounds.
ReplyDeleteRegards from Spain,
Fray.
I am planning a European layout and have been squirreling away supplies and trains during the warm months to hibernate and build my empire this winter. I read and watched the review and knew this is the diesel locomotive I wanted to represent the SNCF. I looked around on the internet and found them very scarce. One French hobbyshop: Jouetec still has them and the shipping isn't too bad. If you have Paypal and use an online translator for each page of checkout, it's pretty simple. I can't wait to receive it!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve! Thanks for your comment! Yes, its a really nice locomotive...I am somewhat surprised to see that they are scarce...but you are right! I checked with trains160 and they only had the FRET livery! Good luck on your project...would love to see photos or videos of your fleet and layout at some time!
ReplyDeleteSince I'm getting back into trains after a 30 year hiatus, I obviously have a lot of questions. I finally got my benchwork done (11'x32") and am playing with track plan ideas. Of course once you get something together you can't resist running some engines on it. I noticed this locomotive is slower than my older models (most are older). Curious I put my new Brawa locomotive on and found it is kind of slow as well. I am assuming the newer models have the speed restricted, is this so? I consideration to scale, I think it runs about the correct speed though. My Dad was there, he's an O gauge guy and couldn't answer that question as his trains all run about the same speed regardless of age.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Steve
Hi Steve! Yes, although I've never heard this officially stated or explained from any manufacturers myself, I do find that most of the new locomotives have a 'top speed' way below what the older models from the '60's and '80's used to have! The good news is that this often gives us much better slow speed operation, which is nice! And, as you point out, the slower speeds are more prototypical!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jerry, I know my pretty new locomotives aren't defective.
ReplyDeleteThe more I run this locomotive the more I love it! It is definitely my favorite.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that Steve! Its pretty amazing the high quality standard that relatively unknown brands like Mabar produce! Definitely worth the price!
ReplyDeleteBad news, my A1A-A1A 68000 has stopped running already. The worm gear on one side is not turning. I'm not sure if it's the shaft from the motor or the where the shaft attaches to the worm gear.
ReplyDeleteDo you know any shops familiar with Mabar trains?
I really want to get it repaired and don't want to mess with it too much myself as not to make matters worse.
Thanks,
Steve
Oh no! That's terrible! Unfortunately, I don't know any shops off hand that specialize in repair or Mabar, much less normal European brands. You might do a quick check with Google. There might be someone out there who advertisers this?
ReplyDeleteI'll look around too.
I posted my problem on the Facebook N scale group and I got some suggestions on what to look for. I gingerly opened her up and found the problem. The "universal" joint had come apart because the nub on the motor shaft moved. I pulled it forward and slipped everything back together and she's running again. One warning if you have to take yours apart. the holes through the weights inside are like wire strippers and will make holes in the wire insulation. I was very careful and it still happened to me. Make sure you have some liquid electrical tape on hand to patch them.
ReplyDeleteSteve - I am so glad to hear that! Thanks for sharing the solution! Whew! :-)
ReplyDelete