Quick unboxing of an odd-colored French SNCF diesel engine: the BB75000 Prima Infra from Rocky Rail.
Original
This engine is part of the common BB75000 SNCF diesel engine, with a livery of the former SNCF Infra. SNCF Infra was an SNCF subsidiary in charge of network maintenance (details on Wikipedia here).
As for more details on the Prima range of engines, the Wikipedia page also shows a nice image of the different liveries that were or are still to be seen on French and European networks: SNCF BB 75000.
Model
This is a RockyRail model in N scale, part no RR675085 as a limited edition of 250 pieces. Rocky Rail is a small manufacturer that has become quite visible lately in Europe with many N scale models. The engine is up to date with modern standards: good motor, white/red LED headlights. It is however equipped only with the aging NEM651 standard digital socket.
As the title suggest, for lack of time this is going to be a quick unboxing article.
The engine is properly packed and comes with detail accessories to apply. In a way, I find it funny that we pay so much for little models, and still have to finish building them ourselves in some cases. However, thos fine details are very welcome, and because my layout still is far away from being finished, I keep the accessories as they are. My engines will be prepped for the big day (in 2025?) when I’ll have time again to finish my layout!
The yellow livery is interesting as it is quite uncommon in France:
Conversion details
This time, no fancy conversion with sound or added light. I am going the easy way: just adding a NEM 651 decoder!
Conclusion
A nice little engine that runs smoothly. Sometimes it’s fun just putting a decoder in, without DIYing, and being able to play immediately!
Hi I would like to see more on loading sound as like with some programmers ie d&h does not show how you connect the decoder to the programmer via susi ie solder tags or is it via a pin lush plug
Hi Mark, thanks for the suggestion, I’m taking a note of it!!
As for the susi connection to the d&h programmer, if you don’t want to DIY, did you have a look at the programmer-adapter and SUSI adapter they launched a few weeks ago: http://doehler-haass.de/cms/pages/produkte/digitalsystem/programmier-adapter.php ?
Yes seen that but the sd10a sound chip does not have one of those plugs it is wired and has 4 tabs for the susi how do they load the sounds do you have to solder to the susi tabs or is there like a plug you push the decoder tabs into for programming as I want to get one but there is just not enough pictures or videos of how it works close up there is nothing to show loading of sounds other than the words connect through the susi
True the sd10a doesn’t have the plug so you would have to solder 4 wires to connect to the susi connector of the programmer. Just look at the susi pin names on the manuals of both the sd10a and the programmer to make sure they match.
If you’re not so sure about soldering, maybe you should consider decoders from other brands (ESU, Zimo) with which you can load sounds via the track connector (also on the track in an locomotive).
PS: I am happy to try and help but please make an effort and use punctuation π
Pierre, thank you for the review. I’m nearly tempted to buy one – if I can still find it.
Meanwhile I have referred to your article on TroveStar: http://www.trovestar.com/generic/zoom.php?id=131876
Thanks Alain!