Rugen 53mh, LGB 28002.8.....?

[Zerogee]

I've just purchased the beautiful green Rugen 0-8-0 that Steve (Mez) sold through the sales forum, and Beavercreek Mike picked it up for me today (thanks Mike!). There is just something that puzzles me about it, and I wonder if "Those Who Know" on here can give me a definitive answer?

The model number 28002, as listed in LGB catalogues of the time, is the green 53mh version of this loco; the catalogue specs say that it has sound installed, but is NOT actually MTS chipped - it is listed as having a direct decoder interface for chipping if required, but straight from the box it seems that it was an analogue loco with sound.

BUT.... my particular loco HAS an MTS decoder - it still has the "Direct Decoder" sticker on the underside, BUT it ALSO has LGB's "Digital" sticker on it (the big stylised "D" above a picture of a handset controller) - which I think usually meant a factory-installed decoder?

The box does NOT have the usual end label with a picture of the loco - instead, it has a plain white sticker with a large-print "28002.8" on it. Right next to that is a larger version of the "D and controller" sticker that is on the loco itself.

Now, my question is: does the ".8" on the end of the code number indicate a loco that has been fitted with an MTS decoder AS AN EXCEPTION TO THE MAIN PRODUCTION RUN, either at the factory or possibly by an authorised dealer prior to sale? I'm just trying to find out, for my own interest, whether the loco actually had its decoder fitted before purchase, or if it was added later, and exactly what the code number means. I've tried the usual LGB database queries, without success..... they only seem to list the 28002, not 28002.8.

Thanks!

Jon.

 

[stevedenver]

mere speculation
but i think its a very late production model
and came factory chipped
i might even have been from the factory sell off-
i have a couple of locos from the last days of LGB and they have slight variations in packaging but clearly were stock

or perhaps from a large buyer /re-distributor

i too have a loco or two with both the digital and digital direct stickers-
i would think that a bunch of boxes are prepared and then if the specs change or the model is upgraded, they add to the box in the interim

arent you lucky to have such a beautiful loco!! congrats

 

[Zerogee]

Thanks, Steve - yes, she's a little beauty!

I'm just very curious as to her provenance and history. One thing that I forgot to add in my post is that according to the gold QG sticker, she's a 2000 produced model - which according to my collection of old catalogues makes it quite an early model for that loco.

Jon.

 

[stevedenver]

well so much for specualtion eh?

 

[KentKeith]

From what I recall when I got my 28002 (from the late John Powers at Hobbybahn) the loco came with sound but no digital decoder. Looking at the bottom of the loco there is the "direct decoder" sticker and the "OK" sticker is numbered 001080. It does not have the "D and Controller" sticker.

For some reason it was not possible to wire in a decoder to the original pcb in the loco and John had to get a new board from Massoth. He did tell me why but can't remember what he said - maybe it was documented on his invoice but that's in one of those safe places that you can never find. Looking at the loco box the decoder was installed in September 2005.

One of my favourite locos - even got a picture of myself myself posing beside the real loco taken on my first trip to the Rugen. The sound system is one of LGB's best in my opinion.