I need some opinions of some good engines, or engines you all like. I'm looking to get a new engine to replace an old one. It can be steam or diesel. Post your thoughts! :)
Hmmm... let's see. If you want modern power, it's hard to beat the Atlas AEM-7 and the Bachmann HHP-8. Both are good runners and highly accurate. Plus they both look...unique, to say the least. The Toaster and the Bannana, respectively, are their nicknames. Certainly more appealing than all those boring diesel hood locos!
Could I get some pictures with these sugjestions? ;D
First of all go with steam.Then go with an Athern4-6-6-4 Challenger with or without DCC and Sound preferably with DCC and sound. I have been playing with it now on my layout for a month.
Don
How large a layout do you have or will have? While I endorse Grumpy's selection of steam, even a C&O H-8 would look strange on a 4x8 with 18" curves, even though the Rivarossi version will negotiate that tight a radius. In addition such large engines were designed for large trains, something you can't really manage on a 4x8.
Gene
I would go with the 2.8.0. The jack of all trade locomotive. Most railroads had them as they can be used in the yards or on the main. They are small enought to run and look good on all layouts.
There are lots of "good engines" out there. Atlas, Athearn Genesis, Proto2000, Walthers, Bachmann Spectrum. Give some thought to the following: What do you like in railroading? Modern diesels, or earlier generations? Steam locos? And then, what sort of layout do you have in mind? If it is just a small 4x8 "starter" with 18" curves, then you need to stick with smaller locomotives--smaller steam locos (the Bachmann Specturm 2-8-0, for instance) or diesels with 4-wheel trucks, like GP-40's for instance. Larger layout with broader curves (24" or better), then you can consider larger locomotives and bigger rolling stock, like 85' hi-cube box cars or full-length passenger cars.
I myself have a unknown number of engines that would most certianly f1t into your good running category. It would be hard to reccomend a specific locomotive for you witout knowing more details about the type of railroad you are modeling and it's setting. Factors to consider are whether you are modeling mainline or branchline, fast freight or drag tonnage. Whether passenger operations will be included or not, and choice of era meaning the window of time that you are using. Another factor to bear in mind when these choices are being made is whether you are following a specific prototype railroad. This is vital to your decision making even if you are modeling a fictional division of your favorite railroad. A fully freelanced railroad may allow you to take more liberties with the exception that good prototype (all railroads ) practices should be followed to keep the realism factor at a high level. Another factor in making your choices could be what your skill levels are. How much of the work involved in modifying a model to your needs can you do yourself? Do you belong to or can you visit a local model railroad club? During the visit ask them to if you could run or if someone could run a model that you are interested in. The decision you should make is what model fits your needs best. You may have to visit your local library and while there ask the librarian to help find some books to check out. Read them and you may be able to answer your own questions Books cataloged under the Dewey Decimal System on real railroads start with the number 385.xxx and those books dealing with model trains start with the number 625.xxx. If you would like to discuss this further I can be reached at this web address: willrupe@yahoo.com I would like as much imformation as you feel willing to provide so that I could give you a more specific answer. I also urge you to visit the following website which belongs to the model railroad club I belong to: http://www.qcsme.org Use Yahoo when visiting this site as Google often says it is unable to find it. Hoping to hear from you soon. Yours, William rupert
I have a layout going around a 10' by 10' room. It protrudes from the wall 27" on one side, 21" on another, and 2 16" sides. It's a fairly good sized one. I don't have near all the track yet, but I have 2 loops around it now and only 1 engine and a few rolling stock. I'm looking for rolling stock now too then, as well as engines.
Many of the brands previously mentioned, such as Atlas, Athearn, Proto2000, Walthers, etc... do certainly produce quality engines (I do'nt think anyone mentioned kato, which is also makes a good quality loco).
However, Broadway-limited makes very high-quality locomotives, however the only downside is certainly the price. Broadway-limited, however, also has a "Blue Line" locomotive brand that has the same high quality as its other locomotives and all engines come with sound, but they take out DCC which dramatically reduces the cost. they also own Precision Craft Models, which is EXTREMELY high quality locomotives with an EXTREMELY high price. So if you want top notch quality, be prepared to pay. In my opinion, the blueline is just as good, especially for me since I don't have DCC yet (and it really is significantly cheaper).
Well, I think you see my point. I feel like I'm beginning to be redundant.
Check out http://www.broadway-limited.com
I have a Broadway Ltd. Blueline 4-8-4 with DCC and sound .Lovely sound!
Don
I'm thinking of getting some type of 0-6-0 with DCC and maybe with sound. Any sugjestions for brands? Links to the locos?
I don't know of any 0-6-0 with DCCand sound or just DCC . I would go with a Mantua classic 0-6-0 - it is DCC ready with the nine pin plug.
Don
I'll look at K-10's to see if they have any. :)
I would look at the Proto2000 USRA 0-6-0. It is a very nice model, runs well, and IIRC it is either DCC equipped, or DCC ready. A number of railroads received the 0-6-0 during the USRA admistration, so it is a good general purpose switcher. The B&O had bunch of them.
Bachmann also markets a Standard line 0-6-0 with DCC On-Board......but you have to buy it in a set along with an EZ Commander.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=1640 (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=1640)
(http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/image/products/44921.jpg)
Sid
Okay guys, I decided to buy a small diesel switcher engine. It comes with DCC and sound! I'm running the heck out of it with a track cleaning car (track is really dirty) and it sound great, I love it! This is my first sound engine...as I only have two engines...so, I'm off to a good start! ;D
Likewise the Proto USRA 0-8-0, also with sound and DCC. The newer Bachmann USRA 0-6-0s are not bad, but a kitbash will be necessary to have an operating frount coupler - and how can you have a switcher without a front coupler that works?
Gene
I can second the Mantua 0-6-0 The new version from Model Powers re-issue Mantua classics is
a good runner...NO # 393001 Tank Switcher...but i had to add third wheel pickup on the insulated side of the drivers as it was only two wheel pickup on one side and would stall in non powered frog type switches at slow speeds.
Chassis has brass bearings for the axles......quiet smooth can motor drive.Quality little loco.Headlight and rear light, Nice brass swinging bell.
Used a Digitraxx DZ 123 decoder........it gets lost inside the cab.....other decoders (nce) were to long to fit.
Got it for a steal last year at hobby Lobby for $16.66
Jim