Who seems to have the best OO locomotives, Hornby, bachmann, others? I really like the looks of old European steam locomotives.
I know they run on Ho track so running on my layout is not a problem.
This site has reviews of Lima, Heljan, Hornby and Bachmann and a lot of other info on UK modeling:
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/rolling_stock.htm
Only Hornby and Bachmann have steam locos.
From what I can see, only the Brits run OO/HO. All the other Europeans run true HO. I think.
Trix makes a pile of HO European locomotives. They’re pretty generally fantastic looking, as far as I can see. Generally German and related, 'cause they’re 2-rail Marklin. I’ve even got one of their steam passenger trains that I should run sometime.
Jouef is French. The French also have/had some way-cool locomotives. It’s part of the Hornby line.
It also looks like European HO has put their flanges on a diet, 'cause they look smaller to me than the olden days. But watch out!
You might want to get more specific about WHICH European you’re talking about. The French, Brit and German don’t look at all alike. And then you get still other countries like Spain or Sweden.
And I agree, they are all interesting. I just don’t have the time or money to get diverted from American HO.
Ed
When in England not too long ago, we took a train from Manchester to London for our final leg, an easier way to get there. In the RR station I picked up a terrific model RR magazine. This was after visiting a not to miss RR museum in York the Mallard engine, among others. The magazine got me interested in the options, at least for the longer term.
I may also get hooked as an adjunct to my typical HO UP rolling stock. The Brit steam locos are quite nifty and I can connect to your interests. Glad to see this thread.
I used to get Railway Modeler (British Railways) http://www.pecopublications.co.uk/railway-modeller.html
and Continental Modeler (the rest of the world) http://www.pecopublications.co.uk/continental-modeller.html
at a hobby shop in Sacramento. Both great magazines. Unfortunately they quit carrying them. I considered susbcribing, but neve got around to it. In some ways they are ahead of us in modeling techniques and technology.
Correct
Thanks guys for the info.
I like both German and British prototypes especially steam Engines. There is just something about OO and the European steam engines That I like.
Hi,
For steam locomotives of German prototype, I recommend also Fleischmann and Roco. Fleischmann can be found on ebay at very affordable prices. In most cases Fleischmann locomotives have 3-pole “pancake” motor which can be controlled by ESU 4.0 Lokpilot very nicely. Later they used Buhler motor, first 3-pole, then 5-pole.
For example this is very nice model which runs perfectly (should have Buhler motor):
This one has original Fleischmann 3-pole motor:
This is older version of ROCO DB BR 01 locomotive (some 35 years ago):
I have bought this locomotive in 1981 (with smaller smoke deflectors, version 4119B), and it still runs as on first day, with original motor and gears - practically noiseless.
Later Roco has done several newer versions, with die cast gear box and other improvements, like this one (I have it, it is excellent looking and running model):
I have many Roco and Fle
I love the paint jobs on the British/European steam locos!
FWIW, I have Bachmann’s Hogwarts Express. It was the first HO/OO train I owned. My wife gave it to me for Christmas somewhere around 15 years ago. I have installed a sound decoder and lighting but the front truck constantly derails on turnouts. I have only been able to test it on my workbench on loose track so that could be part of the problem. I have checked the wheel gauge and played with the truck spring. It will have to wait until I have a layout for it to be properly tested and worked on.
Dave
I’m lead to believe that the reason that the Brits went for 00 (4mm: 1’) was because at the time, the electric motors available were too large for the smaller British prototypical loading gauge.
Anyhow some “Britishness” down at the local club.
Cheers, the Bear.[:)]
You should contact Bob Keller of MR’s sister publication Classic Toy Trains for advice on OO, He’s a British railroad fan and runs OO himself.