Cheap, good running n-scale engines?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

This is going to seem a bit foolish but after a 10 year absence from active nodel railroading I have risen from the armchair and built (mentioned an another thread here) an N-Scale version of the Denver and South Park layout from 101 layouts by Wescott (Kalmbach). The problem is that I have NO running power that will work on this and look right. the only “new” power I have is…

  1. A lifelike E unit in Rock Island that works beautifully but looks ridiculous in the tight curves. As do the full length streamliner cars that go with it.
  2. A Bo Kato Steeplecab that stalls out in most of my switches (none Kato of course).

EVERYTHING else in the motive power department is from the 60’s 70’s and 80’s and reads like that recent MR list of N-Scale locomotives that are (correctly) mentioned as HORRIBLE runners and no power at all. And Bachmann Brill and PCC and Model Power Trolleys that have long ceased to run.

What I need is a few suggestions of the cheapest good runners in SHORT locomotives that wont look too foolish on this layout.

Thanks for your suggestions
Doug, in Utah

2

I would have to suggest looking at what Atlas has to offer. I have a number of Atlas loco’s and they consistently run great. Atlas also has one of the broadest varieties of loco’s and paint schemes around in N scale. Kato are also great runners, but come in less variety. They are a great choice if custom painting is an option for you. If you are looking for and out-of-the-box paint scheme, however, I would check out Atlas.

Ron

3

Lifelike’s SW1200 is a great runner and affordable. A good engine for small layouts.

4

Thanx
was at the Hobby Stop today and saw some inexpensive Lifelike that rann very well on the test track, but the Atlas were from 65 dollars and up for gorgeous trains. if spending BIG BUCKS will buy Kato for running and reliability

5

I have purchased several Life-Life GP18’s from Modelexpoinc.com. I got them for $20.00 a piece…with a Bachmann building kit. They run very well for the money…nice and quiet…and can pull alot of freight cars…

Mike Cassidy

6

I have a new Life-Like BL-2 which was inexpensive and runs very well. Make sure that you get newer BL-2 and not one of the older ones.

7

I have a Life Like Alco PA that runs excellent, very smooth, with heavy weight it can pull a large passenger train. Using a powerful adaptor helps out too! Also Life Like’s SW1200 is an excellent switcher that can crawl around the track very slowly, like no other, well worth the price. I like Atlas too, but they are mid-priced. The Atlas 8-40 units are very powerful for their size, great units and worth the price. It’s like they say, you get what you pay for.
Pete