Why is there in N-scale no decent F40PH ( and derivatives) on the market? ATLAS could make them easy .
Because it has not come to the top of any of the manufactures’ to do lists.
These lists are based on thier preferences and estimated market demand.
I am quite sure that any of them would be happy to move it to the top of thier list for $500,000 - up front; which is roughly what they gamble with each new locomotive.
I thought Lifelike did an N-scale F40PH? I know there was one available under the “Model Power” brand a few years ago - it wasn’t a bad runner, though the proportions looked a little odd.
A few years back someone (Lifelike, Bachmann?) offered an Amtrak F40 in N scale. What you can do is check on e-bay or post an e-mail “want ad” on e-bay or even on these threads. If you find an F40 in halfway decent condition, you could update it with a quality motor like a Mashima. (The older Lifelike & Bachman motors weren’t very smooth running).
Life-Like currently produces an Amtrak F40PH in N scale – I received one for Christmas. It is just ‘standard’ Life-Like, not P1K or P2K, but I have been very happy with it. It has a fairly detailed shell and runs smoothly and quietly.
Edited to add…
My F40PH was purchased from www.hobbylinc.com - I have also seen it at www.discounttrainsonline.com .
[:)]
I own an “n” scale F40PH from Life-Like wich was part of a set,powered,dummy and a caboose.A smooth runner though not very strong…
KATO did it ! A decent F40PH at last.
Thanks KATO!!!
Yup. Once Kato starts doing an engine in HO they will usually do it in N soon after.(or the other way around, N to HO) In this case it was the F40PH.
If you find you can’t afford the Kato, than Life-Like’s N scale F40 is a good one too. (5 pole skewed motor, all wheel drive and electrical pickup, TONS of weight, decent detailing)
Some of the new Kato’s appear to have a packaging problem. Check with your LHS. Kato is aware of the problem & will replace with GOOD units.
It appears somebody dropped the crate of locos, causing the drivetrain to become loose.
LifeLike had the only good unit on the market. Atlas has a policy not to do similar units to another mfr’s product.
Sometimes it pays to be patient. I too, waited a long time for either Kato or Atlas to bring out the F40PH. I refrained from buying the LifeLike because it didn’t have good detailing and the drive is not as good as a Kato or Atlas. By the month’s end a pair will be pulling a long passenger train on my layout.
Cliff