I think mine was when I got my second AKANE Missabe Yellowstone (used) by mail from a hobby shop back in Maryland. It came to California the second day after I’d ordered it. I was running around the house like a ten-year old, couldn’t wait to get it to the garage. It was out of the box and pulling a train before I even thought to break it in, I was THAT excited. That was 2 years ago. I was 62 and the neighbors all thought I’d taken leave of my senses.
Tom
For me it was Bachmann China DF-4B. Excellent performance, Kato-like really, and it weights quite a bit. Was really surprised to get this kind of quality from Spectrum line.
My BLI heavy Mikados. I like steam, like sound, and think the heavy mikes are really good looking locomotives. IMO, the BLI mikes are excellent.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins
That would be my first one, a Sunset brass N&W J, many, many moons ago. I still have it, and it is still my favorite. Have to admit I can hardly wait for that BLI J though. Love that whistle.
I noticed you are listed for Carmichael. I am in Auburn and just noticed. Do you go to Bruce’s or Railroad Hobbies in Roseville?
I have to smile when I looked at your choices for I too like the M4’s. I went to Duluth three years ago and in the Musuem there, mounted on rollers is one of the last M4’s that ran in late 1959 or 60. If you pu***he button on the wall, it will power up and run slowly for about one minute by electric motors but with actual sound from large speakers. I was there for two hours on a slow week day, and I stood at the button and ran that engine many times over and over.
You would certainly enjoy seeing it if you have not been there. They also have one at Procter outside on display and one more that I can’t place at this time.
When I was about ten and my mom bought me an Athearn SW-7 at a hobby shop in Memphis. At that age I was fascinated by the handrails and switcher body. I had grown bored of the carbodies on the f-units.
It’s a toss-up between my pair of Bachmann Spectrum F40PHs and my pair of Walthers Trainline GP-15s, for almost the same reason. My pair of Bachmann Spectrum F40PHs, because HOPEFULLY I’ll be the only person to model the Maine Eastern F40PHs.As for the GP-15s, because I’m PROBABLY the only person to model Safe Handling Rail Inc’s GP-15-1s leased from Locomotive Leasing Partners Inc (LLPX). I like to be unique! [dinner]
Right now its CSX SD80 By Kato. Not only is it the nicest looking in my collection it is so smooth and quiet, and you cant beet the cool blue head light. Joe A.
It would have to be my Kato Amtrak P42 Genesis. I love Amtrak passenger trains, and this locomotive was the first ‘quality’ locomotive I’d ever purchased.
The Mich-Cal Shay #2 by PFM. It was my first HO shay, I still have it, and I still marvel over its Swiss watch precision like running and construction. I am addicted to geared engines and many have come and gone, but this one remains.
Kevin
probably my P2K GP60 in NS colors. bought it off ebay last week monday, got it this monday, the thing runs so smooth and quiet. the only way i can tell that its running is when its strung to some cars and they cross the turnout. otherwise i probably wouldn’t hear it at all.
It’s a toss up between my Allegheny, FEF-3 and P2K C&O Kanawha 2-8-4. But when all is said and done I’d go with the 2-8-4 as it runns the smoothest and slowest. It will be the first of the three to go DCC.
For me it is my Kato GP-35. I sat in awe for hours as it ran around the layout. I left it undecorated for a year because I was afraid to mess with it. I couldn’t believe the quality difference between it and my Athearn blue box GP-35. The LED lights really captured my attention.
It now lives as Chessie C&O 3520. I’m looking for another to paint in B&O blue.