flywheel equipped N scale locos

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi gang !

i am planning on replacing my poor, tired
20 something yr. old
Model Power RSD-15 with an updated
flywheel equipped loco. Can someone
tell me which brands are NOT ?
( i’m guessing Bachmann for one…?)
am primarily an O scale guy so any suggestions
would be great !
am not so knowledgeable with the newer,
small scale stuff !

complete regards,
driver8

2

Any locomotive made since 1990 (approximate) by Atlas, Kato, LifeLike (made in the past few years), MT, Intermountain, and I think even the newer Bachmann Spectrum line have flywheels (not exactly sure, so someone will need to confirm that). Flywheels seem to be the standard these days in N-scale locos.

3

Thanks for the info, MAbruce !

driver8

4

Ahhh, I don’t know about them being standard. . . I don’t think the standard LifeLike (http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/trains/nscalecars/nscalelocos.htm) engines have flywheels–I have one from the mid-90’s that doesn’t, anyway. I’d be careful with the standard Bachmann and LifeLike lines (usually around $30 or so in stores). Not necessarily bad engines, but not nearly as smooth or quiet as higher-end ones. Bachmann Spectrum, LifeLike Proto N (http://www.lifelikeproducts.com/proto/nlocoarchive/nlocoarchive.htm), Kato, Atlas, I think Athearn, etc. should all be more expensive, but will have the flywheels and other goodies (heavy frames, nice lights, etc).

5

I didn’t catch that caveat. Maybe they’ve started putting them in lately. The list on their website of $50 (compared to the standard Bachmanns listing on Bachmann’s site for $30) would indicate they may have made some improvements.

6

Newer LifeLike production GP20, GP18, etc have split/frame flywheels similar to Atlas/Kato units. Your RSD15 is a candidate for a rebuld, perhaps the shell may fit on an Atlas630.
The Lifelike Fa cab units are also very good and are also good haulers. I’m begining to hear mixed results on their Berk steamer. The Atlas forum is a good place to check out this expensive dud.

7

I have two standard Life Like N scale locos, and both have flywheels. I think anything recent by Life Like has flywheels. That is not the case with Bachmann standard product.

8

Thanks for all of the further, everyone-,
Wdlgln005, when you say a
‘candidate for a rebuild’, are
there ‘chasis only’ Atlas’ available,
and if so , where?

perhaps a foolish ? , but as
i’ve stated previously, i’m nowhere near
as familiar with N as i am with O gauge.
am guessing i would really notice a difference
with flywheels, as none of my HO gauge
loco’s, (25+ years old!) have them either.
[yes, i’m addicted to ALL scales of these dang things!]
but SURE is FUN!!!

appreciate everyones patience, and help ! am sure
it’ll be ongoing…
'ya know i remember way back in 9th grade, a bunch
of years ago… they were telling us , “someday everyone
will have a computer in their homes, and be able to
access ALL kinds of information”… yea, right…(!!!)
most definitely an awesome
thing to be able to gain knowledge from people like
you all that read and respond !!! THANK YOU.

we still live in the BEST country in the world.
God Bless…

driver8
IOWA, USA !!!

9

From what I understand, LL’s first flywheel loco was the SD7 made in the mid 90’s. I have a pair of these and they are pretty nice - especially for the clearance prices they are going for these days. Their first GP20 run was simply outstanding, and is on par with anything Atlas or Kato made. Add to this that a certain on-line retailer was clearing them out at $15 a pop a couple years ago. Now their second GP20 run is out and it’s a bit pricier.