Greetings,
Getting into HO scale (still have O scale). Want to do a NYC based layout. What are the good running NYC steam and diesels for HO scale. I know some of what to stay away from. But how is BLI, Riverossi hudsons, and some of the others?
Thanks
Craig
(interlaces fingers and forces hands away, everted, until the knuckles crack…)
Weelllll, lesseee…a really great bargain, if they’ll still honour it, is the Trix NYC Mike 2-8-2 from Tony’s Train Exchange. The Loksound decoder is dated, but it is nice sound. You can always yank it in favour of a medium steam Tsunami decoder…you are going to use DCC control, aren’t you?
The Broadway Imports Limited (BLI) 4-8-4 Niagara is not too shabby, neither.
Finally, again with BLI, try trainworld.com in NYC for their NYC J1d/e Hudson 4-6-4 locomotive. The price is near 60% of MSRP.
Diesels, sorry, make me out of my element.
NYC Diesels can be had from Athearn,Atlas,Walthers P1K/P2K and Stewart…
NYC steam? Lessee…
The Proto 2000 0-8-0 (NYC U-3 class) is an absolute gem.
There are many decent USRA light 2-8-2s (class H-6) on the market. My favorite are the BLI and Trix.
BLI has a USRA heavy 2-8-2 (H-9 class).
BLI is coming out with an NYC 4-8-2 (L-4 class).
Bachmann makes an OK NYC 4-8-4 (S-1 class)
BLI makes a very nice NYC 4-6-4 (J-3 class).
Finally, Bowser makes a decent metal kit for a NKP K-11 class 4-6-2.
So between these engines, you’ve got quality switchers, general-purpose freight, high-speed freight, and passenger steam available for the NYC. About the only thing we’re missing are the three most widely seen engines on the NYC, the B-10/11 class 0-6-0, the H-5 2-8-2, and the L-2 class 4-8-2.
Craig,
First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard [:)] And greetings fellow NYC modeler! [:)][tup]
Below are some of my suggestions for good running NYC models:
Steam
Crandell has already mentioned the Trix 2-8-2 Mike. Terrific locomotive and smooth runner! 6-12 months ago they were dumping them right and left on eBay. It’s going to be a little more difficult to find one now. There are two Trix NYC Mikes: The #1883 and the #1890. As Crandell stated, Tony’s may still have some in stock.
BLI has a slightly less expenisve but equally nice Mike. They also came out with the Niagara and the Hudson. (I believe the Hudson is in it’s 2nd/3rd run now. I should also mention that BLI is scheduled to come out with an L-4a & b 4-8-2 Mohawk near the end of the year. Can’t wait…
Yet another one is the Athearn Genesis Mike. Not as nice as the Trix and BLI Mikes and a bit light on pulling but it is a smooth runner. You can pick up one of these off eBay for a pretty good price.
The Proto 2000 NYC 0-8-0 switcher is a real sweetie. Beautiful detail and it crawls like mad. If you pick one up, make sure you get one from the 2nd run.
Lastly, I’d stay away from the Rivarossis. To me, they are just too hit and miss.
Diesels
For a real bargain, the Proto 2000 Alco S1 is a very nice switcher. Regular a $110 locomotive, both M.B. Klein and Trainworld.com have it for $25 & $30, respectively. (Don’t know if they still have any NYCs left or not.)
Stewart has some ver
THanks guys.
How about cabooses? Anyone make a correct caboose (bay window or wood sided) in HO scale?
Thanks
Craig
Craig,
Off the shelf: Probably the closest one you’ll find is the Trix 19000 series NYC caboose. Tain’t cheap. Prices run $35-$40. After it came out, MR did a segment on how to correct a few of the errors on it. Still, a nice looking model.
Walthers NYC cabooses are nice. However, the trucks bind slightly on the inside corner of the side stairs when going around sharper (<22" radius) curves. You can trim the inside corner of the stairs with an X-acto knife. Even so, it doesn’t completely eliminate the problem. My Walthers 46’ gondolas have the same problem.
Supposedly the newer Gold Line series cars have been retooled to address this issue. I haven’t heard from anyone to determine if this is true or not, or whether the binding is still a problem.
Tom
Atlas offered an NYC wooden-sided caboose last fall. I ordered one, and believe it was presented to me at the counter on Vancouver Island, at my LHS, for the princely sum of CDN$15. Check with an etailer like internethobbies.com or modeltrainstuff.com, or even Atlas, themselves. A very nice caboose, too.
This is the little darlin’ being shoved across the trestle, upgrade. Sorry I don’t have a closer image for you.
I have a 1984 TENSHODO Niagara and a 1985 KEY/ Mizuno Dreyfuss Hudson, and both of these run extremely well. They are hard to find, but currently a Hudson is for sale on ebay.