This review is on Grandt Line’s HO scale GE 25-Ton Critter kit, which is also available in narrow gauge.[:D]
Of all the powered non-brass models in HO scale, this has to be one of the smallest of all. Measuring at only 2 1/4" long, it’s less than half the size of most two-truck switchers in HO, and is much better scaled than many other 4-wheeled critters in HO scale (especially the old ones still offered by Model Power). The detail is very accurate and finely-scaled, and matches prototype photos very well. The major plastic parts are finely molded, and fit together almost seamlessly (except for the hood, which needed some extra sanding on top). The handrails, lift-bars, and grab irons, which make up most of the detail, are close to a scale 1" in thickness, rather than the 1.75" scale detail in most kits. The cab has a fully detailed interior, and an engineer (or DCC decoder) can be fit inside. That pretty much covers the details.
The kit is made almost entirely from plastic, and the only metal is in the motor, wheels, and detail wire. Most of the parts are quality styrene, but the mechanical parts and finer details are more durable acetal. Most of the kit can be put together with liquid plastic cement, but super-glue should be used for the acetal parts. The parts have little flash, and clean up very easily. The only part that gave me trouble was the right-side window frame, which was destroyed beyond use in the end. The part represents the sliding windows in their closed position, so leaving it off for an open window is still realistic. Grandt Line gives very good instructions, and assembly goes very smoothly as long as they’re followed. The most tedious part of assembly was cutting and gluing the cle
There is a company (I forget the name) that can successfully make a one time lost wax brass casting of the shell. You sacrifice the styrene shell - gets burned off - to make the mold. Cost was on the order of $100 a couple of years back. It does add some weight to the model (and triples the cost).
Yes, this little critter is a gem. But perhaps I have it not properly built and tuned. So I’ve used another driving unit. Now it runs with light and sound!
The Bull Ant is definitely a better quality drive unit than the stock Grandt Line, and allows more room inside for electronics and weight. A Flea with an additional gearbox would work well too. But for the price, the GL drive is a lot better than the similarly priced Model Power switchers![:D] Your work on that little Critter is extremely impressive.
I’d like to try one of the Wiseman Models 15-Ton Mack kits eventually. They’re all metal, so weight shouldn’t be a problem like with these. I’ve heard NWSL is developing a drive unit for them, but if they don’t, I’ll have to see what I can figure out!
