I ordered a loco online from kato and was very pleased with what i got . It was a HO SD40-2 with dcc and sound. I’m looking to order another loco online but kato’s selection is fairly limited. Could someone tell me where to order locos online with dcc and sound other than Kato . Im really wanting a SD70mac or something of that nature. Also as a side note who do you think makes the best quality Ho Diesel locomotives ? Thanks.
www.modeltrainstuff.com or www.onlinetrains.com
Pretty tough to beat a Kato for the price. Just my [2c]
That is going to be the situation with KATO - limited, very limited. BLI has produced SD40-2’s but the reviews and opinions have been mixed. I have to say, Athearns recent offerings of SD’s have been quite nice in terms of details and paint jobs, especially for a modest price. Its true, Athearn isn’t offering those models with DCC and sound (unless you talk about the Genesis SD45-2 for example), so you will need to install your own sound decoder and speakers. The Athearns won’t run like a KATO but with some break in they should run well.
The best quality overall I’d say are Atlas, with KATO, Proto2000 and Athearn Genesis right up there. Proto 2000 (now owned by Walthers) most recent models have improved but they have a very hefty price associated with them. KATO have always had the best chassis (save the infamous earler run SD40-2’s) and they run the best, but they fall a little short in details, hand rails and paint jobs compared to other brands these days. Atlas have the over all best in terms of chassis, detail and paint. The newest diesels are outstanding and more of them now come in DCC/Sound versions such as the new GP40-2’s.
I’ve had great success with both M.B. Klein (www.modeltrainstuff.com) and Trainworld (www.trainworld.com.) Both of these places feature “blowout” prices on discontinued items, so if somebody has made too many of an engine, it might end up in your hands for a great price.
I have quite a few Proto engines. I’ve been very happy with them. I’ve put my own sound in most, but I’ve also bought one with factory sound. My steamers also came with sound, one from Proto and one from Broadway Limited.
I am very satisfied with www.firsthobby.com
Ask to speak with Paul or Heather. Very knowlegeable and they have not missed any of my advance reservations yet.
Chris