I’ve decided I’d like to add a mallet to my roster, and am having a tough time deciding between the Life-Like Heritage series, Bachmann, or the Con-Cor/Riverossi model… To me, the Life Like model looks much better than the Con-Cor or the Bachmann models… Im planning on using MRC Prodigy Advance DCC if that makes any kind of difference. My minimum radius will be 16 inches, so curves shouldnt be any problem.
Here is the track plan: http://www.webshots.com/search?query=layout+author%3Ahgt01100+type%3Acommunity&new=1&source=search_results_top
The track located between buildings H1 and H1 will be under a mountain (H1’s are tunnel openings). I most likely will add a siding back there so trains can be run in both directions.
I’m either going to model the PRR, or the N&W (Just started laying track and am accumulating cars and engines). I’m leaning towards the PRR. I’m also planning on running an SD7/9, or an FM trainmaster, and a 0-6-0 steam yard switcher to switch my two main industries, a coal tipple (based on Walthers New River Mine), and an undecided industry based on the DPM woods furniture company structure kit (most likely will be a paper mill, unless someone here has a more prototypical suggestion). If space allows, a hydro/coal powerplant will be added as well.
The time period will be 1945-50, and the layout size is 3’X6’. Off the one side will also be an interchange track (runs off the endge of the table, fictional interchange with the C&O). Off this interchange trach is the lead in for my yard, which will have a turntable, sanding tower, coal tower, water tower, and a 3 stall roundhouse.
Anyways…The detail on the life like looks much better, but it is also much more expensive… I’m leaning towards that one however. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks. Josh
From my experience,Rivarossi locos weren’t that great runners and neither were Bachmann’s outside their Spectrum series.I own a LL Heritage Mallet and I like it much as it is a smooth runner and great looking.However,it is not a great puller as it lacks a little weight to do so.Otherwise,it’s a very good choice in my opinion.
As far as DCC retrofit,I haven’t removed its shell so can’t help you in this matter.
My LL Mallet will pull 34 cars on the flat and 25 on a 2% grade. IMO it is the best running “N” Steamer on the market.
I can’t comment on the Con Cor/ Rivarrossi but I do have an opinion about the other two. I have the Bachmann H-5. It is still fairly new so I don’t have my opinion completely set in concrete. I would gladly have paid another $75 for the Bachmann if they had upgraded a few things. The couplers get a failing grade. They are a real bear to convert. The model could use traction tires. Finally, the engine could and should run much more smoothely. Now, I don’t have the LL mallet butI do have the Berkshire. I am told that the mallet is comparable. If that is true, the LL wins over the Bachmann hands down. The reason I bought the Bachmann H-5 is that I model the C&O and B&O. The LL does not fit in well with either. Also, Bachmann did a beautiful job of decorating the loco. I am hoping that with more break-in time, the loco will improve. I have read that it has an extremely long break- in period. The Life Like may be much more expensive, but in this case, I think it is a case of “You get what you for.”
From what my N scale buds say (I don’t own any N scale articulateds), the LL engine is the best of the three, followed by Bachmann and then Rivarossi. None really pull all that well.
If you’re modelling the Pennsy, the LL engine is the only one that’s correct for them.
Keep in mind that if you’re modelling 1945-1950, SD7, SD9, and TM’s didn’t exist. I’d suggest getting SW switchers and F-units instead.
with the purchase of LL by Walthers, I’d watch the LL site very closely for sales. Many of the MDC locos had heavy discount at som etailers. Search the web to be sure. Don’t forget the LL site itself. THese bargains may be gone if LL/Walt can enforce a higher MSRP policy, or sell LL only thru Walt outlets.
As for mallets, the new LL is probably the best of the 3. Bachmann is good in the Spectrum line only, but they have a spotty quality control. Please try before you buy. THesame caveat applies to old ConCor/rivarossi models.
If you want a real coal hauler, check out the LL FA1/FA2 models. An ABBA set of Alco FA’s will pull a house(35), and the FA2’s pull a large house(40+).
well, I bit the bullet and bought the LL in Pennsy livery. I got it off ebay for 210 shipped, which wasn’t a bad deal. I thought the SD’s were out by 1950…[:(] I’m not a fan of F units, so I’ll have to give it some more though. Might have to switch to a Pacific or a Decapod instead and run fulls team power!![:D]
I was watching a video of N&W in the steam era, and one of the things that struck me was that they had these huge mallets pulling these really short trains…
Josh A: What do you think of the LL mallet? Tell us about the good , thebad and the ugly. Wasn’t there a movie with that name?
It hasent arrived yet, and even if it was here I dont have any track to run it yet but when I do I’ll let you know.
No question, go for a LL Heritage. My wife has one and it’s as smooth as it is beautiful. Better runner than even her 3 remotored Rivarossi and Con-Cor Big Boys. (Though they are fantastic since being remotored!)
I sure hope so, since I bought one… 