I’d like to get a modernized 4-4-0 American type locomotive in HO scale but I’ve realized after looking around a bit that most of them avalible seem little more than toys. Does anyone make a good quality (say BLI quality) American?
Cheers!
~METRO
Bachmann is going to release a modern 4-4-0 in their Spectrum line this October.[:D] It will hopefully be a very nice model of its prototype.[:D]
http://bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=1690
I checkouted out the web page and the picture is a nice looking American style engine, but the price is $240 list?? And it is does not list it as having sound.
The discounts will have to be extremely large to get these off the shelves.
The latest micro-Mark catalog has a pre order price of $130-$140. The add says it’s “DCC equipted” ( page 101) sale on June 14-Sept 12 Jerry
I also don’t like the fact that it only comes with DCC, I’ve got decoders laying around and would rather pay for a DC engine. I agree though that $240 is steep for not having sound in an engine that small. Then again the P2K 0-6-0 is $225 for the basic DC version.
Actually I found the perfect one, too bad it’s only made in N-scale by Model Power haha.
Cheers!
~METRO
I’ve got a 4-4-0 American, DC only. It run quite well, when I can keep the tender wheels clean. (loco-tender pick-up, the motor is in the tender). It is made by Bachmann. I got it from Walther’s. Mine came with a McHenry coupler. Here’s the link to it.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-51124
oooo! that’s the first time i’ve seen the drawing of the prototype and i think i need one !
How does this Athearn/Roundhouse compare? It has DCC w/ sound for $150.
http://www.firsthobby.com/store1/Product.asp?ProductID=RND84504&SN=2006062819122640
4-4-0, Baltimore & Ohio #883 (With Decoder & Sound) (Roundhouse Series)
Manufacturer: Athearn Product #:RND84504
List Price: $224.98 First Hobby Price: $151.89
IHC makes (made) one–typical complaint about IHC–one prototype fits all. Mine is my best runner, including BLI and Atlas diesels . I can pull four cars smoothly across a 9"straight section of track without a shred of hesitation in 18 seconds. Although not DCC ready, the installation is straight-forward in the tender. IHC seems to have stopped selling them ,although they are around new at shows for around $50.
Painted for Hogwarts Freight and Ferry Now it only runs at open houses at the club. I wish I hadn’t done that. My kids lost interest just after I painted it for them and I could have used it on the Redwood Empire.
I’ve been drooling waiting for the Roundhouse 4-4-0 to come out. It’ll save me a lot of time reworking the IHC Jupiters. Did I mention I love sound?
yeah the roundhouse looks good too . now i’m waiting for actual photos of the models to decide which to buy
Hm… are we getting to the point that only well heeled hobbiests can afford model rr’ing?
What has happened to kit locomotives? They might have been generic but with a little detail part here and there plus a bit of twiking… you have a personalized loco.
Everything RTR…too bad.
Gordon…boomer44
look guys! from time to time generic lines of every steam configuration has been presented to the model railroading public and how many are here today?! The problems are exorbinant production costs and lack of general support. I find these offerings at RR shows much later, much cheaper! These are great offerings but Im not biting as I get a *** out of detailing my own and making it look real! These 4-4-0s that are presented look good and may represent a specific engine or be generic as to class but no self-respecting shop forman kept them the same and retained his position very long. I still like F.E.D.`s for GODS sake![:o)][censored][tdn]
I’m almost sure the Athern with DCC & sound is the old MRC 4-4-0 that was offered in kit form , probably in the 60s or 70s . It may have some added detail parts & ,I hope , a new drive system. If you want one without DCC so you can add a sound decoder look for a MRC one at a train show or ebay.
Nope. The engine is 100% pure Roundhouse. They offered it as a kit just before they were bought by Athearn (I think it was their second to last new item, the newest being the critter, which I think actually hit the stores right AFTER Athearn signed the check)
Look at the boiler: it’s their “old timer” 2-8-0/2-6-0 boiler, as is the cab and tender. The lead truck is off their Atlantic, as are the drivers. The only thing new about the engine is the frame.
Old MDC engines were easy to kitbash, and you could probably find the parts on Ebay to kitbash one of these engines yourself for well under Athearn’s new MSRP.
I prefer the looks of the new Athearn engine over that of the Bachmann (which is too small for a class one mainline engine). Unfortunately, I model 1949, so I really don’t have a use for one.
OPS ! I did mean MDC ( model Diecasting CO ) AKA Roundhouse & not MRC.I believe the rest of my statement is correct.
I have a Bachmann Jupiter and consider it fine for $55.99, altho it’s part plastic, it’s a good runner. If you want top line Precision Scale Co. makes an incredibly detailed Golden Spike set (2 locos) which has been on eBay ranging from about $1400 to $2000. I’ve seen an ad for Mt. Models (Precision’s cheaper diecast division but still great) listing a 4-4-0 for future production. Anyone else interested in modeling 19th cent. early steam (earlier, better)? Would like to correspond.
The AUG. 1997 issue of MR has a review of the IHC 4-4-0.
Evening gentlemen,
Someone mentioned the Model Power N 4-4-0 earlier. I have one of those. Beautiful machine, decorated for the Southern RR. One problem the little engine can’t! Can’t pull its own weight up 2% inclines mcuh less pull two overton passenger cars. I’ve talked with Model Power/Mantua service techs and sales and my tech guys at the Little Choo Choo Shop in Spencer, NC. No one knows of a way to get this little engine to pull with out slipping its big drivers.
Can anyone help me? I don’t want to make this engine a shelf display or put it in lash-up with bigger 2-8-0’s or RS2’s.
Thanks
Fascinated to see this topic.
My interest in North American modelling began recently on one of my regular trips to Canada. Reading up on the history and finding just how important a role the 4-4-0 locomotive played I was surprised to find that, in spite of visiting every model shop I could find (quite a hardship you understand), no-one could supply me with a decent HO model of one.