I’ve toyed with the idea of doing a small continuous run layout to see some early diesels/ late steam pull some long(er) trains, but my last N-scale experience was a bit disappointing. Are they better today than 15-20 years ago?
Many Thanks;
smyers
Today’s N scale locos are indeed much better than 20 years ago,no doubt.Just stick with the better brands (Kato,Atlas,Bachmann’s Spectrum line,Life-Like Proto series) and you won’t be disappointed.However,if you go the bottom price route,then you expose yourself to occasional disappointment.I guess I’m lucky,but I never had a lemon yet,even with the cheaper brands.
There’s a world of difference in the quality of N scale locos as compared to what was available 20 years ago. I got into N back in 1983 and the selection was pretty slim, and the quality was not good. I was out of the hobby for years due to work, moves, etc. Got back in a couple of years ago, again in N, and I can’t believe the improvement in operability, selection, and general quality. Night and day.
Ed
They have indeed improved massively. I’ve only owned one early US-outline N loco (one of the 5-axle C-Liners with drive on the front truck only, via a vertically-mounted motor, not sure of the manufacturer though). This thing was somewhat awful due to having to drag its unpowered rear truck - it could either run fast or stop!
Having said that, I do have a Con-Cor F3 from the '70s that I picked up second hand at my LHS - this has a Fleischmann chassis and runs superbly, though the body moulding is a little distorted (nose looks “squashed” and the bodyshell looks too wide). It would seem that so long as you stick to locos with magnetic knuckle couplers factory fitted you will find good ones - these couplers seem to be a mark of the higher-end equipment from what I’ve seen. Lifelike seem to produce decent locos as well - I have an E7 and a couple of GP38-2s which are very smooth and quiet (E7 needs servicing as it’s “surging” rather than running steadily at the moment - was superb when I first got it). I can also say good things about Bachmann’s Dash 8-44CW - mine runs quietly and smoothly, though it lacks weight and therefore haulage ability - looks the part though. Currently trying to figure out where to add lead ballast - there’s little or no room inside the bodyshell (guess that’s why it’s so light!)
N scale locomotives are much better than 10-20 years ago. The split frame brought out by Atlas/Kato on their RS3 continues today. Body mount couplers eliminate the buck tooth look to the pilots. A standard coupler box makes conversion to MTL much easier. i’d suggest you build your fleet from these
- Atlas.Their Baldwin switcher seems to be the only error. Many models DCC equipped. Accumate couplers not as good as MTL.
- Kato They should release more models suited to the North American market.
- LifeLike. Their new split frame design continues this trend.
- FT’s from Intermountain or MTL
For steamers, you could add MDC or Bachmann Spectrum to this list.
Thanks very much, everyone, that helps a lot. I wonder if any of the first generation road switchers would make really good switching engines, like my HO scale Kato Alco RS-2. That engine is smoother than Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Many Thanks;
smyers
I have been modeling in N scale for the last twenty years and believe me there is a vast difference. The locos have better motors to ensure smooth running (almost all use 5 pole with brass fly-wheels) and the detailing have impoved tremendously. If you stick to Kato and Atlas you wouldn’t be disappointed.
I just started modeling ‘N’ about 6 months ago, but I’ve been very happy with my locomotives. I have 2 Life Like standard and 1 Kato. You get what you pay for. The Kato is outstanding. But my Life Like locomotives have never given me any problem (except for when I dropped one and the trucks went out of gauge), and the detailing and operation is actually quite good considering the low cost.
[:)]
To be more specific, in a 1st generation locomotive fleet, you could look for the following:
Lifelike split-frame EMD GP20, GP18, BL2, SW, Alco FA1 & FA2
Big debate over the Lifelike F9 whatever. Some good results from swapping the shell with GP 18-20 guts
Atlas EMD GP 7-9, SD 7-9 Alco RS 1-3, Trainmaster,
Kato F3
Intermountain or MTL FT
We clearly need more Funits & small switchers to be produced.
For steamers, there seems to be some good news from new Bachmann models. The Atlas Mogul is a little gem. I bet the shay will be as good.