Hi all, I am a new member here, and I am new to modle railroading. I would like to get a engine or a set in “n scale” that has the smoking stack does the n scale have one like that with maybe a light to?
Thanks!
I don’t recall offhand if anyone ever made an N scale loco with smoke capability. In any case, that’s not something I’d advise as the smoke residue can get all over everything. That being said, most N scale locos come with working headlights. I’d advise sticking with a manufacturer like Atlas or Kato for your initial purchases. Micro-trains makes excellent freight cars.
Caveat: I’m in HO, although I have a modest amount of N scale equipment. I’m pretty sure that serious N scalers can offer more advice (not to mention better).
Andre
I’ve been an N scaler since the '70’s and you nailed it buddy!
No smoking loco’s, and you probably really don’t want that anyways, and lights are on most loco’s.
Also, ask around here about what loco’s and equipment that you’re interseted in before you buy. There’s some really good loco’s out there, and some really bad ones. We won’t steer you wrong.
So, I take it you’re interested in a steam loco?
Hello RMS, and welcome to the forum.
I’ve been an N scaler for about twenty years now, and like the others have said there’s no such thing as a smoking steam loco. However, if you should come across one it would mean that it has some serious problems and is probably about to burst into flames…
My suggestions for steam locos would be Spectrum, Atlas or Kato. As for rolling stock, I’d say anything that you like as long as the couplers are compatable. But I would strongly advise against buying any train sets. They’re usually composed of the cheapest junk the company that produces them has to offer.
Good luck to you.
Tracklayer
Welcome,
The other guys are right in that, most N scale sets are pretty cheap. I would suggest that if you are going to get into the hobby seriously, look at Life-Like Heritage steamers and Bachmann Spectrum. Also, ConCors 2-10-2 is a nice loco with lots of pulling power. But the most important thing to consider now is this, if you get into trains like a “fever” as most of us do, you will be seduced by DCC sooner or later. Do yourself a favor and spend the few extra bucks now and by your units with decoders. N scale steam engines are very hard to convert to DCC.
You can tell if some guys are Horribly Oversize when they suggest LifeLike steamers. In Normal scale, the LL’s look good but they don’t pull much. Getting a LL Berk from Walthers is a good deal for a DC unit. Bring your questions over to the Atlas Forum or TrainBoard where N scalers get together to find the best Nscale locos.
Bachmann’s Spectrum line can be very good. The new Jclass N&W Northern may be the best. The 2-8-0’s can be very good. The rest are all try before you buy. Bachmann’s can have a bad QC problem if they don’t run.
For a newbie, I’d suggest an Athearn/MDC 2-8-0. The 2-6-0 s/b released sometime this year. You can get a great set of Overton or Overland passenger cars or some old time 1880’s era freight cars. Keep your eyes open for the Athearn Challenger.
Amother choice may be a Model Power steamer. If you get a new issue with TT installed & improved tender pickup, you may have a real winner. MP has had a sharp learning curve in doing steamers that run & pull as good as they look.
Kato makes a 2-8-2 Mikado. A new issue s/b out this summer.
Good news from Athearn. The 2-6-0 has been announced for release in July. Athearn has done a good job in upgrading & updating the MDC units. They also make 2 sets using Bachmann EZ track with an Athearn controller. OOTB they make very fine steamers. TT on the last axle helps with pulling ability.
If you can find one, a LL set with a Little Joe 0-6-0T steamer can be very good for a small unit. Paint it blue if you want something to resemble Thomas.
My advice to you would be to find a hobby shop that will let you run anything before you buy it. This way you can make your own decision based on personal expierience. Make sure that if you plan to run on grades, that where you test also has the equivalent in uphill pulls.
I would not limit myself to any one brand, as there significant differences in units in a specific model run as far as performance is concerned. This goes for diesel as well as steam, although the consistency in manufacture is better in diesel.
With the exception of the Kato 2-8-2, I will not purchase a steam locomotive sight unseen without the assurance of being able to return it for a refund or (tested) like product.
I would not rule out offerings from Atlas, LifeLike, ConCor or Bachmann until you have a chance to see and hear them run with a load behind them. As a novice in the hobby, you should be looking for slow speed operation, pulling ability, smooth throttle response, noise, appearance and upgrade-ability to DCC. Only you can determine what is acceptable as far as what you spend your money on. Any respectable hobby shop will help you with your selection by demonstrating anything they have in stock. Plan on going to several shops before making a decision as to what you purchase.
If you are on the fence as far as DCC goes, Look at this link for the process of installing DCC decoders in various locomotives: http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/ They are a bunch of folks who take the time to inform anyone of their expieriences in model railroading, and are a very valuable resource as far as DCC conversions are concerned. Take some time and explore what they have to offer as far as information goes.
The onset of smoke pouring from an N-Scale locomotive, whether steam or otherwise, is usually immediately followed by an exclamation of “OH, S^$^%&^&)()(^'” A locomotive that smokes is not behaving in the manner for which it was designed.
There have been a few exceptions over the years but smoking locomotives are not usually associated with scale modeling but rather with toy trains.
There is a vintage smoking Arnold Y6B currently on ebay. It came with a Seuthe smoke generator installed. This is a collector piece really and not something to start out with.
I agree with the other guys, you are better off starting off with the quality stuff and could easily spend $200.
If you want an inexpensive starter set under $75, a Life Like Yardmaster with SW switcher is a good choice. The Life Like SW has a good drive, good detail, and can be easily converted to knuckle couplers. Another good starter set is a Bachman Yard Boss with Pennsy style 0-6-0 steam switcher (not the 0-6-0 saddle tanker). The switcher is a good runner. It is popular with N scalers and gets upgraded. If you watch sales at Hobby Lobby you can get a set for around $40.00.