Newbie N Scale Recommendations

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello, just starting out and want to build a simple N layout for learning.

  1. Any inexpensive but good engines out there? Maybe even a small switcher? Really don’t want to drop $75+ for a test track engine.

  2. I have been looking MRC and Atlas power units. Should I start with a single unit (~$40) or do they have one’s that handle multiple lines?

I want to build a small switching layout for play.

Thanks
-DharmaOne

2

Consider buying used, if your local hobby shop (LHS) carries this. I have bought used Kato’s and Atlas with great success. A cheaper but good switcher is Life Like’s sw9/12.

Power pack… go MRC. Again if you can get one used, buy it, this will save you money. Just try it out in the shop.

3

Welcome to N-scale! I recently return to the hobby after 15 years, and basically had to start over. For me, Life Like was a real budget saver. For a small switching layout, I think a SW9/1200 or a GP20 would work nice. I own a GP20 and it’s a great runner with a good slow speed range. I’ve heard great things about the SW9/1200 too. You should be able to pick either up for under $40. Try ebay.

There is a website I consult when looking over engines which reviews most all the N-scale engines:

http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/locos.html

MRC makes the best powerpacks. You can’t really go wrong with them.

Hope this helps.

4

I agree with Bruce that Life Life GP20 is a very smooth runner and I dare say a tad slower then my Atlas GP7s…I own 2 of the SW1200s,great little switchers…Another good buy.Check some of the internet shops and you can usually order 2 engines for the full price of 1 unit…

I have also found some great buys on the Atlas GP7. Less then $50.00 excluding shipping.Again shop around…

5

Bruce,

I tried the web site you mentioned. What a hoot! Great information but a little dated.

6

I own 4 of the Life-Like SW9/1200 switchers and have found them to be wonderfull little units. These units were Life-Like’s first attempt at getting into the higher quality market and was quite suscessfull. Their GP20 was next then some Alco products. They kept getting better and are now right with Atlas and Kato in quality and they cost less. As far as powerpacks go the MRC line enjoys a wonderful reputation and having used their tech support I feel they are the best. I own an Atlas unit too (retired) and it is good too but the MRC line gives you way more choices and like I stated their tech support is wonderful.