Opinions On N Scale PA/PB-1 Locomotives.

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Good evening all,

I was wondering what peoples thoughts, opinions, advice was in regards the various N Scale PA-1 locomotives that have been produced (and the corresponding cabless ‘B’ units). I must admit, I am a bit confused so any advice, corrections, opinions are greatly appreciated.

As I understand it based on my online research, Kato made a PA-1 (and PB-1) for Con-Cor back in the late 1960’s. They were updated with some newer quieter trucks and directional lighting sometime in the 1970’s. I am guessing neither of these would be easy to convert to DCC?

Then it seems Kato and Con-Cor separated, with Con-Cor producing yet another updated reissue of these Alco locomotives in the mid 1990’s. Again, I doubt they would be easy to convert to DCC?

But I also seem to see “newer” looking PA-1’s in the familiar looking current Kato jewel cases and green boxes? Did Kato produce their own or a copy of Con-Cor? If so, would they be DCC freindly/ready?

All of the above mentioned locomotives seem to get good reviews. I don’t own anything Con-Cor, so they are a mystery to me. Are they good, bad, reliable, stout? So, my main question is, which version/copy/release of these PA-1’s should I be aiming for? Right now, we operate on DC, but may opt for DCC in the next year or so. So, I would like the locomotive to be DCC friendly/ready if possible.

As always, thank you for your time, kno

2

I have a Con Cor DL109 , which I believe has the exact same mechanical insides as the PA. from the 70’s. And it runs good for that time , but not up to todays good running locomotives and its packed solid inside so I suspect getting anything in there would not be ez

3

http://www.spookshow.net/locos.html

Details on all the runs from all the providers

4

I purchased a new set of PA1’s about 9 months ago that were made by Kato. I always wanted a set in D&H livery so I couldn’t resist. The price for the set was about $100 if I recall on a special deal from Trainworld.

Very nice locos that only require a drop-in board for DCC that was very easy to do. However changing the couplers to Micro-train wasn’t so easy even with their conversion set.

I can’t comment on the Con-cor versions.

CN Charlie

5

Thanks for the info and the web site guys. As always, great stuff. That new(er) Kato model is what I think I need to aim for.

Happy modeling!

Don.