How do the Proto 1000 engines compare with the 2000’s?
I’ve spotted a Proto 1000 train set, which includes an RS11 engine, 3 cars, and a caboose, as well as a DC power-pack and an oval of track. The track isn’t useful for me, but I’m considering buying the set for the engine, cars, and power pack.
How might the power-pack perform? I may run 2-3 trains with it. I like low speed operation for coupling/uncoupling with my new kadee’s
This set costs $128, but I could get the engine for $60, the cars for about $50, and an MRC Railpower 1300 for $34 separately.
The Proto 1000 locomotives are supposed to have the same motor & drive train of the 2000’s, so they should run quite well. I’ve heard that the P1000 sets are a good buy…You might ask if they’re going to go on sale after the holidays…
I purchased a Proto 1000 Alco RS-11 earlier this year on ebay …it was an individual locomotive and not in a set, but i was very pleased with it…it runs quite and smoothly without jerky starts and was detailed really well and had lots of details…I don’t know about the ones that come in the sets…usually the set pieces aren’t as detailed as the ones purchased as single units…chuck
The p1k’s have more molded on detail rather than applied detail. Hand rails on the F units for example. I have 2 of the p1K F units and they run great, are well weighted and were and easy DCC conversion.
I have 3 F units and they are very good. I bought them for around $20 at a place that had them 50% off. They run just as well as the Proto 2000’s I have just not as detailed. Still they are a great value. Thye run smoother than the Athearns and are in the same price range most of the time.
I’ve got a Proto1K RS-3 and it runs great. I’ve also got a Proto2K GP-9 that came with a cracked axle (common problem) out of the box. I’m waiting for Walters to get their act together on the LifeLike acquisition so they will start shipping replacement parts.
I just swapped off the couplers for Kadees, something I have to do with all my engines.
Be careful with the set type power pack. Some can barely power 1 locomotive. Look into a Tech4 260 by MRC. I paid less than $50 for it at trainworld’s website. They were a full $30 cheaper than my LHS. If the difference is $10 or less, I’ll buy at the LHS.
I am extremely pleased in how they run & this is from someone who has mostly Athearn units in his fleet.
I also have several P1K freight cars. Excellent value & if you can pick these up in a set, go for it.
The power pack is supposed to be 3VA. I havn’t found any other details about it.
I think if I happen to like the cars it comes with, it’s a good deal, and it IS on sale at the LHS. If I’m not thrilled with the cars, I’ll check into some separate purchases. The same LHS has the engine by itself on sale too.
I think I’ll probably end up with DCC eventually, but not in the next year or so before I put together a larger layout. At that time, I’ll install decoders in the P1K and in an Athearn BB that I already have. The powerpack will be a major upgrade from an old Tyco set that I’m stumbling along with right now. I suspect the one in the set will do me just fine for now. I plan to experiment with blocking and turnout/crossover wiring on DC for a while.
As a bonus, my Athearn is a ConRail, and the new loco is a New Haven. Unless I’m mistaken, both from my area (CT). They should complement each other nicely!
I picked up a Life like 1000 freight set with track, one building and three cars an caboose and power pack for only 30 dollars. The engine and cars all track and run well. Good luck. Phil
