My favorite is Atlas, second is Kato, which do you all think are the best runners and last the longest?
i like Kato’s but Atlas and Genesis are nice
Is your questionnaire limited to diesel?
If not what about the Trix Big Boy & the up-graded Rivarossi Allegheny ?
I chose Atlas because of my experience with them. I have had an old RS11 of theirs for almost 20 years, and I can garranty that it will still purr like a kitten if I get it out of it’s box and onto the tracks. I have the re-released version of the RS11 as well and it’s a beauty! It runs very well and has performed flawlessly with the older RS11.
My first choice is Atlas locomotives…[:D] I feel that Atlas sets the standards for quality locomotives…
Mr. Witty, the old Atlas RS-11 you have actually has a Kato drive in it, so I guess you think highly of Kato as well.[:D]
I voted Kato first followed closely behind by Atlas. These two engines have held up the best over the long run.
I have a sneaky feeling that the modern locomotives loaded with electronics will not last as long as their older brethren. I have an old Hobby Town E7 that is as solid as a rock, could pull the bumper of a 50’s Chevy and will probably never go wrong because there is nothing to break!
I suspect that “runs the best” and “lasts the longest” may not be applicable to the same locomotive!
Question,How do HO scale steam locomotives perform over diesel locomotives,is their any difference…on grades or the flat?
BNSFrailfan.
Runs the best: Atlas
Lasts the longest: Mantua
Atlas Master Series hands down
Atlas and kato are tied in my book. I really like the Atlas P&W U23B engin. Great detail. Had to give atlas my vote.
Atheard “Blue Box”. As runners, they’re almost as good as an Atlas or Kato. But they’re much more robust. and you get a bigger bang for your buck.
I have an old Mantua tank engine someone gave me that runs great! It’s really old. I like the Proto 2000 units for new power. Work well and quiet.
RMax
Of those listed, Atlas is the best, with Kato a close second place, but the best running, best looking HO Scale locomotives are not on the list, they are the OMI brass diesels, Of those that I own, They are virtually flawless in running performance, slow, smooth, and extremely powerful, and they can really move if so desired, These are the best available locomotives of all, IMO.
Mac
I have 2 Kato units and 2 Atlas units w/ Kato drives. They are the best loco’s in my fleet
STEWART getting 4% is ludicrous.
They started out using KATO drives - as did ATLAS.
They 'll run with the best KATO and ATLAS units.
I take it not many ‘Forum’ members have them. Too bad.
ATHEARN B/B is equally ludicrous.
ATLAS, KATO, STEWART and even ROCO take off and start running while those B/B’s sit there - absorbing voltage to overcome friction which takes nearly 6 volts. PROTO 2000 with the (Chinese made) mechanism starts moving at 6 volts too, but only due to the constant voltage directional lighting board that ATHEARN does not have.
Kato hands down, new Atlas a close second.
Personaly I love Spectrum and Proto 2000! But I’ve had some engines that have big problems. Personaly the most reliable, most consistly great running models come from Mantua and Rivarossi.
I’ll have to agree with the orsonroy. Mantua last the longest. Atlas has the smoothest diesels.
P2K Heritage has the smoothest steam.