Who’s making decent HO scale Alco PA units in AT&SF colors these days?
I’ve been out of the scene for about 2 years–looks like Athearn stopped making these. Did some hunting around on Google but couldn’t find any remaining in stock anywhere.
Proto 2000 seems to be on hold while Walthers takes over.
I thought Kato did but I only find N scale.
Any others? Comments on quality, etc.?
Thanks.
I think you’re stuck with either Athearn or P2k - I have one of the Athearn ones and would strongly recommend buying the P2k, as the Athearn is nothing like as detailed or smooth running. If you keep an eye on ebay you should find the P2k ones for sensible money, just beware the early runs if you operate DCC - they had a motor with a high current draw that will fry most decoders. You could also try Trainworld - they advertise in MR and I think they were still listing some PAs last time I looked, though I’ve no idea what roadnames they had.
Thanks–so nothing currently in production for HO scale? That’s hard to believe, but I guess it is a bit of a specialty item.
I suppose Walthers will relaunch the P2K line or something equivalent, although they may go a lot pricier.
I saw something from Precision Craft Models, but costs a fortune.
There are a few P2K left in stock at retailers, but not many. Saw a PA/PB set for $140, seems like pretty good price.
Walthers is doing another run in March as I have a D&H PA on order.
Check out Walthers site. This is where I get my info from.
Gordon
Wathers has a TRAINLINE Alco FA-1 and FB-1-- that’s close to a PA . I know PA is passenger and FA is freight. http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/931-207
You might try eastern dealers. They don’t have much call for west coast RR’s. Internet Hobbies had some the last time I looked.
just purchased the Proto 2000 PA-1 A, B, and another A unit…they were undecorated but i’m going to air bru***hem in SP…the third A unit was an Erie unit but i’ll strip it and paint it in SP also…don’t know if they are in A T & SF…Trainworld in this month’s MRR has a special on them…$129.99 for the A and B unit and then you can get another powered A unit for $29.99…that’s a pretty good deal for Proto 2000’s…chuck
For the early P2K PA with high current motors, go with one of the new overload protected Lenz decoders, which also have a 10 year warranty. Call Tony’s or Loys for more info.
If you are looking for Santa Fe PA’s only go with the P2K, or maybe brass. I have the first run P2K ABA (#51) and it is amazing for detail. Walthers will re-release these, trust me…and maybe with sound and DCC built in. It just may take a few months, years, who knows.
And avoid any FA’s if you model Santa Fe. They never had any, be it in freight or warbonnet colors.
Precision Scale Models (BLI) is releasing one shortly in PRR and UNDEC. It should have great detail along with sound.
Rick