Just curious which rolling stock brand is the most used in this great hobby.
I chose other because I like most every brand that comes in a Kit.
I went for “other” also–I think most of the brands available these days (with a few exceptions) are pretty darned good. They seem to be weighted properly for the most part, with good to superb detail. If I tend to lean toward one brand, I’d say it’s Accurail, mainly since they have such a good representation of the period I’m modeling (‘40’s’).
Tom [:D]
This is a very tough question. Because each of the manufacturers make excellent models. I would Red Caboose has some of the best not to say Athearn Genesis and Intermountain aren’t bad either. I have three of Red Caboose’s coil cars and they have the quality of a brass model.
While there are several on the list that are very good, I voted for Accurail. They are just about the only one offering USRA period cars that are USRA period cars (ie: not rebuilt in the 1940’s). I have an Athearn flatcar carrying two new from the factory Waterloo Boy (John Deere) Tractors dated 1929… (The Waterloo Boy ceased production in 1924 I believe). Sometime or other I will get out the Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol and blur the date. Even the Walthers USRA Heavywieght Passenger cars are Rebuilts from the 30’s & 40’s…
Branchline is the best bang for the buck for a good kit with details.
I would agree with Tom that Accurail has wonderful rolling stock kits, I’m modeling the
late 1920’s and early 1930’s and they have plenty of kits from that era to choose from.
Having said that I just started to build a Branchline Blueprint Series kit and it is highly
detailed,sharp printing, a nice kit and here again they have lots of kits in my time period,
but they are spendy but I guess I would rather spend $15 bucks on one nice kit then
$7.50 on a couple of junk ones.
“The Harven”
Most used? Athearn.
Best? Any of the resin manufacturers (with Sunshine at the top), but you have to put a LOT of your own work in the kits to make them truly exceptional.
Best plastic? Intermountain. While I really prefer Red Caboose kits over IM, the new Intermountain SK-Q stock cars have raised the bar for plastic kits.
Favorite? Accurail. I just wi***hey had more car body styles to choose from!
I really like the Atlas Line as they are heavy and sturdy. But I would have to agree with the comments made by others regarding Accurail. Accurail is a good inexpensive but well detailed product, which I’ve used to replace the void created by the demise of Athearn Blue Box kits. I have to admit I prefer the Accurail.
Fergie
I voted Athearn. The Blue Boxes are fun to build and last forever, and the RTR’s have great detail.
Athearn blue box - it’s reliable and robust and good looking.
For “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” it’s Model Power’s “Heavyweights” made from the old Marx HO tooling.
Intermountain is the best but I buy virtually all Walthers, Athearn RTR, or upgraded Athearn blue box.
I voted for Branchline. Their kits are very nicely detailed, you can work them to your own detailing specs, and the price is REASONABLE and fair.
Kit - Branchline
RTR- Kadee
John
Austin, Texas
I say Athearn. From the blue boxes, to the RTR, and Genisis Its a shame they sold out to Horizion!!!
Well,Im probably sticking my neck on the block here,but of the limited selection I have in the U.K.,Model Power are reliable,look good enough for me(I dont know any better)will run on any track and best of all,I can afford them…regards,nick
Athearn…their kits are easy to build, look good, and are the right price.
Hard decision here as well.
While I voted for Athearn, I especially love;
Accurail for their Grain hoppers,
Roundhouse for their Bulkend flats,
Walthers for their pulpwood cars, centerbeam cars, & Thrall boxcars &
Proto for their Thrall boxcars & newsprint boxcars.
Gordon [:D]
Since I’m a modern modeller, I’ve found that Walthers is a good choice. Unfortunately, they seem to have given up on selling kits, which is a big blow. I also thought the Intermountain covered hopper kit I got a while back was pretty good, but they seem to have given up on kits, too.
Atlas hands down.
Kits - Accurail.