Been out of the hobbie for awhile and im going to build a new layout, and im thinking of switching to dcc. So i think i will buy new locos. Was wondering who is the best manufacture and why you like them?
John,
It might help to narrow down the field a bit. Any particular era and roadname you are interested in? Are you interested in steam, diesel, or both? Also, how faithful to the prototype do you want?
These will all determine what is “best” because EVERY manufacturer has both good and bad models and some manufacturers concentrate on certain road names more than others.
Tom
Well John P., I have no real opinion on which is the “best”, that’s up to individual taste, prefferences, and experiences. Look around, read about the various manufacturers and what they offer, and look at reviews.
This type of thread is undoubtedly going to take off in all directions. Just don’t forget to chime in a few times yourself.
I might be wrong, but we’ll see [swg]
Mike.
If you don’t want a lot of answers which are out-of-scope for (N, HO, O etc.) and what era (steam, early diesel, second generation diesel, modern) etc. I can guarantee you’ll get a flood of information, much of which isn’t helpful, unless you help focus readers on what you are interested in first.
The OP said Ho and I understand this as HO scale, not as Ho Ho Ho.
I find Marklin HO scale locomotives to be the best - among those offering 3-rail AC. For standargd gauge model railroading, this is my choice of system, which pretty much limits me to this manufacturer. Marklin locos are literally indestructible and require only a little TLC to give you a service lasting well over 50 years. However, Marklin is a European manufacturer with very little US prototype locos and cars available. Trix is Marklin´s 2-rail DC or DCC brand. Their USRA Mikado got good ratings and there are quite a few here willing to give an arm and a leg for one (in terms of prices) to get their hand on one.
OK, this info won´t answer your question and I don´t think anyone in here actually will. What you can collect is a personal view from the forum members. If you look for a maybe more neuzral picture, check the Product Review section of this web site.
The makers of steam are Broadway Limited Imports (BLI), Mike’s Train House (MTH), Athearn, Bachmann, Trix, Walthers, and perhaps just recently departed, Rivarossi. Some are eagerly awaiting of Rapido into the steam HO locomotive category, but we’re still about 18 months away from their first issue.
Each of those currently with steam models available has both good and not very good examples, although BLI, MTH, Walthers, and Athearn generally can be counted on to provide good products. Every batch has a few lemons, but the service from the importers is generally quite good.
I would have to say that the rather costly Trix 2-8-2, which are now available after about eight years, is the finest N. American steam example available short of some of the brass models.
The trend in the hobby, with many holdouts still using and very pleased with direct current (DC), is toward DCC, or Digital Command Control. Even so, newer systems that purport to get around electrical pickup problems between the motors and the rails, are receiving encouraging reviews. Whichever it is to be as things evolve, it is driving the prices up commensurately.
Rivarossi has produced some good steamers in the past 20 years, but the rumour is that they are quitting the N. American steam market. I have one of their 2-6-6-6 Allegheny and would rate it at the top level in terms of reliability and looks, with plenty of details added to improve realism.
Bachmann is going through a revision process where they have been devolving some of their excellent Spectrum class of steamers down to their regular line. It’s a smart move because they have to stay competitive against the other steam suppliers who have been upping their games. What the Company will do in order to stay in contention premium-class-wise is anybody’s guess…maybe their Spectrum idea is gone forever. Note that their one failure in Spectrum was the Class J 4-8-4; I have experience with one of
John, depending on how long you have been away from the hobby you may be in for a few surprises. Gone (in most cases) are the engines with pancake motors, poor electrical pick-up, and crude to no details. Typically, even budget level engines from virtually any manufacturer are likely to run well for you. Now more than ever, the best locomotive(s) are the ones that meet your interest in road, era, and budget. Manufacturer doesn’t matter as much as it once did. Welcome back to the hobby!
Atlas has the best locomotives and the best selection of diesel types.
However,one soon learns that he needs locomotives from Athearn, Walthers(P1K,P2K) and Kato to round out his roster.
I will say approach Bachmann diesel locomotives carefully since there are many varibles some are good while other not so.
oh no…covers eyes
tell me when it’s over.
It’s better to just tell us a specific prototype or list fo them you want a model for, and then people can give advice on which company has the best of each.
Of the models I have, I am most satisfied with my Broadway Limited ones.
I’m unhappy with the SD-40 from Athearn I bought. The way it’s constructed is frustrating to add lighting to, but they’re the only ones that made a UP Fast Forty.
Granddad always said “there all good when they work”
Nowadays there aren’t many that are really bad. In some cases, a lower price is indicative of a lesser level of scale fidelity, or a lower reliability. Of course that’s not always a reliable thing to go by. In this hobby, the particular model will be chosen for it appropriateness to a modeler’s needs. If I tell you that some manufacturer’s Big Boy or F7 is the best on the market (and there are several), it does you no good if you are really looking for an FM switcher.
Tom
Quite right. If I need a reliable steam switcher that is cheap and easy to maintain for a little kid, I would go for a moheno/IHC believe it or not. These are usually people’s last choice. But they are rock solid and great introduction locomotives for kids.
There’s a kids hospital that has a train layout that wasn’t working. If I were to fix it up, I would go for the IHC.
For my own steamers, I go Proto 2K, BLI, and Bachmann in that order. But I don’t have to worry about little hands, or not having access to maintain them. Plus I want the details.
BTW: In the diesel word, the Kato/Stewart(Bowser) drives with Canon motors are considered the best most reliable drives. Atheran is considered the easiest to work on and offer a good value. But if you want details, Proto 2000 is generally the best. BLI does make some good diesels and some very unique models, but their reliability is hit or miss and their historical accuracy is sometimes off when it comes to paint schemes and details. Luckily BLI has some awesome customer service. Atlas makes a good general all around locomotive. But they don’t excel in any one particular area.
Anything by Kato can be counted on for smooth quiet reliable performance, that includes those marketed by Atlas in the 90s. My current project is a NOS Stewart/Kato F7. I’m adding a TCS WOW decoder and will top it off with a new Intermountain shell, givng me smooth running, great sound and state of the art detail.
With one exception, Don: Along with Bowser, Atlas is one of the best at providing early diesel models to the market.
Tom
I’m thinking family line/chessie era with diesels,
Ok…I highly recommand Atlas,Athearn and Walthers P1K and P2K locomotives. Kato made a Chessie NW2 switcher.
I will add I model the SCL and Family lines and as you may know any of the railroads that was in family line locomotives will work…You can have Chessie System plus C&O,B&O and WM locomotives.
My SCL/FL has L&N,CRR and SCL locomotives.
The Athearn RTR GP35’s for Chessie are a bargain at $90 each (street price). I own 3 of them. They are highly reliable and come with decent detail. But if you want sound and really good detail, I believe Walthers Proto 2K has them also. (At least they do for C&O)
http://www.athearn.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=ATH94157
Just a comment here. Based on previous runs, the Trix Mikado is arguably one of the best-running HO steam engines. However, the new Santa Fe version is clearly “foobie”. It is a USRA Mikado (which the Santa Fe never owned) with an A.T.&S.F. label and a number in the wrong font. Do you want to pay ~$400 for this?
JW