With my LGB set on its last legs, I've been considering an Aristocraft "Eggliner" to replace it for around the tree service, the only service my G gauge stuff sees (I'm an O-gauge guy). I would likely order it from St. Aubin.
How reliable are they? I NEED to have something that will easily run for hours with occasional lubrication year after year. I haven't had the best track record lately for new stuff and I desperatley hope I can rely on these little suckers for years of reliable service. Again, I just need it to be as solid as possible. Aristocraft's warranty is also pretty nice as well and is a plus.
Next, are they very quiet? The CFO doesn't want a SOUND to be heard in her living room when it comes to trains and if it was up to her, there would be no trains at Christmas. If they are loud, it ain't gonna be good LOL!!!
Thanks folks. Any other things, please post!!!
1. They be Quick, very quick. 2. Handle extreamly tight curves with ease. 3. At full speed SWMBO will probably toss you and the trains out of the house. At normal to slower speeds they are good.
Tom Trigg
Thanks for the reply. I'm not a fast runner whether it is my O, HO, or G gauge trains or the big 2 foot gauge C.P. Huntington so I don't think that will be an issue. I assume now that they can make some noise when running wide open? As long as it is nothing insane, I can live with a quiet hum.
That and reliablilty are my main concern. I know it will handle the 4 foot diameter circle with ease so that is not a worry on this end.
Thank again!
Repair or replace the LGB.They are much much better quality than the eggliners as nice as they are.
For a start LGB have skates on the pick ups. The eggliner does not.
Best wishes,Tony Walsham (Remote Control Systems) http://www.rcs-rc.comModern technology. Old fashioned reliability.
Tony,
Thanks for the reply. I don't have a LGB repair guy near me (Washington DC area) nor do I have anymore stores that really stock a good amount of G. My LGB set is, honest to goodness, a pile of junk. It really doesn't run anymore and most of the parts for the engine are missing. Its really just good for display right now.
At Christmas, all I do is a 4 foot circle of track. Thats it. No switches or anything of that nature. Plus, I want something basic and for a low price which is what attracted me to the Eggliner. Do you have any tips for something a bit better or do you think the Eggliner will do for just around the tree running? Obviously I don't want to spend a fortune on an engine that is only going to see 2-4 weeks of running per year but I also don't want to spend tons on repairs either.
What about a Hartland Mack-$50
IRB,
No I never did consider a Hartland Mack. Mainly because I've never really heard anything regarding Hartland's products as well as the fact that I've never really liked the look of the Mack.
Looking it up online for reviews, pictures, etc show what appears to be a center set of plastic wheels? Am I off or is this the case? If so, what are the used for, can the be removed, do the wear prematurely, etc?
Thanks!
SJC; Have a look at some of Vic's posts. He takes the Mack's and bashes " WORLD OF ANOTHER DIMENSION". I have acquired three of his "one of a kind" masterpieces and have never had a problem. They seem to run forever with little maintenance.
All depends on what you want. If you are after a realistic railroad look, the eggliner is probably not for you - simply from a looks perspective. If you are after something fun and off the beaten path, it is worth considering. I do 3 or 4 displays a year. The eggliner has earned it's place. A lot of people actually watch it more that the trains. Go figure. For the most part it is something new that doesn't fit the norm and they are trying to figure it what it is. For me it is a "gotcha" moment. I "gotcha" engaged in the display. They run hard, and yes they can be fast. It's all part of the intrigue. I've not worn one out yet. As far the track shoes, On aristo's little critter and the egg liner, I've not had a lot of issues without track shoes. Larger engines, yes.
HI SJC,.
You say you are an 'O' gauger and that the 'G' scale item is just for running around your tree at Christmas. You are, I guess, looking for something that is fun to see and run.
The go for it: get an Eggliner. There are many choices of design.
Alan, Oliver & North Fork Railroad
https://www.buckfast.org.uk/
If you don't know where you are going, any road will take you there. Lewis Carroll English author & recreational mathematician (1832 - 1898)
Thanks for the continued replies folks. Yes I'm just looking for something that is basic, cheap, reliable, and quiet to run around the tree. Nothing fancy, just something that will work. What really attracts me to the Eggliner is Aristocraft's warrenty. If something goes wrong 4 years down the road, I'm still covered!
Thanks again!
Eggliners are goofy, and downright silly , therefore everyone should have at least 3
Have fun with your trains
I ran mine around the Christmas tree a couple of years ago. I made some coaches from observation car ends, you can see it on my web page.
Jerry
web site:
http://thescrr.com/
vsmith & Jerry,
Thanks for the replies. Sorry for not getting back to you sooner.
Yes I'm just looking for something fun Jerry, I saw the set you made. Very nice!
Just went to your site to look at your fleet of Eggliners. Nice job! Nice vid.
Picked up an Eggliner yesterday and gave it a test run this morning. At first, I was extremely disappointed with it. It was an awful runner - stalling, jerking, etc. After a good break-in period I can say that it runs just as good as my old LGB set did. I think it was a good buy and I think it will last a good long while. Thanks for the help folks!
Glad to hear it worked out well.
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