engines and rolling stock

[werner6529]

Jusy got back from the National Convention. In the past I was strictly LGB (I was modeling European trains). I am now looking to run long SP passenger trains on my new garden railway in Hawaii. The question is: which is better Aristo-Craft or USA Trains?

[two tone]

Hi Take a look at the engine motor spec before buying any loco, your dealer should be able to tell you how many coaches or wagons loco will pull with out over loading the motor. Or email maker they will tell you max pulling power. hope this helps

 

[Tom The Brat]

You trying to start a fight or something

Not sure you could pick a "better." Which loco do you like best?

With big locos and long cars, you need to consider, what's your smallest curve diameter?

4ft? Forget it.

8ft? They'll get by.

16ft? Great.

20ft? Why aren't you running big stuff already?

[devils]

USA trains certainly win on scale and detail for the Daylight Streamline coaches the Aristo ones are too short and ride too high for me. The lights in the USA coaches also draw nearly 1/2 Amp per coach so take this into account when getting a controller. 2 locos + 8 coaches can draw 8 Amps! Or switch the lights off underneath.

The Aristo heavyweight coaches are nice and seem to be scale length.

Both these types need 4 foot Radius / 8 foot diameter curves minimum.

Locos, take your pick the USA PA1's and F3's are superb and my two F3's have pulled 12 USA coaches, (not all mine unfortunately).

The Aristo FA is ok but again seems to ride a bit high, or is it just me? never really liked the FA as much as the PA.The new E8's certainly look good and I assume they have the standard drive so should pull tons too.

Paul

[werner6529]

16ft is the minimum with a couple of 20ft s-curves... didn't have room for the big stuff on my old layout... I guess what I was really asking is which brand runs better...

[werner6529]

Sounds like USA Trains are your preferred choice... since I need a new controller anyway, I will be sure that it is powerful enough to handle the train... mahalo for your input...

Werner

[Greg Elmassian]

Since they made various road numbers, you can make a really long train of the USAT cars (lucky you!) If rolling resistance gets to be a problem, there is a company that makes ball bearing inserts for the USAT cars, although you have to ream out the trucks a bit. He also will do the work for you for a reasonable price.

Regards, Greg

[Marty Cozad]

USAT long cars are outstanding. Pulled by Arsito engines.

[devils]

Werner

I've got a USA trains SD40, GP 38 and two F3's and an Aristo Dash 9 and there is no difference in running quality, they are all superb, but the Aristo is a bit heavier on current consumption as it has 4 motors.

So as long as your controller can provide the power buy the loco you like best first and then keep saving for the others! Friend of mine has the 10 amp Aristo controller and we had 12 coaches and 3 locos drawing 10 Amps with all the lights on. Just bear this in mind if there are kids around.

Wish I had your space, I'm fortunate to have friends with big layouts though.

Paul

[werner6529]

Mahalo to everyone for your input... right now I'm leaning to USA Trians...

Werner

[Marty Cozad]

See the thread under , Mac attack