cheap n scale power

[Cox 47]

I need some motive power for a new small 2 by 3 N scale layout I'm working on, I am on a very small budjet. I've tried ebay without finding anything after paying postage that fills the bill. I'm not able to get out to train shows anymore. Is there a place to get some reasonably [cheap] motive power,and rolling stock too.

[pbjwilson]

I've bought Life -Like GP-38's at about $20-25 per engine from my local hobby shop. They run pretty nice. I don't think you'll find anything cheaper than that.

That is a big drawback to e-bay, the shipping, especially if your buying a single item.

[Anonymous]

a caveat, I too am on a strict budget. I have some good cheap runners, a couple of Life-Likes that I buoght for around $25. some great Atlas that were around $50 and some from Ebay that that cost $45 and don't run worth a crap, ( steam ) You will be better off if you find a diesle, Steam in "N" is a crapshoot especially at the low end. Dave Try your local pennysaver newspaper, many people need Christmas Money, they bought trains and never really use them. I got (2) great Atlas engines and a boatload of track plus a power pack for $100 that way.

[orsonroy]

Trainworld has Life Like GP-18s, GP-20s and GP-38s for $20 apiece. Their quality is good, and the price is fantastic!

[Anonymous]

I'd say to stick to diesels - budget diesels are usually better runners than similarly priced steamers. Lifelike GP38s are great locos - my brother has a couple that have covered enough miles to wear the blackening off the wheel treads and flanges, and they're if anything better runners than they were new - smooth and with decent detailing for the money. I would also suggest taking a look at Bachmann's GP40/GP50 and U36B - I have one of the U36Bs which is a great runner, though I hear that quality control can be a little variable - not had any problems myself however and the secret seems to be to make sure the loco is properly lubed. Best bet would be to ask to see it test-run if buying in a store. The prices of these locos are really unbeatable - about £16 over here (for compararison, Athearn BB diesels are about £30, Lifelike N scale locos are around £20-£30).

[Dayliner]

I've had good luck with a couple of Life Like products--the GP18 is good and the SW900/1200 is an outstanding slow-speed locomotive. Given the size of your layout, you could probably find a use for a good switcher. I won't quote prices since I pay CDN $$ and the numbers would put you into shock. Suffice it to say that compared to what else is on the market, these locos are very reasonable and run well.

[Anonymous]

Without a doubt, LifeLike diesels are your most realistic choice.
You can find GP and F units for LESS than $20 if you hunt around.
I have used a number of these. They are reliable, quiet, durable,
and they run very smoothly, especially considering their low price tag.

Forget steam, on the budget you have. Bachmann steam engines in N are crap, except for the recent Spectrum 2-8-0 and one other Spectrum model they did. Those run nice, but they cost over $100. The only other N steam you'll find that really runs good right out of the box would be the Kato Mikado ($120 and up),
and maybe the new Model Power all-metal 4-6-2 (also around the $100 or more mark). I run a lot of N steam, but it's all massively overhauled with new
motors, pickups, weights, flywheels, etc.

Check out Toy Train Heaven (www.toytrainheaven.com). Right now, they have some E-6 passenger diesels for $32.50 and some GP-38s for $22.95 (no, I don't work for them, or know anybody who does).

That's really too bad about you not making it to swap meets and shows. That's really the place to score some of these very cheap. I've seen lots of LifeLike N-Scale diesels go for $15 brand new at shows.

Good Luck.

[Anonymous]

Cox 47
Assuming you are US based try http://www.buynscale.com/ aka Brooklyn Locomotives Works (BLW) who are N scale specialists and the best discounters I have seen. They dont ship overseas so I havent used them but their 'best' sale prices are always equal to the 'start' prices found ion ebay- in a phrase 'Nobody does it better' AFAIK.

They have LL ends at 19.95 and many greta deals on stock down to $3 a time- but you have to be quick AND check the site everyday- they seem to sell out exceedingly quickly but their best deals are about 75% off retail!
All the best, dave