I see my moderation time has ended, easier to go back and edit posts now.
I updated my profile pic to the first loco I think I will be buying, it's the Scale Train's Rivet Counter N Scale GE Tier 4 GEVo ET44AC, I like the colors on the Canadian National line. I think as its my first purchase I am just going with the factory installed DCC and sounds version, one less thing for me to mess up on.
Any comments on Scale Train's product line in general? I watched a few videos and seen some where the Kato had a bit more pulling power, but that seemed to only come into play on a grade with more cars that I will probably run.
Hey Cisco Kid,
Good choice. I own 5 ScaleTrains locomotives and 4 of them are GEVo's. I think that they are a great value in N scale because not only do they run well, but the detail is outstanding and ST has really good customer service if needed and their build quality is better now than the first runs on these locos.
They are more delicate than Kato's because of the details, but they are more railroad and unit specific than Kato. For instance the CN units have the grated walkways to allow snow to pass through. As far as I know they are the only railroad that has done this and ST has added this detail to the CN locos.
In time I'm sure you will own both and come to appreciate each because both has their own strong points. Kato's are some of the best running, robust and well engineered N scale locomotives made and I have more of them than any other brand. My ScaleTrains though are still well made, run excellent and better replcate the real thing.
If you do get one, please come back and let us know what you think of it. Hope I've been some help.
Ralph
Cisco_Kid I think I will be buying, it's the Scale Train's Rivet Counter N Scale GE Tier 4 GEVo ET44AC, I like the colors on the Canadian National line. I think as its my first purchase I am just going with the factory installed DCC and sounds version, one less thing for me to mess up on.
That all sounds very good. I do not have any personal experience with Scale Trains products, but everything I have heard about them has been positive.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I have a couple of their "Operator" locos, HO scale. I like'em.
Mike.
My You Tube
Welcome to the form, Cisco_Kid
I currently have a moderate roster of HO scale ScaleTrains equipment and have had ZERO major issues. Out of everything, two minor issues popped up that were fixed with a bit of CA and a toothpick. The horn on my SP SD40T-2 came loose and a radiator fan on my PRR SD45 popped off from shipping. With three SXT (ScaleTrains) locos on the roster and two more on the way, I've enjoyed the company more than others.
Boy I can't wait for my Rivet Counter CSX GEVO to arrive in a few weeks... :)
BurlingtonNorthern2264Wow, I'll need to get some Scaletrains units soon! From what I can see, they are well-built units worth the money. I'm thinking of sampling both engines and freight cars. Maybe an SD40 or SD45 from the Operator line as I'm more focused on smooth running and minimal detail (since I have cats). I'd also like to get some of those boxcar kits, I really like Accurail ones and want to see how the Scaletrains ones stack up.
The SXT rolling stock never disappoints. I have two operator Gunderson hoppers and they're very nice cars. However, I also have five of the Rivet Counter versions of the cars and they blow the others out of the water. So far, the run of Coil Cars has been one of my favorites.
I cannot speak for the operator SD45's, however my Rivet Counter PRR is superior to any of my Athearn RTR SD40's, Intermountain 40-2, or even a Genesis locomotive IMO. Plus, they already come with my personal choice of decoder (ESU), so no custom installs are required.
Thanks for the feedback. I went ahead and made it official, I put the order in last night. Will post an update when it arrives, hopefully in time for a nice Christmas gift to myself.
Cisco_KidI put the order in last night. Will post an update when it arrives, hopefully in time for a nice Christmas gift to myself.
Merry Christmas!
I bought myself 25 pairs of Kadee #500 freight car trucks.
I purchased the entire Kato NYC 20th Century Limited passenger set as my Christmas present for myself. But then again I pre-order it when it was announced.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
Well it has arrived, I could not help myself but open it up and check it out. You can also see the candy Scale Trains threw in the box, not sure if it was for Christmas or if they always do that, nice touch. I also forgot to remove the foam padding protecting the side railings when I took the picture, but you should get the idea.
I have to agree that the level of detail of this N scale loco is pretty amazing. I can't wait to get it going, but have a lot of work in front of me before that happens.
Looks great!
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Modeling the Santa Fe & Pennsylvania in HO
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLb3FRqukolAtnD1khrb6lQ
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Scaletrains is basically a spin-off from Athearn, thier models feature ground lights, lighted numberboards, roller bearings, and walkway lights.
Looks great, Cisco Kid. Yes they always put candy in the shipping box! Also you may want to make sure that you register your warranty on line right away because that will extend it to two years instead of one, a really nice deal. I think you did great. Enjoy!
ATSFGuyScaletrains is basically a spin-off from Athearn,
Where did you get that information?
Cisco_KidWell it has arrived, I could not help myself but open it up and check it out.
Cisco_Kid,
Nice locomotive!
I have a couple of Christmas 'surprises' under the tree that I had to check out when they arrived, so you are not the only guilty one!
Cheers!!
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
MARTIN STATION Looks great, Cisco Kid. Yes they always put candy in the shipping box! Also you may want to make sure that you register your warranty on line right away because that will extend it to two years instead of one, a really nice deal. I think you did great. Enjoy! Ralph
Thanks for the registration tip. I just assumed that since I bought it there they would automatically do that, but I went ahead and filled out the form and it said my warranty had been exteneded to two years.
Just getting over the holdiay rush and should finally have time to get back to working on my layout.