n scale model

[Anonymous]

I was planning on having a tain set in my front room. It would just be connected to the wall and make a circle around the room. I was wanting an n scale model. The room is about 13 by 17 so I'll need about 60ft of straight track. I know its a lot to do but I'm still on a budget. I was wondering if I could get help with the locomotive, track and whatever else I need.

[Anonymous]

Well, on the loco front I'd suggest one of the Lifelike Geeps - have a pair of their GP38-2s which are fine locos and are apparently very cheap over there (have heard $20 quoted!). This would give you a simple, reliable loco that will run smoothly and steadily - what you need when starting out. You can fit these with the Microtrains couplers (in place of the factory Rapidos) to enable them to work with Micro Trains freight cars (and others - the microtrains coupler is a great improvement on the Rapido, it uncouples with magnets and looks far more realistic). Hope this is of use!

[Adelie]

If by "help" you are passing around the hat, I'm afraid I can't help! [:o)][:o)]

First, welcome to the forums. [#welcome]

For track, I've had good luck with Atlas. I use code 55 but code 80 is less expensive, and the difference is largely cosmetic. The rails are taller and ties are bigger, making it less realistic but it will work fine. Atlas turnouts are okay, as well. Peco is about the best.

For locomotives, Kato and Atlas are probably the best, followed by certain Life Like products. Even though Kato and Atlas are higher priced ($60 - $90 online), you can find them on ebay, often new, and maybe get yourself a good deal.

Assuming you will stick with DC power (as opposed to DCC), go with MRC power packs. The price difference will be worth it. For freight cars, Micro Trains are about the best, but Atlas, Deluxe Innovations and Kato are all good. Make sure your couplers are compatible. Rapidos, the old-style N-scale couplers, are not compatible with Micro Trains, Atlas and Katos. Each of those three are compatible with each other.

As far as where to look, the people who see dollars signs when I walk in or sign on include:
The local hobby shop (referred to as LHS out here),
ebay, and the people I mentioned in this thread:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36439

For what you are looking for, Trainworld (www.trainworld1.com) and Toy Train Heaven (www.toytrainheaven.com) are also good.

If you run into something and you're not sure whether or not it is 1) any good or 2) a good deal, drop a line out here and you'll get an answer.

Good luck and have fun!

[bcammack]

Check the Life Like web site. They've had their GP-20s for something like $17 apiece the past month. That's an excellent, split-frame design locomotive. I'm fond of the old GP38-2 they make as I have a couple, but they're old-style, delrin-framed, locomotives.

[Wdlgln005]

The Spring Sale at LL is over. LL has a new GP20 out at $60, not $16. The difference appears to be not having an oversupply of product.
The new models also come with automatic couplers.
I'd have to see if they are MTL or Accumates.

I can't reccomend the GP-38's , even at $25. Only 2 roadnames.
These old locos need to be retired. An upgrade is needed.

Don't despair, they do have a Fathers Day Special.
All the Nscale Fathers want the FA1/FB1 combo for $35. Wide variety of roadnames. You get 2 motors, or get an ABBA set for $70. The ABBA set will move your house! They may be the Nscale hauling champ. Split-frame design much better than the 38's
When you go to the LL webpage, go to specials & look for Fathers Day Specials. HO'ers may want to look at the Fathers Day Grab Bag of scenic items for $23.or the Fathers Day Assortment for $25.

For your space, I'd suggest using Atlas Flextrak for your 60ft. Your choice what code to use. THen you can choose between Peco or Atlas turnouts.
Bachmann EZtrak does have some 30inch straight pieces.

[Anonymous]

Wow thanks for all the help. I'll post later on how things come along.

[Anonymous]

So for a power pack I would need something like this. http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/M-R-C-A-Power-Pack-For-HO-N-Scales-Model-1300-with-7-Watts/item500-1300.html

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Wdlgln005


I can't reccomend the GP-38's , even at $25. Only 2 roadnames.
These old locos need to be retired. An upgrade is needed.

I CAN recommend the N scale Life Like GP 38-2 locomotives. They are good runners and an excellent value. And they are most definitely available in more than two roadnames. The vendor I've linked to below stocks BN, Conrail, CSX and Santa Fe.

http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/N-Scale-Locomotives-Lifelike/N_LOC_433_7.html

[:)]

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcammack

Check the Life Like web site. They've had their GP-20s for something like $17 apiece the past month. That's an excellent, split-frame design locomotive. I'm fond of the old GP38-2 they make as I have a couple, but they're old-style, delrin-framed, locomotives.

I think Life Like must have upgraded their N scale GP38-2 locomotive after you purchased yours. I purchased one about a year ago and it was a split-frame dual flywheel model with all-wheel pickup. Not all that well detailed to be perfectly honest, but a GREAT runner.

[:)]

[Adelie]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Wdlgln005

T The ABBA set will move your house! They may be the Nscale hauling champ.

Assuming the FA1s use the same innards as the FA2s, I'd second that statement. I have three pairs of FA2s that I am going to convert over to DCC. They need wheel replacements to run smoothly on code 55 track (flanges on these are slightly too big). The also need MT coupler conversions. All my locos are undecorated, so add painting, decaling and weathering to the list. At some point, I began debating whether or not to just take them off the roster in favor of something DCC ready. But they pull so well and look good, my conclusion was they would be worth the effort.

They are heavy enough that I will probably modify the frames myself (b units may not need modification) rather than buy Southern Digitals replacements.

I'd certainly recommend them at $35 a pair.

[Wdlgln005]

The FA1's are a scale 2ft shorter than the FA2's. I think Alco made some other changes in the models to account for the difference. The LL models appear to be the best Alco's on the market. They are vastly superior to anything done by Model Power or Arnold.

Too bad the LL website dosen't do a better job of showing their locomotives. The FA1 is about a year older than the FA2. Both share a similar zinc carbody filling the frame.
I thought you could swap shells. Both are better than the 1995 vintage plastic frame models. It's probably time for LL to upgrade their EMD F something unit with FA mechanicals & F unit trucks.

The Fathers Day Sale may be your last chance to get LL locos so cheap.

MRC makes the best DC power supplies. Something with 7amps should easily handle several Nscale locomotives.