Are European model makers better than ours?

[Anonymous]

Tricky question! My experience of 'mainland' European locos is limited to Fleischmann and Minitrix N, both of which I would recommend without hesitation.

As far as OO/HO is concerned, it varies. Lima OO scale locos tended to be absolute dogs where running was concerned, I have 3 which will not run anything like as slowly as my Proto 1k locos. Hornby are far better despite using "pancake" motors on most of their diesel range (Their new Class 50 has a proper drive system with big motor, twin flywheels, etc). Bachmann OO diesels are superb, barring a few opinions over the shape of some of the bodyshells. If you're looking for something a little different, their Class 24/Class 25 locos are amazing runners (quiet and smooth as Protos), look great and are very reasonably priced.

As far as HO-scale European locos are concerned, I would recommend the Roco Class 215 (A German diesel-hydraulic loco). This is available in their "hobby" range (these have less detail, moulded handrails, etc - very much like Proto 1k) but it still has a great chassis/motor and a DCC socket. They're also very reasonably priced compared to most European HO locos.

[Anonymous]

Tricky question! My experience of 'mainland' European locos is limited to Fleischmann and Minitrix N, both of which I would recommend without hesitation.

As far as OO/HO is concerned, it varies. Lima OO scale locos tended to be absolute dogs where running was concerned, I have 3 which will not run anything like as slowly as my Proto 1k locos. Hornby are far better despite using "pancake" motors on most of their diesel range (Their new Class 50 has a proper drive system with big motor, twin flywheels, etc). Bachmann OO diesels are superb, barring a few opinions over the shape of some of the bodyshells. If you're looking for something a little different, their Class 24/Class 25 locos are amazing runners (quiet and smooth as Protos), look great and are very reasonably priced.

As far as HO-scale European locos are concerned, I would recommend the Roco Class 215 (A German diesel-hydraulic loco). This is available in their "hobby" range (these have less detail, moulded handrails, etc - very much like Proto 1k) but it still has a great chassis/motor and a DCC socket. They're also very reasonably priced compared to most European HO locos.

[Anonymous]

Some yes - some no.

There is a wide variation in the cost and quality of British/European model railway items.

Germany's Fleischmann ,Marklin & Trix are excellent quality, but very expensive. Austria's Roco is excellent quality and a more reasonable price. The previously Austrian Liliput range is now Bachmann's and made in China - good quality at a reasonable price.

Bachmann's British OO range set new standards a few years ago, but have now been surpassed by Hornby's latest offerings in terms of both quality and price, ever since Hornby moved production to China.

Lima's offerings, before their demise last summer, were generally poorer quality but were cheap, so offered good value for money. Right now, the secondary value of Lima items in the UK are higher than the last retail prices.

It really is a case of you pay your money and take your choice. I am sure the same can be said for items in the US.

Bob

[Anonymous]

Some yes - some no.

There is a wide variation in the cost and quality of British/European model railway items.

Germany's Fleischmann ,Marklin & Trix are excellent quality, but very expensive. Austria's Roco is excellent quality and a more reasonable price. The previously Austrian Liliput range is now Bachmann's and made in China - good quality at a reasonable price.

Bachmann's British OO range set new standards a few years ago, but have now been surpassed by Hornby's latest offerings in terms of both quality and price, ever since Hornby moved production to China.

Lima's offerings, before their demise last summer, were generally poorer quality but were cheap, so offered good value for money. Right now, the secondary value of Lima items in the UK are higher than the last retail prices.

It really is a case of you pay your money and take your choice. I am sure the same can be said for items in the US.

Bob

[Supermicha]

Nice discussion. But i think you can´t compare the european and the us market.

Many american modlers prctaice the "fleeting" by buying 5 or more engines of one type. For that, its good when they are cheaper.

And we have no kits or undecs, because years ago we had only one big railroad, so nobody wants to paint its engines for it self.

Most german models are produced in germany and so they are expensive. Especially Roco engines have an outstanding detail and very good power drives.

But i love my american models.... The germans are too expensive *lol*

[Supermicha]

Nice discussion. But i think you can´t compare the european and the us market.

Many american modlers prctaice the "fleeting" by buying 5 or more engines of one type. For that, its good when they are cheaper.

And we have no kits or undecs, because years ago we had only one big railroad, so nobody wants to paint its engines for it self.

Most german models are produced in germany and so they are expensive. Especially Roco engines have an outstanding detail and very good power drives.

But i love my american models.... The germans are too expensive *lol*