Spectrum or Life-Like P2K?

[Roadtrp]

I'm looking for a Burlington Northern diesel to pull my (future) freight train. I can get either a Spectrum SD45 or a Life-Like P2K C424 for about the same price. Any thoughts on which one would be the better buy?

[cacole]

In my opinion, P2K are made better than Spectrum, especially their diesel engines. I have never owned a P2K steam engine, but have several Spectrum steamers and have had no problems with any of them. Of the 10 or so P2K diesel models I own, the only one I have ever had a problem with was a first-release BL-2. LifeLike sent me replacement trucks for it at no charge -- they even paid the postage. Some friends of mine in the local club have had 3 or 4 Spectrum diesel engines and two steam engines that had to be sent back for replacement because of poor running qualities, excessive noise, etc. Bachmann replaced all of them at no charge, but the people were out shipping costs. In my personal experience, Spectrum diesels are geared too fast for smooth slow-speed operation. P2K are geared for slower running, and are very good at creeping. P2K are also a lot quieter than Spectrum engines, and their workmanship seems to be superior.
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[CP5415]

I can't speak of the quality of Bachman locomotives as I really do not have any plans on buying one.
Proto on the other hand, I have two RDC3's in my posession & I've got both Proto 2000 D&H PA's on order.
I'd go with Proto over Spectrum.
Just my two cents.

Gordon

[Trainnut484]

I prefer P2K over Spectrum because of performance and, of course, the details. A minor problem with early Spectrums is the screws that hold the body and chassis together strip easily after a few removings for gear and motor maintenance. Your local hobby store should stock or order replacement screws, or screws that match the originals.

Take care,

Russell

[Anonymous]

Without going in to all the gorey details, let me tell you this much.
I've sold off ALL of my Spectrum diesels, except for 1 F unit set that I have heavily modified internally.
I still have all of my P2k units.
I did have an axle cracking problem with my early P2k units, but the cheerfully sent me all the replacement parts for free. (20 sets) At close inspection, I found that they were replaced with later run "upgraded" parts.
Overall, running issues aside, the P2k units are built better, and detailed better and more accuratly.[:D]

[nfmisso]

I see that you are referring to N scale; take a look at this listing:

If N scale;
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Locomotive&scale=H&manu=&item=&keywords=Burlington+Northern&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search

Then order from Trainworld.

I would go with the Atlas GP38 or B30-7

[Anonymous]

Go for the Proto unit. I've had varying experiences with Spectrum diesels - I have a HO Dash 8 that's an ok runner - bit lumpier than my Athearn Dash 9 and AC4400 but runs fine with them, I think the body moulding isn't quite right - looks too short and wide? I have an N scale Dash 8 that looks great but is hopeless at hauling anything - not sure whether this is due to being to light or to something rubbing on rails - there seem to be rub marks on the truck baseplates. apart from that it's an OK runner - anyone got any tips on how to improve the haulage abilities? - it can't handle three Con-Cor Husky Stacks at the moment! Interestingly, the HO version is a fine hauler - just need to finish fitting modified Athearn Dash 9 handrails to replace the originals.

I have three Proto 1000 locos in HO (Proto 1k and 2k use the same chassis construction), an A/B set of FM C-Liners in NYC paint and an FM Erie-Built in CNW paint. All of these are superb slow runners - I've had the C-Liners on trains that the Athearn lash-up (CSX Dash 9, CSX AC4400, BNSF Warbonnet Dash 9 dummy - interestingly the dummy doesn't seem to affect haulage capabilities despite the extra drag it produces) that I use for my heavy intermodal train has struggled with - they just ambled along with no fuss and almost silently. Now I just need to find a matching Erie-Built A unit in CNW and another C-Liner A unit in NYC to complete the set...

[Anonymous]

My experience is in steamers. I have a pair of Heavy Spectrum Mountains and they luckly have not caused me any problems, yet. I prefer P2k and actually have several on order.

Broadway Limited is becoming a close contender with their fine E units.

[Roadtrp]

Nigel,

OK -- I'll consider Atlas. I like the GP38, and can get it from hobbylinc.com (which I've used before) for $11 more than the P2K C424. I assume you think the Atlas is worth the extra $11. Any specifics on why?

Thanks!

P.S. I checked Trainworld, and they didn't have the Atlas model available.

[Anonymous]

go for the proto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

PROTO 2000. Spectrum locomotives are definitely a step up for Bachmann, but I think you'll be happier with P2K. I enjoy the few that I have very much.

[AggroJones]

Proto units run much better. Smoother, quieter, with better speed range. But they are very fragile, details break easily. I do have a Spectrum SD-45 here and can vouch for the fact they are inferior.