12/1956 Tom, I checked out the Atlas HH600/660 on line, I like the look of this loco, But...... I am on a retirement income so must keep my hobby spending under control. The $150 price tag is prohibitive for me. I bought most of what I have before I retired in 2006. Now, re powering a $30/$40 "dinky" with a power truck I already own seems the realistic way for me to go. I've owned this power truck for about 10 years and never thought of a use for it, until now.
Tom, I checked out the Atlas HH600/660 on line, I like the look of this loco, But......
I am on a retirement income so must keep my hobby spending under control. The $150 price tag is prohibitive for me. I bought most of what I have before I retired in 2006.
Now, re powering a $30/$40 "dinky" with a power truck I already own seems the realistic way for me to go. I've owned this power truck for about 10 years and never thought of a use for it, until now.
Hey Larry,
Given your circumstances, that makes perfect sense. FWIW, I have seen DC versions of the Atlas HH600/660s for as little as $90-$100 on eBay. The "dinky" would be a fun project though.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I have the same problem as you on my layout, but i use the spectrum 44 tonner and a BLI Trackmobile, depending "when" i feel like running.
Here is an interesting thought- Why not replace the trucks on your old 44 ton switcher with powered trucks from Northwest Shortline? this would remove your lurchy grinding problems.
The New Stanton drives are something else (I use them to power my Electric multiple unit cars). As has been done in the past, you can just replace the trucks, and fill in the whole inside with weight (or maybe give yourself space for a small loksound decoder, they had 44 ton sounds). These new trucks run really smooth (like most NWSL products), and with a pair of them, your engine should be able to pull anything.
I know from testing with my Arrow III MU car, that with a few ounces of weight and one truck, it can move a good cut of railcars.
Thats probably a more expensive option, but it may work out for you.
Modeling Conrail, Amtrak and NJ DOT under the wires in New Jersey, July 1979.
Thank you, Larry T.
12/1956I have a Atlas RS-1 and RS-3 that run very smooth and slow but they are too long for a couple of my industrial sidings. I can't swap two cars in and out with the RS units the tail tracks are too short with no room to extend them. I also have a older 44 ton loco that has a bad lurch at slow speed so it's no fun to run.
Again, 12, I would consider the Atlas HH600/660 switcher. It's probably 4 to 4-1/2" long and low-speed response is fantastic. The Alco HHs originally came out between '33-'39. It would fit very well in a 50s layout scheme.
Google told me. http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel11.html
GE started in 1938 with this engine class
Wolfgang
Pueblo & Salt Lake RR
Come to us http://www.westportterminal.de my videos my blog
I have a Roundhouse "Critter' ,an EMD 40. It has run very well on DC. A few months ago it was converted to DCC with an N scale decoder, and it runs quite well with that. With only 4, wheels, it needs clean track and wheels.
I also have a Bachman two-motor 44 Ton engine. The EMD 40 is a better model.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Thank you for all your input and suggestions. My layout is DC and my cut off date is 1959 so I need a small diesel no newer than this.
Wolfgang, your Grandt Line critter runs great and your layout looks great too. Would this loco be too new for 1959? I have a older power truck with a can motor that might work in the Grant unit. This power truck could also work under a Athearn Hustler, too bad I sold three of them a couple years ago.
I have a Atlas RS-1 and RS-3 that run very smooth and slow but they are too long for a couple of my industrial sidings. I can't swap two cars in and out with the RS units the tail tracks are too short with no room to extend them. I also have a older 44 ton loco that has a bad lurch at slow speed so it's no fun to run. A small switcher like the Grant loco would solve my problem.
I will also take a look at the MDC/Roundhouse loco.
Thanks guys.
If you cannot get a small switcher, here are a couple I have. The Spectrum 44 to and 70 ton. A few use the 45 ton which is a little smaller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDosTzkQiWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVr3dcb0gdk
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
12/1956 I am in need of a small HO scale 4 or 6 wheel industrial diesel that runs smooth and slow, any suggestions.
I am in need of a small HO scale 4 or 6 wheel industrial diesel that runs smooth and slow, any suggestions.
How good are you with scratch building ?
You can use a Grandt Line 25-ton and turn this into a little gem. Here's my HowTo.
Yes, the era would be helpful to know. Even so, the Atlas HH600/660 is real jewel. If you're looking for beautiful detailing and exceptional low-speed response, she would do you just fine.
Other good choices in the pre-60s switchers would be:
Practically anything Proto 2000 and Stewart makes runs very well. Hope that helps...
The 8-wheel switchers will you serve you best as far as electrical reliability goes. The Bachmann switchers mentioned are all good choices, and Stewart makes some of the best running switchers on the market.
As far as 4 or 6 wheel switchers, there are far fewer good choices, but you can still find them. MDC/Roundhouse has made the best one to date (EMD 4-wheel Critter), but they're out of production at the moment and may be a little difficult to find for a reasonable price.Grandt Line makes a nice looking GE 25-ton switcher and a 23-ton Boxcab, which comes as a kit. I've heard it's very light weight and can be difficult to get running smoothly. I'm sure it's possible to make it run well (or the drive can be replaced entirely), but weight will have to be added.Bachmann makes a 6-wheel MDT switcher. Considering the upgrades made to the rest of their line, it probably runs pretty well.Mantua made a couple small switchers in the 50s and 60s. They're a bit noisy and not exactly slow runners, but they're at least smooth and cheap.You can very easily find Athearn's Hustler switcher. It's a pretty nice looking unit, but it has to be regeared or repowered all together to not shoot off the track at warp 9 (NWSL is working on a Stanton drive truck that will be a near drop-in fit).Many other decent industrial switchers have been made by Penn Line, Lindsay, and others that escape me right now. These are all older units made in the 40s and 50s, but a little tune-up could get them running nicely.
Some switcher brands to avoid are AHM, Model Power, and 70s era Tyco. The AHM and Model Power switchers are driven by only 1 axle and have poor slow speed operation, and the Tyco switchers use their famous Power-Torque drive, which is well known for poor running and quick gear or motor failure.
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UPTeen23Sorry for alll the posts, my computer went crazy. Also if you are doing a modern layout you might strongly consider a BLI Trackmobile.
There was another recent thread with some complaints about the trackmobile due to poor electrical pickup; check it out if you are considering purchasinghttp://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/p/173575/1905037.aspx#1905037
I would go with the Bachmann 44 tonner; the new ones have a dual mode DCC system that runs on both conventional DC and DCC. Same for the 70 tonner
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
The Bachmann GE 44,45 or 70 tonner will fill your needs.
All three are excellent runners and come DCC equipped.
I have the 70 Tonner and am quite please with its slow speed DC performance.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
It's 8 wheel, but the Bachmann 44 tonner runs quite well and can pull a reasonable number of cars.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
Sorry for alll the posts, my computer went crazy. Also if you are doing a modern layout you might strongly consider a BLI Trackmobile.
Are you looking for a modern diesel or a steam to diesel transition. If You want a 1980 - modernish then look at an Athearn Genesis MP15ac. They are really nice. If you want a modern one get the new Genset from Atlas. A good steam to diesel transition on would be an RS-2 from Atlas. There was a good article on one in the December issue of MR I believe. If you have any more questions, just ask! Good Luck!
Most of the 4 wheel or 6 wheel 'critters' are in the inexpensive/cheap bucket. Even if they have a good drive in them, they may suffer fron electrical pick-up issues on turnout frogs. I have had real good luck with the new Bachmann GE 70 tonner locomotive. It comes with DCC and really is quite smooth running. You can find them on-line in the $30-40 range at times. With all-wheel pickup, it handles insulated turnout frogs much better than a single truck locomotive.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
BTW are you running DCC or DC and what era?
Can't say as I've ever seen any that are actualy "dependable" as far as running and not loosing contact or being real "grinders". Best suggestion I could offer you is to take a look at one of the Bachmann 44 Ton diesels, they were used a lot for industrial work as the weight rules exempted them from needing a fireman on board so they showed up a lot in industrial settings and they aren't bad runners either.
Mark