best diesel locomotive

[Anonymous]

Athearn F7 and the Proto 2000 E8

[Anonymous]

I just got a new atlas train master gold with qsi sound ,detail is fantastic pulls like as well as any kato or stewert,Would have to be one of the top contenders.

[SSW9389]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cjm89

Atlas and Kato are the best in my opinion.

Dittos

[Anonymous]

Atlas and Kato are the best in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Best of my fleet (which include Proto 1K, Athearn Blue Box, Walthers Trainline, Bachmann and E R Models) would probably have to be a tie between Bachmann, Walthers, Proto and E R - The latter's not available any more but if you see one of their FP7s or Sharknoses for sale at a show or on eBay, buy one - they have DCC sockets, an excellent chassis, and decent detailing too.

Bachmann's Plus F7/F9 is a very under-rated loco to my mind - I have one that had obviously done a few miles before I bought it, but after a clean and lube it runs better than Proto locos. Bachmann's latest standard-range locos aren't bad either - no flywheels, but they've got all the other requirements (can motor, drive and pickup on all wheels, reasonable detail) and run pretty well - you can't beat the prices either.

Walthers Trainline are also good bases to super-detail - they run well and the basic detail is good - add some extras and you'll have a very nice loco.

Athearn seem a little variable - a good Athearn is excellent, but some of them growl, run roughly, etc. I suspect replacing the motor and driveshafts might well solve most of these problems - amongst my best locos are a late-model SD40T-2 and an SD40-2, both of which have their new one-piece driveshafts and don't seem as vocal as the rest of the fleet. Having said that, one of my finest is an SD9, completely standard, crawls slowly enough to count the driveshaft splines!

[choochin3]

a 1970 something Athearn diesel hustler with rubber band drive! Just kiddiing,I thought you meant best top speed![:D]

[Anonymous]

Atlas Master are the best all around locomotives on the market. the 8-40B and 8-40C are simply awesome. the geeps aint bad either.

they have an excellent drive, details that are MUCH better than Kato, and a paint job that is only beat by Athearn Genesis.

if you want prototype specific details, the new Athearn ready to roll SD50 is the best out there. it doesnt have a generic horn and sub base and other details like everyone else. Athearn actually gets it right. it looks the same for their upcoming SD45T-2 and SD60.

[Anonymous]

I think I would say that Overland diesels are the best, based on my own models, fantastic details, and running qualities second to none, of course, they are very expensive.
Of plastic model diesels, I think Atlas is superior in detail, Atlas and Kato are about even IMO, in running quality, with Proto 2000 a close second, Athearn Genesis has a beautifully detailed, and painted shell, but is lacking in drive quality IMO. Cheers.

Mac

[Anonymous]

I would have to say Stewart....nice quality and excellent preformance...
Athearn would be my next choice

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Don Gibson


KATO, & STEWART, and ATLAS are consistantly the best running.
ATLAS, and GENESIS the most detailed.
INTERMOUNTAIN probably the best compromise
PROTO 2000 is the best current price / performance leader
Athearn RTR is trying to catch up to P2K
Athearn (blue box) are old designs - not as good as the above - but good enough for beginner's - and bargain box hunters.

CHEAPEST: Bachmann

[#ditto][#ditto][#ditto]

And then some, Amen Don![:D]

[cacole]

I vote for Kato as the best in running qualities, and Atlas as a very close second. I had a problem with Athearn Genesis SD-70s derailing on a curve where there was a slight dip in one rail because there is not enough free play in their trucks. These were the only models that I have ever had a derailment problem with. The Athearn Genesis models run almost as good as a Kato, but their trucks are a little too stiff.

[Anonymous]

My vote goes for Atlas, appearance and cost considered. Believe it or not, I have a Bachamann Union Pacific GP-38 that runs just as good as my Athearn and Atlas' do. Very responsive, quiet, and overall a good engine. And it was the cheapest!!

[Todd McWilliam]

I prefer Athearn Blue box locos and RTR, due to my budget constraints. I decal them and detail them, and they look real good. For the money they are the best if want a good runner for a low price

[Anonymous]

An opinion from the other side of the pond,
1, Can't beat Kato
2, Atlas Master series is a close second
3, Athearn Genesis is ok but doesnt justify the price
4, Proto 2000 is good value and great detail
The rest i wouldnt touch with a barge pole, just cheap c**p

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by travsirocz

I am wondering what you all think is one of the best locomotives in ho.

This old fart is still learning so I will piggy back off the responses and by the way Travsirocz,
WELCOME ABOARD!.

[darth9x9]

I would have to say Atlas Master Series: fantastic detail, excellent paint, runs very smooth, and comes with a dual-mode decoder! Can't beat it overall for the price.

[Don Gibson]

Really depends WHO has what you WANT.
'BEST' at what??

KATO, & STEWART, and ATLAS are consistantly the best running.
ATLAS, and GENESIS the most detailed.
INTERMOUNTAIN probably the best compromise
PROTO 2000 is the best current price / performance leader
Athearn RTR is trying to catch up to P2K
Athearn (blue box) are old designs - not as good as the above - but good enough for beginner's - and bargain box hunters.

CHEAPEST: Bachmann

[BRAKIE]

I say this..Atlas,Athearn, Genesis Kato,P1K,P2K and Stewart are all good brands. Also don't overlook the older Atlas/Kato locomotives.[:D][tup]

[Anonymous]

4884

I would also say that P2K is MUCH better then Athearn. Of course...Genesis would be up the list a lot higher then the standard Athearn.

[cspmo]

QUOTE: I'd say nothing beats KATO, P2K or Athearn when it comes to diesels

How about Atlas,I think detail is better than Kato,runs better than athearn.

[Anonymous]

I'd say nothing beats KATO, P2K or Athearn when it comes to diesels.

[Anonymous]

I am wondering what you all think is one of the best locomotives in ho. Mostly based on the detail and paint, but also performance. I know overland is probably one of the best detailed locos and highest in price.