N Scale engines

[chaya]

Okie dokie, I've been out of the hobby for a number of years and am getting back into it. Does anyone feel like doing a little product-reviewing?

I do N Scale. I've been wondering, in the time that I've been gone, has anyone come up with a good F3? How about the Kato F3--is it only a retread of their old F3 with DCC capability added?

Also, what about Atlas's H15/16-44's--are they any good? And has anyone tried the Atlas RS-1 or -3, or the Atlas GP-7 or -9? I like a smooth, slow engine like the Atlas SD-9.

I read with interest in another topic about everybody's incredible lists of locos, from 2 to 200 ea. and counting, and I'm thinking there just might be someone out there with first-hand experience with these products. [;)]

[Wdlgln005]

The new Kato F3 is a fine loco. The main problem is the lack of availability, especially for Eastern roads. I'd like them more if they produced another batch, and mixed up roads with sigle/dual headlights, with/ DB, etc. IM announced a new F3 with freight & passenger pilots. They should run as good as their FT. An ABBA set would look great pulling a house up a 3% grade.

The Atlas H15 are fine locos. The RS-1/GP7-9 in the Classic series are very good with the new low speed motor. Go to the Atlas site to compare prices. The difference will be the lack of DCC equipped units.

[chaya]

Thanks Glen. I used to dream about painting/detailing an N scale F3 in the AT&SF catwhiskers scheme, with creamy yellow and blue. Now I can do it!

Oh sure, I suppose I could paint any old engine and just leave it sitting somewhere on the layout as a relic or maintenance problem, like you see in many small towns. In fact, I've done that with a Bachmann GN Consolidation. But I'd much prefer to have an operating model!

Nice to hear the H15/16's are good, too. A zebra-striped one would look nice on my layout.