N Scale Spectrum USRA 2662 and other N scale steam

[Anonymous]

The only N-scale steamer I have is the Kato mike, and its an excellent model. With the traction tire, it'll empty the yard, but it won't as nicely. At least on DC.

I haven't purchased any of Bachmann's N-scale steam, but I like the HO stuff. So give it a shot.

[Bikerdad]

Uhhh, check where the ConCor Hudson is made. If its made in China, as opposed to being on of the Hudsons made for ConCor by Kato, it probably is NOT worth the extra $40.

If you're looking to get another steamer, pick up a Kato Mikado or Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation. www.fiferhobby.com has the Mikado for a great price, and www.blwnscale.com has the Consolidations for a good price. If its passenger power you want, go with a Spectrum Mountain. If it ain't right, use the warranty, the Bachdude is real good on warranty service.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all of the info. Between the Model Power Pacific and the ConCor Hudson, it sounds like the Hudson is the way to go. I've noticed that there is only a $40.00 difference in price. I want to replace a Rivarossi Pacific that was expensive, looks good and runs poorly. I've decided to remove the motor and gears on the Pacific so it can be used as a dummy unit. From what I've been told, repowering the unit with a can motor can be difficult. I can't see trying to do that. I'd probably end up spending several bucks and still not have a decent unit. I wish Atlas and Kato would get into American prototype steam in a big way. Several years ago, Atlas did do an articulated steam engine. I heard mixed opinions on it.

[Bikerdad]

Okay, in N Scale steam, here's the best overall value (performance & detail & price & quality)

Kato 2-8-2 Mikado (w/ traction tire refit)
Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation
MDC Roundhouse 2-6-0 Mogul
MDC Roundhouse 2-8-0 Mogul

These four locos are widely considered the best of the breed.
The other contenders are:

Life Like 2-8-8-2 : Great detail, average on track performance, no traction tire available, erratic early build quality.

LL 2-8-4: Ditto the 2-8-8-2. With either, if you get a good one, as you apparently have, then its a great loco.

Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2: Very good detailing, good performance, erratic build.

Atlas 2-6-0 Mogul : Tiny, tiny, but cute as a button. Great finish and detail, only N Scale loco that doubles as a chick magnet, quality has been among the best of any steamers, including the Best above. Runs very well, but gearing makes it a warp speed demon with poor low speed performance. Light weight and short truck leads to some pickup problems across switches. Rapido couplers look HUGE on this lit'l guy. The only thing that keeps this loco out of the Best list is its speed.

Atlas Shay: small, very complex, has had some modest QC concerns, but on the whole this looks like the steam dream of 2004. Atlas has a hit on their hands.

Model Power 4-6-2 Pacific: QC really hurt this loco out the gate, although MP responded and made significant improvements. Go for second run, not first. Traction tire is available, but the install is reputed to be "challenging." Detail is not up to the standards of any other modern steam. On the whole, and average locomotive with a premium price. Comments apply for the semi-streamlined units as well.

One thing I'm not considering in these evaluations in prototypical accuracy. Aside from concerns over prototype details, the biggest shortcomings most steam fans find with the contenders is their pulling power (especially considering that they are supposed to be superpower steam), compromised engineering choices relating to power pick-up and transmission, coupler choice/conversion, and the ease of DCC installation.

Finally, each of the "contender" steam manufacturers is suffering from quality control "challenges", which means test before buying, and be prepared to utilize the warranty.

I'm glad to hear that your Berkshire is one of the cherry units. Thus far, of 10 modern steam engines that I have purchased, I've only had any QC concerns with one. However, 7 of the 10 hail from the "Best" group above.

[Anonymous]

N scale steam seems to be better today than it was 10 or 15 years ago. I had purchased Bachman (pre-Spectrum), Minitrix and Rivarossi steam in the early nineties. Until the Kato Mikado came along, I had given up entirely on N scale steam. The last three steam engines I have purchased (Kato Mikado, Spectrum Consolidation and the Life-Like Heritage Berkshire) have been wonderful. N scale engines could use the old Virginia Slims advertising slogan "You've come a long way baby!"

[Anonymous]

I purchased a Kato E-8 about a year ago. I have e-8"s of various manufacturers and the Kato is the best by far. Smoothe operation at very low or high speeds. Also the lighting is directional and consistant. It is a very quiet running engine. If Kato is consistant with all their locos I would recommend the Kato to anyone

[Anonymous]

Does the Model Power Pacific run smoothly?

[Bikerdad]

N Scale Steam is a turbulent world currently. The MP Pacific has been dinged for using a 3 pole motor rather than 5, although the main shortcoming seems to be excessive noise. It also has run of the mill detailing, far short of the Berk. On the other hand, you can get a traction tire for it, and once installed (a major task apparently), the loco pulls like a team of huskies smelling bacon! The 2-6-6-2 is so new that there's not a lot of feedback on it yet. As for the ConCor Hudson, if its one of the Kato built units, its supposed to be a sweetie, if not, dunno.

[Anonymous]

I would like to hear from anyone who has the Spectrum N scale USRA 2662. Is it worth the money? Two other engines I was wondering about are the N scale ConCor Hudson and the Model Power N scale Pacific with flywheel drive. I have the Life Like Heritage Berkshire and it is exquisite. Thanks for any information!