What are the best engines & cars?

[Anonymous]

Brian,
I have almost exclusively Athern cars. Low cost, reasonable quality, lots of variety available. I LOVE my Atlas RS3 engines.

[Anonymous]

Brian,
I have almost exclusively Athern cars. Low cost, reasonable quality, lots of variety available. I LOVE my Atlas RS3 engines.

[Anonymous]

DJH are on of the top UK kit manufacturers and have a good reputation over here. I've not had a chance to build anything by them, but I've seen magazine photos of their kits during construction and completed and they look well-designed.

[Anonymous]

DJH are on of the top UK kit manufacturers and have a good reputation over here. I've not had a chance to build anything by them, but I've seen magazine photos of their kits during construction and completed and they look well-designed.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jgoeke

I thought that I read somewhere that Rivarossi engines were not DCC ready-is that true?

Some are, and some are not.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jgoeke

I thought that I read somewhere that Rivarossi engines were not DCC ready-is that true?

Some are, and some are not.

[CG9602]

I've purchased a few Garratt kits from DJH Engineering, in the U.K. Has anyone else here had experiences with their kits? I'm in the middle of the first one (yes, its a garratt, GMA/M) and it is proving to be fun, though a learning experience at times.

[CG9602]

I've purchased a few Garratt kits from DJH Engineering, in the U.K. Has anyone else here had experiences with their kits? I'm in the middle of the first one (yes, its a garratt, GMA/M) and it is proving to be fun, though a learning experience at times.

[Anonymous]

I was intrigued to read about problems with Bachmann diesels here - my Dash 8 is a somewhat lively performer though it calms down when used on a heavy double-stack container train. Maybe Bachmann should look at fitting the chassis units from the British-outline range as these are excellent - the equal of Proto 1000.

[Anonymous]

I was intrigued to read about problems with Bachmann diesels here - my Dash 8 is a somewhat lively performer though it calms down when used on a heavy double-stack container train. Maybe Bachmann should look at fitting the chassis units from the British-outline range as these are excellent - the equal of Proto 1000.

[Anonymous]

I thought that I read somewhere that Rivarossi engines were not DCC ready-is that true?

[Anonymous]

I thought that I read somewhere that Rivarossi engines were not DCC ready-is that true?

[BRAKIE]

Brian,How much $$$ do you want to spend? Of course you do not need the top of the line $150.00 engines and $30.00 cars..Athearn is the best of the economy line and they last for years with normal maintenance.

Athearn,Accurail,Branch line Yardmaster series makes cars for less then $10.00.

Also,You can save money by buying on the net and through mail order.Just be sure to buy enough to justify the postage..

[BRAKIE]

Brian,How much $$$ do you want to spend? Of course you do not need the top of the line $150.00 engines and $30.00 cars..Athearn is the best of the economy line and they last for years with normal maintenance.

Athearn,Accurail,Branch line Yardmaster series makes cars for less then $10.00.

Also,You can save money by buying on the net and through mail order.Just be sure to buy enough to justify the postage..

[Anonymous]

Lee (HighIron2003ar) [:)]

Congratulations on your new star. [:)]

I wish you many more. [:)]

I have also sent you an email.

[Anonymous]

Lee (HighIron2003ar) [:)]

Congratulations on your new star. [:)]

I wish you many more. [:)]

I have also sent you an email.

[Anonymous]

LCandMRR,

I am sorry to see that you did not fare well with the spectrum diesals. However some of your experiences are dead on the money. I have a pair of Baby trainmasters from Spectrum and they run well together hauling slow drags. They require coddling but I am happy with them. I did find the 44 tonners a bit like a child stuffed with choclate chip cookies all jump and play.

Best of luck a remember to add a little bit at a time.

Lee

[Anonymous]

LCandMRR,

I am sorry to see that you did not fare well with the spectrum diesals. However some of your experiences are dead on the money. I have a pair of Baby trainmasters from Spectrum and they run well together hauling slow drags. They require coddling but I am happy with them. I did find the 44 tonners a bit like a child stuffed with choclate chip cookies all jump and play.

Best of luck a remember to add a little bit at a time.

Lee

[Anonymous]

Freight cars: look for Athearn, MDC Roundhouse, Accurail, Walthers (after the wheels are changed out for Intermountain). Those are what I have experience with. Make sure to use Intermountain or P2K metal wheels and Kadee no. 5 or 58 couplers.
Steam engines: Spectrum 2-8-0 is about the best they have made; light 4-8-2 is okay, but is prob. too big for a 4x8 layout. IHC Premier series 2-8-0 is very nice as well, coupler on front, Kadee very easily, flywheel drive. It's the old Tyco Chattanooga Choo-Choo engine, but throughly revised.
Diesel engines: I prefer P2K GPs, goes around most any curve, pulls great. For max pulling, P2K SD60. I have 2, took 90-car ore train up 4+% grade around 30" curve on my dad's layout. For switchers, Atlas Alcos pull great, also Walthers FMs. Might be hard to find these days. P2K SD7s and 9s are really picky on trackwork. Athearns can be detailed to match P2K, weighted to pull almost as much. Atlas most anything from the last 20 yrs is good. The old GP40s and 38s, and Con-Cor GP 38-40, stay away from. Bad coupler mounts and bad fuel tank, with screwdriver slot in middle. Kato is okay, but doesn't pull as well as P2K. I stay away from Spectrum diesels, just don't run right.

These are just my experiences, your results may vary...

[Anonymous]

Freight cars: look for Athearn, MDC Roundhouse, Accurail, Walthers (after the wheels are changed out for Intermountain). Those are what I have experience with. Make sure to use Intermountain or P2K metal wheels and Kadee no. 5 or 58 couplers.
Steam engines: Spectrum 2-8-0 is about the best they have made; light 4-8-2 is okay, but is prob. too big for a 4x8 layout. IHC Premier series 2-8-0 is very nice as well, coupler on front, Kadee very easily, flywheel drive. It's the old Tyco Chattanooga Choo-Choo engine, but throughly revised.
Diesel engines: I prefer P2K GPs, goes around most any curve, pulls great. For max pulling, P2K SD60. I have 2, took 90-car ore train up 4+% grade around 30" curve on my dad's layout. For switchers, Atlas Alcos pull great, also Walthers FMs. Might be hard to find these days. P2K SD7s and 9s are really picky on trackwork. Athearns can be detailed to match P2K, weighted to pull almost as much. Atlas most anything from the last 20 yrs is good. The old GP40s and 38s, and Con-Cor GP 38-40, stay away from. Bad coupler mounts and bad fuel tank, with screwdriver slot in middle. Kato is okay, but doesn't pull as well as P2K. I stay away from Spectrum diesels, just don't run right.

These are just my experiences, your results may vary...

[Anonymous]

It all depends on what you are looking for.






the only thing I would advise is to stay away from the cheap stuff. It can be very discouraging to set some up only to have it derail or not to perform right. The track must be right also. Also if you are going to have a tight radius, stay away from the six axle locomotives. I was turned off of Lifelike for years until I discovered their Proto line.

[Anonymous]

It all depends on what you are looking for.






the only thing I would advise is to stay away from the cheap stuff. It can be very discouraging to set some up only to have it derail or not to perform right. The track must be right also. Also if you are going to have a tight radius, stay away from the six axle locomotives. I was turned off of Lifelike for years until I discovered their Proto line.

[JoeUmp]

Here's the two cents from another recent returnee. Twenty some years ago my equipment consisted of mostly "new" Tyco. Now my motive power consists of a mix of Athearn, Genesis, Walthers and a Spectrum diesel. My Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 is a very good steam loco. As far as rolling stock, it's mostly Athearn, Roundhouse and Walthers. I have no complaints with the quality of any of my purchases. Although I will admit that I am looking forward to checking out some of the other brands out there.

[JoeUmp]

Here's the two cents from another recent returnee. Twenty some years ago my equipment consisted of mostly "new" Tyco. Now my motive power consists of a mix of Athearn, Genesis, Walthers and a Spectrum diesel. My Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 is a very good steam loco. As far as rolling stock, it's mostly Athearn, Roundhouse and Walthers. I have no complaints with the quality of any of my purchases. Although I will admit that I am looking forward to checking out some of the other brands out there.

[Anonymous]

I like Brian have been away from MR for some years too. I my self have come to the point that with all the diffrent options out there I'm going to start small. Very small. With track options as 83 or 100 code. I plan on starting with a simple 2 oval track with a few turn outs. One being code 100 and the other inside being code 83.I will also use a few diffrent manfatures of turn outs too. This way I can make my own mind up of what I like and what works best for me. I do have a very cheep IHC figure 8 set up now that has been set up on a few card tables and have had much fun with. Now I want more but unsure what I want. Sure I would love to run out and buy a Big Boy and a ton of cheep rolling stock ! But what fun would that be spending more time tending to derailments and not running what I want to ? What is best for one person is not always best for you.I have much to learn, And there is no clubs near me. ebay here I come. (smile) This hobby is not one to learn over night. My only hope is to have a wonderful lay out done before I die (big smile) you vet's know what I mean.

[Anonymous]

I like Brian have been away from MR for some years too. I my self have come to the point that with all the diffrent options out there I'm going to start small. Very small. With track options as 83 or 100 code. I plan on starting with a simple 2 oval track with a few turn outs. One being code 100 and the other inside being code 83.I will also use a few diffrent manfatures of turn outs too. This way I can make my own mind up of what I like and what works best for me. I do have a very cheep IHC figure 8 set up now that has been set up on a few card tables and have had much fun with. Now I want more but unsure what I want. Sure I would love to run out and buy a Big Boy and a ton of cheep rolling stock ! But what fun would that be spending more time tending to derailments and not running what I want to ? What is best for one person is not always best for you.I have much to learn, And there is no clubs near me. ebay here I come. (smile) This hobby is not one to learn over night. My only hope is to have a wonderful lay out done before I die (big smile) you vet's know what I mean.

[Anonymous]

Here's my 2 cents worth. I use Athearn, P2000 & Spectrum steam and diesel. I have mostly Athearn freight and passenger. Replacing plactic wheels with metal from Kadee. For track Atlas code 100 and Peco points. Best of luck and welcome back to MR.
Keith

[Anonymous]

Here's my 2 cents worth. I use Athearn, P2000 & Spectrum steam and diesel. I have mostly Athearn freight and passenger. Replacing plactic wheels with metal from Kadee. For track Atlas code 100 and Peco points. Best of luck and welcome back to MR.
Keith

[Anonymous]

I use Athearn, Accurail, Intermountain some kato and walthers for my Freight cars. I pick the best steamers such as the 0-6-0 from Proto(Life Like) and the Bachmann Heavy Mountain. Riverossi are ok too. (Any one wanna sell a Allengheny? lol) I carefully examine the models for suitibility of my era '40-55' and occasionally there will be a limited run car from the 60's sneaking around. Diesals pretty much run well just make sure they have flywheels, all wheel pickup and power to all the wheels. (And of course capability to upgrade to DCC)

You pretty much detailed the lower end of modeling gared towards kids (Tyco, model power etc)

Track is atlas code 83 nickel silver. And I use metal wheel sets in place of the wobbly plastic ones. (Cleaner on track too)

Good Luck Lee