General Discussion (Model Railroader)

 I'm considering getting one of these to start off in 2 rail O scale, is this a good idea?  If I buy the unpowered kit, where do I get the motorizing kit?  How well do they run?  Also, what do they usually sell for? What is the general opinion of them?

 Should I consider replacing the motor that comes with the motorizing kit with a better one?

Thank you to anyone who answers.

 If I remember correctly the powering units go into the tender and shove the engine. I save a couple more months and look at Atlas Diesels. Not sure there are any low priced steam engines except some of the older cast engines you might find at a flea market.

it is not a tender drive, thats the ho scale 4-4-0 and early 0-8-0.  The O scale has a small can motor in the firebox.  A larger motor and lots of weight are needed if you want this to run well.  The motorizing kit usualy goes for what several engine kits cost.  Your better off to wait for either a motorized built model or a complete kit with motor comes up on ebay.  They are out there, either factory built or unbuilt.  They also did the Fairbanks Moris C liner diesel and the Casey Jones 4-6-0.  Also check out the old Atlas F9 streamliners, 8 wheel drive and pickup, they run pretty good, I think Roco did the drive in those O scale models.   MIke

Not that they are for sale, but I have the 0-8-0 kit and the separate motorizing kit as well as the C Liner (and some old AHM freight cars).  The 0-8-0 kit is all plastic.  The motorizing kit has metal parts and consequently some weight, but not enough.  If you're looking for a challenge these might be fun, but otherwise I'd go for something more recent.  I plan to build the kit when I retire and have some time.  IIRC the motorizing kit was $80.  The locomotive kit I picked up on the bargain table at a train show for $10.  Both over 20 years ago.

Enjoy

Paul

 They are nice models, but as others have said the motorizing kits go for outrageous amounts on eBay, so I haven't completed mine. I managed to purchase all of the motorizing parts except the metal wheels, which I'm still trying to locate. I have an extra loco kit, if you're interested.

What would you be asking for it? I guess this should probably be a private message.

 SantaFe347, check your private messages.