Best G-Scale locomotive / engine

[Anonymous]

I'd like to know what your favorite or best G-Scal locomotive or engine is. Whatever you want to call it, tell me who made or built it, what it is, and why you think it's the best?

Anyone reading this-

For me it's the Aristocraft Southern Pacific ALCO RS-3 diesel. Ever since I received it as a gift, I've always been very pleased with it's performance, speed, looks, style, and grace. it's perfect. I haven't seen anything better yet.

-Later
-Cobalt

[Anonymous]

I too have an Alco RS3 and it's just great. I originally wanted only Canadian National steam on my railroad but when I saw the RS3 in the CN colors, I was sold. Mine works great and I have a Bachman Pacific in CN colors that makes it really hard to pick which one I like the best... The RS3 out performs the Pacific but nothing beats the sight of the those flayling drive rods.

[vsmith]

Bachmann makes a Pacific ????? Since when did Bachmann make a 4-6-2 ?????

I think you mean Aristo Craft, dont you? or are you refering to Bachmann's 4-6-0 ten wheeler?

For me since I cant run those biggie's, as Steve Martin used to say "let's get small".

My favorite is a tie between my LGB Porters and my MDC Big Hustlers even though I had to rebuild thier cabs up from the nothingness they came with. The Hustlers will pull a lot for their dinky size and the porters just cause their so damn cute. I also dig my rebuilt Bachmann 2-4-0 (2-4-2 originally) and before the years out I'll have bachmann's 2-6-0 mining mogul and next year their new Porter.

My list of favorites is always changing, I am always looking for more loco's to add to my roster, thats one of the advantages of "getting small". I can alway find room on the shelf for one more...can't always do that with those Biggie's.

[Anonymous]

LGB 2050/2150/23500

[Anonymous]

Some good choices, does anyone have a favorite engine or train that they would like to be seen as a G-Scale model?

For me it's a tie between the Japanese Japan Rail JR 500 series bullet train and the Erie Triplex.

-Later
-Cobalt

[Anonymous]

A northern - I absolutely love them. Especially the GS4 Northern in its Daylight paint scheme. it's a great mainline powerufl engine.

[Anonymous]

ah the bachmann climax, might be a little rough around the edges but not much else can beat it over rough rails, she hauls loads of lumber like a treat and on my short line she manages to haul a passenger service or two, and what about climbing those grades, cant get much better than that

[Anonymous]

Was reading this thread and I can't help my self once again.

If price is no object, the Aster Allegheny blows EVERYTHING away. Of course, it's $27,000 RTR and weighs in at just under 40lbs. But then it'll be worth DOUBLE that in about ten years or less if you care for it properly. (The "Big Boy" sold for $10,000 new when it was in production and a GOOD one can't be had for under $40k today.)

At the OTHER end of the scale, the Cheddars in the $500-$1000 range are for my money, the BEST money can buy for an affordable steamer.

Rubys ain't too bad either for a little less even. And even THEY will bully a wedgie snow plow with no problem. (Winter hit NM today. 8 inches worth. I've been doin my homework on this snow plow thing.)

:-)

Just two cents worth if anyone's interested.

[Anonymous]

Although I love northerns, I would have to say the favorite model that I own is my Bachmann Shay. Almost nothing can beat those intricate movements and beutiful design.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

For me since I cant run those biggie's, as Steve Martin used to say "let's get small".

lol...[:p]

[Anonymous]

as for the question about what i would like to see made that I have not yet seen, is a Hudson streamline. I am new to this hobby so don't kill me if someone does make one and I just haven't seen it yet.

[Anonymous]

USA SD-40-2 I love the three axle per truck look, great detail. Now if I had an acre to run it on everything would be great. [:D]

[Noel Widdifield]

USA Trains Hudsons with Phoenix sound systems. They look and sound great.
Noel

[Anonymous]

I think my favorite that I have is my Aristocraft SD45 . I just think the level of detail is great and after I had Sierra sound added and the weights put in it seems like it could pull me around.

[Anonymous]

I hate to say it but my most reliable and therefor my favorite g scale train just so happens to be the first one I ever got - a LGB Stainz. It has never let me down, unlike problems, although minor, that I have had with bigger motive power.[2c] I must admit though I'm groing real attached to Accucraft's live steam Shay...

[bman36]

Hey All,
I'm with Teran5. Love my Bachmann Shay. Lots of detail and a treat to watch run. Also a great loco to modify!!! Sorry I can't leave anything alone. I also own an Aristo 0-4-0 and an Aristo FA1. The FA is a strong runner and sounds great with the Sierra sound system. My Shay will get a makeover soon plus Sierra sound as well. I'm a huge fan of Canadian roadnames eh, but absolutely love SP in Daylight colours! A GS4 Northern is a major cool loco. Definitely on my "Must Have One Day" list!!! Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

This topic is very interesting to me, the various replies show great knowledge of of the available scale engines. The trend seems to be toward the more expensive $500.00 to $1000.00 dollar power plants. I would love to be financially able to play in such a ballpark, but I suppose I have been a total failure in my ilfetime as I have never been able to aquire sufficient wealth as to do so. I have found great pleasure in modifying a basket case 10 wheeler wood burner from Backman to reliably stay on the track and tug my six cars and a "Bobber" around my limited layout. I guess since I don't know any better I am having a great time. I don't think a bottom dollar engine should be recommended as "best", but it certainly has served my purposes. I would love to own a large scale C16 in Rio Grande dress, but keeping shoes on the kids and putting food on the table is still a major priority. Like others on the list, I prefer smaller non
modern types of locomotives.

[Anonymous]

I must agree with Michael, the LGB Stainz is the first engine I ever owned and it is just great looks cute, sounds interesting (not outstanding but interesting) and it has never had anything worthwhile wrong with it although its smoke generator is a bit iffy. I am also very impressed ith my big LGB DR Mallet for sheer power and traction it is hard to beat with a configuration of 0 6 6 0 two engies and artidulated bogies it can really pull on tight curves and steep grades. Its sound is outstanding.

Ian; Kawana Island Tropical Railway.

[Anonymous]

Brian, glad to have someone else on this forum who loves the SP Daylight colors. Railking makes one with Protosound that can be found for about $780 (unless you want a $3000 accucraft one). USA trains makes a gorgeous 16 car set, but there are many other maunfactures who make streamlined cars. I think that anyone with the curves for those should take some pictures for us...

[bman36]

Teran5,
It will have to pics for now. My outdoor layout is limited to 8' curves so it would'nt be right for me. Once we move out of the city and I start again...well lookout. I will still be doing the Narrow Guage deal but will build a second line for big long trains. Nothing less than 20' curves. Plan to have 5 acres so lotsa' room to play. Then I'll post pics of SP running in Canada!!! Later eh...Brian.

[Snoq. Pass RR]

For me, it has to be Bachmanns Spectrum Shay, 2-8-0, and 2-4-2.  Non of that Silver Line crap.  I love these engines as they are good haulers and runners.

[Anonymous]

y favourite is my original Aristocraft Rogers -Pulls anything , tracks well and highly reliable .Would love a shay but money is always in demand

 

[Anonymous]

 My MTH Hudson can't beat the smoke & sound

[Train 284]

I love all Bachmann locos, cause that is all I really have. But I also like Aristo Craft and LGB; if I could afford LGB locos!

[Bucksco]

The Stainz is my favorite "G" loco. I like it even more now that I've had the opportunity to see the real thing at the 125th festival.

As far as durability is concerned nothing beats an LGB F7!

 

Matt -have you checked the prices on LGB lately? Genesis under $300, Forneys under $250 and a lot more to come!

[Train 284]

The Stainz is my favorite "G" loco. I like it even more now that I've had the opportunity to see the real thing at the 125th festival.

As far as durability is concerned nothing beats an LGB F7!

 

Matt -have you checked the prices on LGB lately? Genesis under $300, Forneys under $250 and a lot more to come!

Thats good. Of course I don't have a job and I don't have a lot of $$$. But I do want to order a Sumpter Valley diesel. I will have to order an LGB catoloug.

[LGB fan]

My favorite engine is the LGB forney.  I have the LG&B Yellow & Black engine.  It has sound, tracks well, is a good puller and looks good.  I like the moguls a lot but the forney is my favorite.

[folkestonekeith]

I think I like my Bachmann Shay and Heisler best - both have been fitted with LGB MTS decoders and Pheonix sound systems and sound just great working their way up the garden....looking forward to adding the Bachmann 3-truck Shay when it's released (this year, next year?) and then keeping my fingers crossed for Bachmann to do an upgraded Climax.

Another favourite at the other end of the spectrum is the LGB "Spreewald" 2-6-0T - picked one up second-hand which had been MTS fitted and then added a European Sound Module - it's a fantastic looking model - "kewl" as they say!!

As for favourite locomotives that I would like to see produced in plastic,  the Beyer-Garrat 2-6-6-2 (which ran in South Africa and now run on the Welsh Highland Railway)  or for something a little more quirky, the Festiniog Fairlie. Like the idea mentioned earlier of the JR Series 500 Shinkansen Bullet Train   - that would be real kewl.......

Keith

[vsmith]

The Stainz is my favorite "G" loco. I like it even more now that I've had the opportunity to see the real thing at the 125th festival.

As far as durability is concerned nothing beats an LGB F7!

 

Matt -have you checked the prices on LGB lately? Genesis under $300, Forneys under $250 and a lot more to come!

[Bucksco]

Really? do tell! do tell!

You don't want me to spoil the surprises now, do you?