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 I agree about the P1Ks. They would be an excellant starter loco! Mine all run smoothly. I disagree about Athearn Genesis - for the dollar, you come out ahead buying the greatly superior Atlas Master locos (or even the Classics) - MUCH better detail, far fewer parts to add, and one of the three best motor-drives available (tied with Kato, with Stewart coming in a close third). I like the P2Ks better than Genesis, too. I also disagree about what someone said about Bachmann Spectrum - the diesels are still inferior (although some of the steamers are great). My New Years resolution: No more Bachmann (I don't need any more steamers) or Athearn products - or in-Accrurail or Roundhouse, for that matter !!! I'll stick with Atlas, LL P2K/P1K, Stewart, Kato, Branchline and Kadee products - that way I feel that I get my money's worth! [quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by CBQ_Guy Doc, Just my two cents again but my suggestion for a good brand of starter loco would be a Proto 1000. They run as well as the 2000 series, but just not as highly detailed and they cost less. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with the 2000's at all, they just cost more. The decision is yours and there are a LOT more different models available, a lot more, in the 2000 series versus the 1000. Also, many are VERY happy with Athearn. They have been in the hobby for many decades and were kind of the standard for many years. I'm not sure if the engines they are happy with are the newer Genesis series or are just talking Athearn in general. The Genesis ARE very good. The old standard Athearn units, IN MY OPINION are just that...OLD standard...as in they were pretty much the only half way decent running and low cost locos IN THEIR DAY. If you are planning to just let the trains run around and around, they should be fine, but in my experience they just don't cut it if you want more realistic, slow speed running and switching operations. This is just MY experience with them. Maybe the newer "cheap" Athearns have been improved, at least motor wise, I don't know. But I think they use the same drive components. Others more knowledgeable will have to chime in here. Of course the Atlas, Kato, Stewart and possibly Walthers line of locomotives run well, too, but they're going to cost more as well. One suggestion, I believe you indicated you live in Bloomington, Illinois, if I recall. They have a monthly train swap/show there, as well in nearby (to you) Peoria. Take your time and check these meets out and see what the various vendors have available. Compare prices and look for a good deal pricewise, and you just may find a very good running engine at "reasonable" cost. Look in MR magazine, and possibly at their website, for show schedules. Your local hobby shop proprietor may/should have info on where and when the meets are in your areas, as well. Regards, [/quote]
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