riogrande5761Yes you get what you pay for but not everyone has the funds to go top shelve but Athearns are very decent if you are on a tight budget.
Jim,I have far more Atlas,Atlas/Kato,P2K and Athearn RTR then I do any other brand. These make up my SCL roster..I still have BB SW7s,GP38-2 and GP40-2s letter for my C&HV and of course SW1500s and in today's mail my second Atlas/Kato RS1 arrived..These two RS-1s will be repainted into Summerset Ry in 77/78. I just can't get away from those sharp looking IPD boxcars.
I still have my OC,SSRy,SCR,CR,CSX and NS units for my 94/95 ISL.
Thankfully I build generic ISL.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
It might also be pointed out, unless something has changed, that KATO locomotives come with many details not installed (handrails, horns, etc). They are on parts sprues under the foam in the box. No experience with customer service because I have not purchased any of their locomotives other than the SD9043MACs.
Intermountain also makes SD40-2s. They have a decent level of detail and have details installed. They also have excellent customers service (one out of 3 of mine had an issue with the trucks, and they were replaced free of charge).
Scale Trains Rivet Counter Models come with excellently detailed with prototype specific details. Mine run well. Early runs do have an issue with the sand lines clicking on the wheels. The manufacturer stated that this is the prototypical location. It does not affect the operation. This occurs on somewhat sharp curves and #6 and smaller turnouts from what I have seen. Other than that they run well. I have had an issue with one locomotive with a fan screen that came detached in the box. The Scale Trains SD40s weigh quite a bit, and consequently have excellent pulling power.
My Athearn RTR SD40-2 runs a little on the warm side, but with no other issues. Detail is nice, but not extensive.
BLI also makes an SD40-2. Mine are undecorated, and came without detail parts installed so that they can be custom painted to whatever road is desired.
I have not run a test to see which brand will pull the most, but my money is on Scale Trains.
Too many as usual and all junk.
Run Eight Too many as usual and all junk.
Wow...
I don't think there are too many, as now there are various price and detail points available.
And, I don't think any of my models are junk. They all seem to run just fine for me.
Seems to me, choices as far as model manufacturer, price point, and detail levels are a good thing.
I look at it this way, the SD-40 series was, at one time, the most popular diesel model in 1:1 scale, so there should also be a wide selection in 1:87 scale.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
BMMECNYCIt might also be pointed out, unless something has changed, that KATO locomotives come with many details not installed (handrails, horns, etc). They are on parts sprues under the foam in the box. No experience with customer service because I have not purchased any of their locomotives other than the SD9043MACs.
Correct, and they are the hard shiny plastic type, and it they JUST fit in the predilled holes, if you can find them . Quite a tedious chore, but worth it in the end.
Customer service isn't bad, they are blunt and to the point. I've ordered a few things.
I think Run Eight shows up every couple of years, starts a few fires, and runs.
I like the Scale Trains. I'm not real famiiar with lots of brands, except Kato, and Athearn, and some Spectrum. I don't buy much new stuff, but Scale Trains has me looking.
Mike.
My You Tube
mbinsewi I think Run Eight shows up every couple of years, starts a few fires, and runs. Mike.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Yup! His earlier thread about Mr. Athearn, bashing his business practices, was quickly removed, while I was reading it. Never had that happen before! but I'm glad it went away.
csxns Doughless I would start with the best running loco, which would be the KATO SD40,
Doughless I would start with the best running loco, which would be the KATO SD40,
Just be careful to destingush between the KATO SD40 and the KATO SD40-2. The latter was produced with electrical pick-up issues and the early runs need to be rewired to fix it. That issue was fixed in later runs but you need to be sure you get the updated electrical system version if you are going for a KATO SD40-2.
If you are going for a KATO SD40, then those should be fine, very good runners. They are also probably harder to find since they have been OOP for a long time - you may find them at train shows - road name choices will be limited.