Circus models Faller or IHC

[TurboOne]

Ok on the future expansion of my layout I want a circus. I saw a 20; x 40' layout and it was incredible. Mostly old IHC motorized kits. But I was looking the the Walthers catalog and saw Faller models. Has anyone ever built one and seen it run motorized. I assume they are better $200 vs $20, but would really like to see one in action before I buy the whole collection. Yes that is what this lad wants for 2005 Christmas is the who circus. I want the train but can't find one like LGB emmet kelly in G scale.

Also if you know of another brand for circus rides I would be interested. Also any IHC experiences with the motorized rides, would be great.

Thanks,

Tim ( my Chargers are 12-4)

[Anonymous]

Although your question is like comparing a Porsche to a Kia, I'll answer it anyway.

I've used the IHC models before and when I tried to motorize them, they were VERY unrealistic. As hard as I tried, I could never get a very realistic motion out of them. I've never tried the Faller models, but I have seen them in action. VERY VERY nice. If you have the ca***o spend on the Faller models, get them. If not, the IHC ones are decent models once they're painted and detailed, but I wouldn't recommend them if you want the movement at all. Just remember, IHC models tend to be not as high a quality of other models like the Walther's Cornerstone ones. So in general, their models aren't of that high a quality.

Hope that helps,
Kevin

[Anonymous]

I've seen the Faller rides in operation in a few places, and they look great. The thing you do have to watch is assembly - I have seen one or two of these rides where operation wasn't too smooth, probably as a result of the builder rushing it and maybe getting some glue in the wrong place. They look great and are well worth the effort needed to build them neatly (I've not built one, but if other Faller kits are anything to go by they should be superbly engineered with all parts fitting well). Hope this is of help!

[Anonymous]

Tim,

I have not built one of Faller's rides so far, but friends of mine have. They have a layout at our club exhibition every year and the stuff runs fantastic. Far as I know, you should be careful with your assembly and watch all the moving parts have no flash left and are properly assembled and fitted. Some of the little wagons may need a fraction of additional weight just to keep moving, but otherwise there are no problems.

I would not advise against IHC stuff as long it is just for decorating purposes and "filling in", for atmosphere. Somehow, they also look kind of nostalgic, as was said, they are a little smaller in dimension. Maybe add a "museum" section with time-period-appropriate tractors and trucks ?

I would suggest that you strat out with ONE Faller kit and get yourself acquainted with the stuff, and up to terms with the challenge.

Have FUN ! (+ Happy New Year to all)
Martin

[Anonymous]

If you decide to go with Faller, and can't find one that you want from Walther's online store, try this website. It's what I use a lot for any European made models, trains, etc.

http://www.reynaulds.com/

[TurboOne]

Thanks everyone, I think I will get 1 ihc to play with and check out, then for Christmas 2005 I have given the wife the order for all the rides. That ought to be about a two year project in building them. The pics I have seen look great, but it is a lot of money to spend on a overseas product that I have never seen in action. But thanks to all of you, I only have 355 more days until Santa comes.

Chewie thanks for the website. I will always look to not pay list !

Tim

If anyone else has pics of Faller models or video please let me know. Thanks

[TurboOne]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MainstreetUSA

Tim,

I have not built one of Faller's rides so far, but friends of mine have. They have a layout at our club exhibition every year and the stuff runs fantastic. Far as I know, you should be careful with your assembly and watch all the moving parts have no flash left and are properly assembled and fitted. Some of the little wagons may need a fraction of additional weight just to keep moving, but otherwise there are no problems.

I would suggest that you strat out with ONE Faller kit and get yourself acquainted with the stuff, and up to terms with the challenge.

Have FUN ! (+ Happy New Year to all)
Martin

Thanks Martin for the info, does your club have a website or any pictures ? That would be great to see. Thanks. Email me direct if you want. [e-mail]

Tim

[Anonymous]

Tim, I will try to come up with some pics. It may take a while as I am out of town at the moment and busy with a book about American Model Railroads for my fellow Germans, due for publication in April. I have noted your email and will get back to you.
Good luck
Martin or [e-mail]