Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
Basically, HO diesel locomotives come in four price categories: less than $50, $50 to $80, $80 to $125, more than $125. (keep in mind these prices are not list but what you can reasonably expect to pay in a hobby shop that gives a decent discount from list.) Athearn Blue Box kits, IMO, are the best HO diesels you can buy for less than $50. If you buy one for your six year old it will still be running when he builds a layout for your grandchildren. In the past five years I've found Athearn Blue Box locos for less than $30. Walthers Trainline are pretty decent runners for less than fifty bucks. Stay away from Bachman and non-Proto Lifelike locos at any price. Sometimes you can get a Proto 1000 or Atlas for less than fifty dollar from an online dealer or train show. These are excellent prices for these lines but not what you'd usually find. In the $50 to $80 category Athearn offers the RTR line. IMO, Atlas Classic is a better buy at this price. Proto 1000 is Lifelike's offerring in this price range. I think they are comparable to Athearn RTR but not as good as Atlas. Bachmann offers the Spectrum line in this range. Generally not as good As Athearn RTR, Atlas or Proto 1000. In the $80 to $125 Athearn offers the Genesis line. I've never owned one but they look great. Proto 2000, Atlas Master series are also in this range, as are Stewart Switcher Kits and Katos. Personally, I prefer Atlas in this price range but each brand has their adherents. Many will swear by Kato. Over $125 there are lots to be had. My favorite in the premium range is Broadway Limited. I also like the Atlas Gold series. Steam is an entirely different price range. Generally, the old Mantua line is about the best you could get for less than $100. I own an IHC that I picked up for $65 that I haven't had any problems with.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community