N scale rolling stock?

[mikesmowers]

    I am in the process of building a rather large N scale layout and am needing some rolling stock. Recentally I have gone from purchasing Bachman's to Atlas as they roll and look so much better and are about the same price. What I am interested in knowing is what are some of the brands that I need to stay away from and what are the better and the best? In a nutshell, how would you rate the various brands of N scale rolling stock?     Mike

[BRAKIE]

We are very fortunate to have several good suppliers of N Scale cars.

 Here we go and these are the cars I use and have experience with and IMHO are the top of the line.

 1.Atlas,Atlas/Trainman

2.Athearn-except their 3 bay hopper--I just don't care for the excessive coupler spacing between cars..Others at the club uses 'em.

3. Fox Valley Models

4.Red Caboose

5.Intermountain

and of course

Micro-Trains.

There are others but,as I mention these are the brands I use.

 

[MAbruce]

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I agree with what Brakie’s assessment.

 

Just a comment regarding Micro-trains.  For many years they led the N-scale world in quality and pushed the envelope in the N-scale early years.  Their couplers are still considered the best, although there are now alternatives such as Accumate and McHenry.  However, many manufacturers (like Atlas) have closed the gap and offer equal (maybe better in some cases) quality products.  I mention this because there will be many who will say that there is no equal to Micro-trains.  They still make great rolling stock, but they are not the only game in town anymore.

[trainfan1221]

Basically if you stick with Micro-trains or Atlas you will be fine.  I also have a couple of Athearn cars though they haven't produced a whole lot in N scale yet. 

MAbruce, I haven't found out ANYTHING regarding McHenry couplers in N scale short of MR mentioning them once as a coming product.  I would appreciate anything you or anyone else could tell me as i really need to do something about my couplers in N.

[MAbruce]

trainfan1221

MAbruce, I haven't found out ANYTHING regarding McHenry couplers in N scale short of MR mentioning them once as a coming product.  I would appreciate anything you or anyone else could tell me as i really need to do something about my couplers in N.

 

The newest Athearn cars now have them.  I looked one over at my LHS recently.  They look a lot like Accumates at first glance, but then when you look close you can see a small spring on the coupler.  I have not heard any bad reports so far, and nothing regarding expanded releases (or being offered as a stand-alone product).    

[trainfan1221]

Thanks! I'll be on the lookout.  Would be nice if an easy way to swap out couplers in N (short of those horrible looking ones that drop into the Rapido style pocket) were developed.

[wm3798]

 I swear by Atlas rolling stock.  Of course, it's not the only stuff I have, but you can't beat it for the price.  I also really like their parts availability.

I do prefer Micro Trains trucks and couplers, but I swap out their ridiculous pizza cutter wheels.  I haven't bought a new MT car in quite awhile.  The best cars they offer are the open auto racks, some of their covered hoppers and more modern tank cars.  But Intermountain makes far better covered hoppers, Atlas makes better modern tanks, and everyone has better availability.  (Micro Trains rarely issues cars in more than one road number, save for their recent "runner packs", and it can be years before they repeat a paint scheme.  So don't plan on building up a fleet of hoppers unless you're going to paint them yourself...)

The other issue I have with Micro Trains is the ride height of the cars.  Because they are design with those gall-darn hi-rail wheels, the cars sit way to high on the trucks.  I have modified some of my cars to address this.

If you're a Micro Trains collector, I hope you have a defibrillator handy...   I cut the whole floor out of this and dropped the sides down almost 1/8" (actual).  You can compare this more readily to the stock car in this shot:

 

You can usually build a fleet pretty economically by getting lots of older cars on Ebay, then changing out the trucks and couplers to MT, and if you're really ambitious, you can change out ladders and roof walks with etched metal kits from BLMA or Gold Medal Models.  And with a little weathering, even the cheapest cars can look pretty good.

This is a Life Like car I bought for $2.99.  If you can overlook the fact that the build date is 2 years after the BN merger, it makes for a pretty nice looking car.  If I was a GN modeler, I would be a lot more picky (as I tend to be with WM equipment) but it works fine as an interchange car.

The nice thing about inexpensive cars like those from Atlas Trainman, is you can fearlessly paint them without worrying about trashing a $20 car.  I painted and lettered this one using a spare shell I bought from the Atlas parts department for a couple of bucks...

Again, a little weathering and a couple of details, and you've got a nice looking car.  I've yet to replace the running board with an etched metal one, though...

What era and railroad are you planning to model?  That might direct you to certain models...

Lee

 

[mikesmowers]

   Thanks for all the help. I am modeling primary BNSF with some SF, BN and a couple of UP locos in pretty much modern day time frame. I am modeling free lance so anything can happen.    Mike