My best running loco? Well actually are "Locos" These are always run in consist as the origional prototype. My Stewart/ Kato, F3 Ph2 ABBA in B&O origional paint. These are the smoothest running, best pulling and most dependable engines of anything I have. These have been run for shows and open houses for quite a number of years (about 14 years) The shell doesn't have the greatest detail but that Kato chassis is phenominal.
Modeling B&O- Chessie Bob K. www.ssmrc.org
Steam Engines: I recently acquired a Bachmann Spectrum Heavy Mountain on e-bay. I posted a low bid and to my surprise I won the item.
When the engine arrived I discovered that this was the newer sound version. I am sure the Vendor did not realize that as it did not come with a box.
This engine will pull all I can give it I have other Spectrum Heavy Mountains and while they are also good pullers, not surprisingly as they all have die-cast frames and boilers, they can not complete with this engine. I think I am lucky to have found this locomotive..It must have perfect balance to its weight.
Diesels: Intermountain CNR FP9A/F7B lash-up. This set amazes me with its pulling power. Slow to start but it has torque. I only wish my other diesels could match this set.
My best is likely a BLI J from the Chinese made run, though I added a sound-chip from an older BLI J. I gave it a coat of semi-gloss that I'd been hesitant at first to add but after doing so really love the look, a little bit of weathering, a better coal load and upgraded electronics will soon enhance it even further.
The manufacturers will not make your best loco, you will, so make it how you imagine it. That said I'm thankful for all the great models that are superb starting points.
Alvie
Steamer, the best would have to be the amazing metal BLI PCM Norfolk & Western Y6b. If BLI had only ever made that one engine, they would be legendary...if odd. I hope they get a grip on their recent 'issues'.
Diesel, hands down the Atlas Master Gold Fairbanks-Morse Trainmaster with QSI.
Electric, I only have the one, a Trix GG1, and that thing is a hawg....nice, heavy, pulls the tread off tractor tires.
Arnold Rapido Pacific with die-cast metal body.
I have a number of fine locomotives that I like. The one that surprised me the most is my Union Pacific/Western Pacific SD70ACE from Mikes Train House. It is really a good runner with excellent detail and sound.
1) HO scale Bachmann Climax, super performance
2) Rivarossi Heisler (the last run, can motor, DCC ready) Excellent running loco
3) Proto 0-8-0, smooth as silk, It needed weight to improve tractive effort but is silky smooth and silent.
"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein
http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/
The best, my Athearn BB CP Rail SD40-2 # 5415.
Bought it back in 1996 upon my return to the hobby!
followed closely by my P2K D&H PA
Gordon
Brought to you by the letters C.P.R. as well as D&H!
K1a - all the way
No doubts for me, the new Blackstone C-19s are the clear winners. I have been in the hobby since the early 1980's and have never seen anyhting like them. Awesome slow speed performance, the sound is incredible, and the detail is amazing.
Any one of my engines with the N&W Logo
Best locos I have are a pair of 70's era Atlad GP40's. Next in line is a pair of SDP40F's originally built as Athearn blue box units. Lead unit rebuilt to Athearn RTR hex drive, second unit repowered with a cut down Proto 2000 E6 chassis.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Difficult for me to pinpoint what I think is "the best" I've ever owned... I'll say my favorites, though, are my Athearn RTR diesels, even though they have each had a problem or two in the past...
My little 4x10' HO layout may be small, and I may not have enough money to make it a masterpiece, but that doesn't make me any less of a modeler!
I guess it depends what you mean by "best". Since I operate both steam and early diesel on my layout, I'll give one of each.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Tough one for me. Just about all of my locos have been fine-tuned to run as well as I can possibly make them.
I'd say that the most INDESTRUCTABLE locos I have are my 3 old 1964 Akane Yellowstones--built like Sherman tanks, haul like a team of oxen and are as dependable as they come.
Of the locos I've bought recently, I'd say my Proto 2000 Rio Grande USRA clone 2-8-8-2 is the sweetest--quiet, smooth, crawls like a baby and (amazing for Proto, at least IMO) is a VERY decent hauler.
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Just over two weeks ago, I purchased NS 3010, an Atlas Silver Series GP40-2.
I've only gotten to run it for a limited amount of time, but it's amazing. It's absolutely beautiful, and runs flawlessly.
My Model Railroad: Tri State RailMy Photos on Flickr: FlickrMy Videos on Youtube: YoutubeMy Photos on RRPA: RR Picture Archives
OK, I'll participate in this one!
I would have to say a couple of my first Katos (1999+), I got an SD40 & an SD45 (same chassis) they were the ones that had the LED boards & cast wipers in the wind sheilds. I've got the most miles on them, with the least amount of issues. These like running together without any modifications too. (although I do check & maintain them).
I have lots of favorites, but when it comes to operation, I'll grab a Kato.
Tough one, most of us have a lot more good locomotives than duds. But if I had topick one I'd say my Atlas N Scale Alco C420. Smooth, quiet, good puller and an absolute work of art in the looks department. I could say the same of my Life Like USRA 0-8-0.
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.
www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com
I couldn't really put one single loco on the top of my list; there are too many very good running locos. But, I will say that my Mantua Pacific that I built from a kit in the 1950's is still one of the smoothest locos I have ever owned, but just as important is the durability and reliability of this gem.
-Bob
PS: I have BLI's, Spectrums, Atlas, P2K's and a few other brands, so I am not basing this on just a couple of locos.
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Proto 1000 RS-2. Just finished installing sound in it. It is my absolute favorite.
sfb
Why not have an opposite thread from What's the worst locomotive you have ever owned? My best is a Athearn GP 38-2.
Justin