N-Scale Steam Breakthrough

[Anonymous]

I've been in N-Scale since it's beginnings back in the '60's and '70's. I have just purchased a 'MDC' N-Scale, Oldtime 2-8-0. I am wondering if other N-Scale folks have been has amazed as I am at how great this little gem runs? FINALLY a smaller sized N steamer that doesn't require a "finger push" to get it to run. A steamer that creeps thru switches, it's unbelievable. Did I just get a good one or have others been as amazed as myself? Also, a friend of mine brought over his new Bachmann 2-8-0, ran it on my layout and it's just as GREAT and even more detailed. You have to wonder why this didn't happen 20 years ago.

[thirdrail1]

The Kato 2-8-2 runs like a Swiss watch too. The Diesels of 20 years ago weren't any better than the steam locos. It was Atlas and Kato that changed all that with the RS3. Best thing, there's MORE coming!

[Anonymous]

Greg,
You are correct, the Kato "Mikes" are great also. I have two of them and once you put a set of "Traction Drivers" on them they are pretty decent pullers. They work great for my through trains but are a bit heavy looking for my "on layout" freights. But the new 2-8-0's are the first small to medium steam engines to not only look good but run and pull well. You may be interested to know that both have the Kato style "floating" main driver square bearings that allow the drivers to sort of equalize. So I guess us N scalers owe Kato .....BIG TIME.
Jack

[thirdrail1]

I will soon find out about the Roundhouse 2-8-0. I picked up one on eBay for $70. on a Buy It Now. It requires only minor modification to become a PRR H3b.

[Anonymous]

What can I expect after adding traction tires to my " MIKE "

[Anonymous]

9u6n3r,

Of course it all depends on what you are pulling. The condition of the trucks, weights etc. etc. But given all the variables I would say at least 3 to 4 times as much pulling ability. In my case the Alpine and Terlingua R.R. has about a 4.5% grade at one point. When I got my first Mike I was really shocked that it could only haul five 36' MDC Boxcars and a Caboose up the grade. With the addition of Kato special "traction driver" the Mike pulled 13 Boxcars and a Caboose. The driver set is available from Kato, they are shown on the Kato Website. If you go that route I would strongly reccomend getting a package of extra tires. The replacement driver set I put into use last May or so wore out a couple of weeks ago and I had to replace the tires. To me it is a "must do" for that great running engine!
Jack