MisterBeasleyWhy did you get rid of your Bachmann engines?
I was going to ask the same, unless it was the old train set type with the pancake motors, then I understand.
Mike.
My You Tube
Watch Walthers for sales on Mainline and Trainline engines. They are cheaper than expensive Proto models because they are less detailed, but have the same drives. Trainworld's and M.B. Klein often have them discounted, too.
Why did you get rid of your Bachmann engines? The newer ones are better than those made just a few years ago.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Try Atlas Trainman. They have a good drive with great paint, handrails but no other detail.
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Stewart F units with Kato drives. That makes up the bulk of the STRATTON AND GILLETTE transistion era, 1954, diesel roster.
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They do not have hand rails, but the bodies are dimpled for the Walthers F unit dress up kit handrails.
Separately fitted metal handrails: You need to do it yourself, but it is easy.
Simple Detail: If you mean the cast on detail on the shells, it is very good and durable.
Good pullers: THE BEST!
Transition Era: Yes.
Can accomidate any coupler: Easy conversion to Kadee with the #450 adapter kit. What other coupler would you need?
Does anyone make locomotive like this: They have not been made in years, but they are easy to find on eBay and train shows.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Oregon_SteamerDoes anyone make locomotives like that?
Out of the scores of choices out there. I would venture to say you might want to look at some of the earlier Bowser/Stewart locomotives. I presume you are looking at HO?
Many Bowser models fit your requirement list, some have a very smooth and easy to repair/maintain Kato drive and the details are basic but can be upgraded as you see fit. (Prices at their site are MSRP, street price is more realistic).
http://www.bowser-trains.com/history/locoindex.html
I've had dozens of Stewart, which was then absorbed into Bowser, locomotives and they are definitely a step-up from "most" Bachmann locos, although there are some decent Bachmann locos in the "Spectrum" line. I have had very few mechanical issues with them and they sre still pulling and running smoothly.
Their newer line is the "Executive "series and these have added details, thus cost, but you can often find the original Bowser locomotives offered directly from them or at auction sites and train shows.
Their F units don't have handrails applied but there are several "dress-up" kits out there with wire grab irons. The hood diesels do have plastic handrails but I have found them to be pretty robust and spares are reasonable to the point that you can keep replacements on hand if needed. I have many of their Alco Century locomotives and I don't believe I've ever had a broken handrail.
Kadee couplers are easily installed and in the case of the F- series, Kadee makes an adapter pocket that is quite servicable. https://tinyurl.com/yboglolc
Cheers, Ed
If I understand you correctly, you are looking for Diesel with a diecast body, a rugged drive train, separately appied metal handrails, but simple and cast-on detail, so you won´t have to exercise too much care when handling the locos.
Sounds very much like the good old Varney models from the 1950s to me.
I am afraid you won´t have that available new these days.
Happy times!
Ulrich (aka The Tin Man)
"You´re never too old for a happy childhood!"
Yesterday I sold all my Diesels "Which were Bachmann." Then I was wondering what Diesels would fit along side Mantua Steam from the 1990's-2000's.
What I am Looking for is this standard.
Does anyone make locomotives like that?