Which brand of locos are the best??

[gvdobler]

I have gathered from the threads :

Athearn are durable.
Kato has paint and railing issues but run good.
Atlas are good.
Life-like have mixed reviews.

I am modeling Union Pacific because I can run modern equipment and still run passenger excursion trains so as to have steam (Challenger) and early diesel (E9) in prototypical operation on my layout. I have ordered the Athearn Genesis 4-6-6-4 and I have the Life-Like E8/9 but from here I not sure what brands to choose. I don't have any old stuff so everything will be new.

Jon - Las Vegas

[Anonymous]

Kato, Proto 2000

[Favrefan04]

I have a Proto 2K, and I am happy with it. Detailing's nice and runs well.

[Anonymous]

The Atlas Master Series is VERY good. I am amazed by the level of detail and it runs smooth too. Mine do not have sound... but that is what BLI is for...

[Anonymous]

If you are running DC, BLI is the living end. If your running DCC, BLI is just the beginning. Either way buy a BLI and find out what you've missed.

All of my P2K are great runners and look good. I have a couple of Atlases but I'm not into the "U" boats but the price was right. I have at least one of every Genesis Warbonnet "F" unit and they are probably the best "cheap" loco. I've installed DH163AO, or the same Soundtraxx in them.

Bob

[Anonymous]

i have two athearns. they run well enough and have good enough detail for my layout (4 by 8). if you have the money, i been hearing lots of praise for the athearn genisis, BLI, and P2K locomotives. also, if you subscribe to MR, look in the "train world" adds. i saw a genisis SD70 for $60. AGAIN, I SAW LOTS OF P2K LOCOMOTIVES FOR REAL CHEAP (an Alco S1 for $30!!!!!!!!!) IN THE TRAIN WORLD MR ADDS!!!!! Also, again, subscribe to MR (modelrailroader) if you havn't-if you are new (<2 years) to the hobby that is.

[tstage]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bnsf6733
...also, if you subscribe to MR, look in the "train world" adds. i saw a genisis SD70 for $60. AGAIN, I SAW LOTS OF P2K LOCOMOTIVES FOR REAL CHEAP (an Alco S1 for $30!!!!!!!!!) IN THE TRAIN WORLD MR ADDS!!!!!

Jon,

I can vouche for the S1. Cost me $29.99 - plus 6.95 S&H. (Reg. $110) Sweet runner and it looks great! Here's a pic:

http://www.railimages.com/albums/tomstage/aae.jpg

The steamer is an Athearn 2-8-2 Mike. I've been farily happy with it. I would like to get a BLI 2-8-2 someday. Workin' on it...

Tom

[CP5415]

Athearn are a good locomotive. They now have 3 different types of models available.
Blue Box, which are a bit noisey, not detailed but are a decent hauler! I pulled 20 cars up a 3% curved grade with one SD40-2 on Sunday.
Athearn RTR ( ready to roll ) have the same basic drivetrain as Blue box but are better detailed then the Blue Box version.
I would recommend either of these two.
I haven't had any personal experieence with Genesis so I can't commemt on them.
Proto 1000 & 2000 are locomotives that i have a couple of each.
Releatively quiet, great runners, can haul almost anything & are nicely deatiled for the money.

Atlas & Kato models are ones which I don't own any but have seen some in use on layouts. They're nice, but not ones I would want around a 3 year old!

Just my thoughts on your question.
I hops this helps

Gordon

[Wdlgln005]

For Nscalers, the Atlas Shay makes it the best
Kato is a very close second.

Lifelike diesels good, but no steamers
Bachmann Connie steamer, no diesel
MDC/Athearn steamers very good, new runs with some detail
improvements, better trucks/couplers.
Model Power ? when released?
MT & IM FT's good diesels

Athearn diesels: 2nd unit coming out, work in progress?

[Anonymous]

I'm in N:

Kato
Atlas
Athearn
Life-Like
Intermountain
some Micro-Trains

-Matt

[Virginian]

I wouldn't go with brand so much as specific models. I can only speak to steam. The BLI Class A and Heavy 2-8-2, the P2K 2-8-8-2, 0-8-0, and 2-8-4 (2nd run on), the Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy and Class J, and the Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 and 4-6-2 all have been excellent for me.
The Athearns do need some weight added, and the Spectrum J needs the drawbar modified, but after that they run beautifully and are priced right.

[Sunset Limited]

I would say, (Through my experience)
In HO
1) Athearn- Blue Box. Basic, simple and affordable. Comes with 'add on metal handrails'. Great to fix up, dress up, modify. I like to take these apart modify them, paint them, add details to them. Good runners.
2) Life Like P2K- Excellent details, great runners. I have 6 E-units with the Mars light, beautiful to watch. Also a decent price on these units.
3) Bachmann Spectrum- I have the SP GS-4 Daylight, good runner also. Just needed to paint the wheels and added some details to them.
4) BLI- I dont have one. But this great salesman at Caboose Hobbies in Denver set one up on a test track. It was a SP E-9 A-B. WOW I WAS IMPRESSED! The Mars light and sound! I can't really afford one, but it's on my wish list! goal for the new year!

In N Scale
1) Atlas- I have a few of them, RS-11's, GP-40, GP-9. Great runners.
2) Life Like P2K- Great runners. The SW-8 switcher is excellent!!!! I'm impressed with the detail and the slow speed performance!
3) Kato- Excellent smooth runners. Bottom Line! Their Katos!

[Anonymous]

I strongly agree with Virginian that manufactures may not be necessarily an issue as specific models from different manufactures. .The most powerful baseball players that are heavy hitters don't always hit home runs much like manufacturing. Sometimes even the best will have flaws. Although, most manufactures will provide information on what to do or offer a buy back and or trade in. TRIX BIG BOY which continues to be one of my personal favorites had minor problems that were quickly improved making for one of the best locomotives that the model railroad market has ever saw...And very true KATO, STEWART, Life Like Proto Series, Broadway Limited and so forth are names that make quality items that you can likely trust. However, Trust the reviews on model railroader, rail fans and those who have tried out the product...Asking questions like you did here will always provide comments, thoughts, and shared ideas. Also while your doing a Union Pacific layout, you may consider adding the Marklin Big Boy or Lionel's released VERANDA to your collection as these have received good reviews too. On the affordable list, LiFe Like Proto 1000 has the F-3A & B power units in the Union Pacific Road name which would be great for enjoyment along with affordability. They may lack minor detail but the price difference allowed me to fini***hem with brass detail pieces at a big savings over the 2000 series. Good Luck on your layout Jon and maybe add in a BNSF "jokenly" in your Union Pacific Collection out there in Las Vegas.

[Anonymous]

Definitely Stewart, many (most?) of whose locos have Kato drive mechanisms; those that don't have a Stewart drive (I forget who actually makes it) that's almost as good.

[Anonymous]

Kato, altas, and p2k are all smooth and quiet runners. Bachman spectrum steamers are very very nice also, same cant be said for the deisels. Blueboxes are loud but they can haul and last forever, much like the real thing.

[mcouvillion]

I don't know how to properly answer this question. Everyone has a different opinion of what is important to them. Is it cost, reliability, performance, "trueness to the prototype", features? There are many very good models and brands available now. Your preferences will surely be different than mine or someone else's. Really, only you can decide what is important when you purchase a model, and you may change your mind between this purchase and the next. There are plenty of opinions posted above. From your perspective, all of them may be right, or all of them may be wrong. In the end, you will spend your money on what appeals to you and on what you can afford. You will be deciding what you value most when you put your cold, hard cash on the counter. And that's the right brand for you.

Mark C.

[twhite]

You'll like the Genesis Challenger, it's a nice runner and a marvelous hauler! The sound isn't the greatest (the whistle is downright hilarious) and you'll need to play around with the enclosed remote controller until you get the hang of it, but it's quite the locomotive! As to your main question, I'm with most of the other guys on this thread--it's pretty much the LOCOMOTIVE you want, not the manufacturer. For instance, some of the guys are praising P2K steamers--I've got several, and though they're nicely detailed and smooth runners, I don't find them nearly as good at HAULING as the BLI's. I've got a little brass Mikado that can haul as much as the P2K 2-8-8-2. But it's all in what you're looking for.
Tom

[Anonymous]

I have three Broadway Limited Steamers. The Heavy Mike to me is the best all around while the M1a Mountain runs very well. The J1 suffers from picky track where a tight curve pinches it but we have decided it was a specific track issue and not the fault of the J1.

I usually reach for either the mike or the M1a when I get ready to run trains. I have great expectations of the upcoming Life Like 2-8-8-2 with the QSI.

[GN-Rick]

I have 2 BLI locos, the heavy Mikado and an E7A and they are both very good-both running and sound quality,. I also have several P2K units (GP9,GP20 and SW9) and they are also quite good-good detail and also easy to upgrade and paint. The neatest
steam loco that I've seen lately is the new Spectrum Climax-it's beautiful, well detailed
and runs wonderfully-slow and steady like the prototype. And it is just cute as the devil.
Genesis, Stewart, Atlas and Kato have or are earning justified excellent reputations.

[Anonymous]

I think one thing that is allways evident no one produces perfect models.No production run is 100% wothout some issues.For every story of praise for a manf.there will be a horror story also.I like steam also anything with sound,so my favorites are BLI and Life like,as Virginian said earlier the Class A and LL 2-8-8-2 for big steam are absolutely great engines.I don't think there is another model of a 0-8-0 produced that is as good as Life likes.Atlas is without a dought a leader ,they have allways produced top quality products with better than average support and service when trouble arises,Another life like is the new geep outstanding engine as with the rest of their P2K line.Besides the spectrum 2-8-0 I have never had much luck with Bachmann for those of you who do great For their price they produce some exellent looking models First generation deisel especially the f's in my opinion Intermountain's Regal line, stewart, and Athern Genesis are all good choises. I think there are to many variables to consider before any manf could claim the title {Best} I think that when you run your favorite loco you will be as close as its gets to the best for you. Good Luck Terry

[gvdobler]

What a great response. Thanks to each of you.

Union Pacific lists 2 E9s 1 E9B diesels and Challenger 3985 and #844 (forgot the type) these are still on active duty for excursions. This will fit my idea of running modern equipment and being able to still run E series and Steam and passengers.

I see some Rivarossi #844 (I think it's a 4-8-4 w/elephant ears) still new, but I know they're out of business. So I still need #844 and then the modern diesel equipment.

Your info has been a great help.

Jon - Las Vegas

[Anonymous]

Steam excursions including the Challenger and all the rest can show up anywhere so why do you have to model UP?

[BRAKIE]

For my money its:
1.Atlas,Atlas/Kato
2.Athearn-RTR
3 Athern/Genesis
4Athearn BB
5.P2K
6.Kato-4 GP35s.
7.Stewart-The Baldwin switcher is a real jewel.
8.Walthers-GP15s..

Over all I favor the two A's..Atlas and Athearn.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 KATO loco's (2, SD40MAC 1,RS-1) and they run perfectly my other 4 loco's(GP40,DASH8,2GP30's from ATLAS and they run well too! but if I had to choose it would be KATO, KATO KATO!!!!!! "oh did I mention KATO?" I'm running Union Pacific,Southern Pacific & BNSF in "N"SCALE

[gvdobler]

Gwallace54

You are correct. I should say that Up's current excursion equipment is the inspiration for starting a new project. As I've said, I do not havea layout, I am planning one that I can run modern equipment and the Challenger and E9 passenger. So the locale and railroad can be determined. There are so many to choose from.

I think a fun part of this hobby is the research and planning. I grew up in Lincoln Nebraska, which was served by Burlington, with the Havelock shops being a good candidate, with connections to Union pacific and North Platte being I think the largest classification yard. So there is a lot to think about.

Thanks for all of the input.

Jon - Las Vegas

[Anonymous]

whats BLI?

[selector]

This is a bit late, but my other hobby is astronomy. Just as in trains, telescopes come in all sizes and shapes from about a dozen manufacturers all competing for a limited number of discretionary bucks. Some cost zillions, and are spectacular, while the department store wonders that go for $130 at Christmas, claiming to generate a whopping 600 power, are really worth $1.20.

My point, though, is that even the costliest telescope manfucturers sometimes get it wrong, and occasionally in a spectacular way. It takes very little error to render a 'good' telescope seriously flawed. So, even the 'best' locomotives can be lemons refusing to run. It happens. And, dealing with teslescope makers can be just as tough as with a loco maker who doesn't want to take it back, or to help you.

That said, My BLI Hudson is clearly a superior product....TO ME. My Life Like P2K 0-6-0 is simply gorgeous, and runs very well on DC. I hope it runs even better when a decoder is added.

[nfmisso]

Hi Jon;

Rivarossi has been purchased by Hornby, and the UP FEF-3 models (including 844) should be back in a year or three. And Walthers still has some in stock....

Currently used UP diesels listed on Walthers':

Atlas Model Railroad Co. Walthers Mfg # 150
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
7214 Diesel Master Series Silver GE Dash 8-40B Powered - Standard -- Union Pacific #1865 (yellow, gray, red) HO 119.95 N Unknown

7215 Diesel Master Series Silver GE Dash 8-40B Powered - Standard -- Union Pacific #1889 (yellow, gray, red) HO 119.95 N Unknown

7216 Diesel Master Series Silver GE Dash 8-40B Powered - Standard -- Union Pacific - Painted (yellow, gray, red), No Unit Number HO 119.95 N Unknown

7617 Diesel GE Dash 8-40C - Powered, No Decoder -- Union Pacific #9234 (yellow, gray, red) HO 119.95 N
find it Sold Out
7618 Diesel GE Dash 8-40C - Powered, No Decoder -- Union Pacific #9240 (yellow, gray, red) HO 119.95 N
find it Sold Out
7619 Diesel GE Dash 8-40C - Powered, No Decoder -- Union Pacific - Painted (yellow, gray, red), No Unit Number HO 119.95 N
find it Sold Out
7629 Master Series Silver Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered -- Union Pacific #9424 (yellow, gray, red) HO 139.95 N
find it Sold Out
7630 Master Series Silver Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered -- Union Pacific #9440 (yellow, gray, red) HO 139.95 Y

7631 Master Series Silver Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered -- Union Pacific - Painted (yellow, gray, red), No Unit Number HO 139.95 N
find it Unknown

9127 Diesel EMD GP38 w/Low Nose; Powered -- Union Pacific #2410 (yellow, gray, red); Square Filter Box HO 129.95 Y

9128 Diesel EMD GP38 w/Low Nose; Powered -- Union Pacific #2413 (yellow, gray, red); Angled Filter Box HO 129.95 Y

9129 Diesel EMD GP38 w/Low Nose; Powered -- Union Pacific - Painted (yellow, gray, red); Angled Filter Box, No Unit Number HO 129.95 Y

9608 Diesel GE Dash 8-40C - Powered w/Decoder -- Union Pacific #9237 (yellow, gray, red) HO 149.95 N
find it Sold Out
9609 Diesel GE Dash 8-40C - Powered w/Decoder -- Union Pacific #9247 (yellow, gray, red) HO 149.95 N
find it Sold Out
9619 Master Series Gold Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered w/DCC Decoder & Sound -- Union Pacific #9442 (yellow, gray, red) HO 249.95 N TBA

9620 Master Series Gold Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered w/DCC Decoder & Sound -- Union Pacific #9452 (yellow, gray, red) HO 249.95 N TBA

9621 Master Series Gold Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered w/DCC Decoder & Sound -- Union Pacific - Painted (yellow, gray, red), No Unit Number HO 249.95 N TBA

9697 Master Series Gold Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered w/DCC Decoder & Sound -- Undecorated; CSX/Union Pacific Style HO 249.95 Y TBA

9807 Diesel Master Gold Series Dash 8-40B Locomotive w/Decoder; Powered -- Union Pacific #1847 (yellow, gray, red) HO 229.95 N TBA

9808 Diesel Master Gold Series Dash 8-40B Locomotive w/Decoder; Powered -- Union Pacific #1853 (yellow, gray, red) HO 229.95 N TBA

9809 Diesel Master Gold Series Dash 8-40B Locomotive w/Decoder; Powered -- Union Pacific (yellow, gray, red) HO 229.95 N TBA


Bachmann Industries Walthers Mfg # 160
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
11103 Diesel EMD B23/B30-7 Powered w/8-Wheel Drive and Flywheel -- Union Pacific HO 40.00 Y

83502 Spectrum(R) Diesel GE Dash 8-40CW - Powered DCC-Equipped -- Union Pacific #9374 HO 155.00 N TBA

85002 Spectrum GE Dash 8-40C Diesel - Powered -- Union Pacific HO 135.00 Y

86002 GE-8 40C Wide Cab -- Union Pacific #9372 HO 135.00 N Unknown


Broadway Limited Imports Walthers Mfg # 187
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
330 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel E8B Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #929B w/Horizontal Grills & Snow Shields HO 229.99 N Limited Run

331 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel E8B Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #930B w/Horizontal Grills & Snow Shields HO 229.99 N Limited Run

332 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel E8B Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #928B w/Horizontal Grills & Snow Shields HO 229.99 N Limited Run

463 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel EMD E8A Powered w/Dynamic Brake Sound Limited-Run -- Union Pacific #929 w/Snow Shields HO 274.99 N Limited Run

464 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel EMD E8A Powered w/Dynamic Brake Sound Limited-Run -- Union Pacific #930 w/Snow Shields HO 274.99 N Limited Run

685 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel GE AC6000CW Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #7000 HO 249.99 N Limited Run

686 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel GE AC6000CW Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #7554 HO 249.99 N Limited Run

709 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel EMD SD40-2 Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #3130 HO 249.99 N
find it 24-Mar-2005

710 Paragon(TM) Series Diesel EMD SD40-2 Powered w/Quantum(TM) Sound -- Union Pacific #3222 HO 249.99 N
find it 16-Apr-2005

981 Diesel GE AC6000 - Powered (No Sound) - Assembled -- Union Pacific #7015 HO 139.99 N Limited Run

982 Diesel GE AC6000 - Powered (No Sound) - Assembled -- Union Pacific #7573 HO 139.99 N Limited Run


Kato USA Inc Walthers Mfg # 381
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
376362 Diesel EMD SD90/43MAC Powered -- Union Pacific #8242 (yellow & gray w/wings & lightning bolt) HO 149.98 N
find it Unknown

376501 Diesel EMD SD38-2; Powered -- Union Pacific #2801 (Traditional Scheme) HO 145.00 Y

376502 Diesel EMD SD38-2; Powered -- Union Pacific #2804 (Traditional Scheme) HO 145.00 Y

376511 Diesel EMD SD38-2; Powered -- Union Pacific #Y833 (Mini-Winged Shield & Lightning Bolt) HO 145.00 Y

376512 Diesel EMD SD38-2; Powered -- Union Pacific #Y835 (Mini-Winged Shield & Lightning Bolt) HO 145.00 Y



Life-Like Products Inc Walthers Mfg # 433
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
30179 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD SD60M 2-Piece Windshield Version - Powered -- Union Pacific #6288 (yellow, gray) HO 140.00 N
find it Sold Out

30554 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD GP60 Powered -- Union Pacific #5835 (yellow, gray) HO 130.00 Y Disc. when Sold Out

30555 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD GP60 Powered -- Union Pacific #5876 (yellow, gray) HO 130.00 N
find it Sold Out
30556 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD GP60 Powered -- Union Pacific #1983 (yellow, gray, Lightning Bolt) HO 130.00
Sale: 89.98
N
find it Sold Out
30557 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD GP60 Powered -- Union Pacific #2081 (yellow, gray, Lightning Bolt) HO 130.00
Sale: 89.98
N
find it Sold Out

30790 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD GP38-2 Powered -- Union Pacific #2027 (yellow & gray) HO 135.00 Y

30791 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD GP38-2 Powered -- Union Pacific #2040 (yellow & gray) HO 135.00 Y

30824 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD E8/9A-B Set Powered w/Working Mars Light -- Union Pacific #932 & #934B (yellow, gray) HO 190.00 N
find it Sold Out
30825 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD E8/9A-B Set Powered w/Working Mars Light -- Union Pacific #954 & #973B (yellow, gray) HO 190.00 N
find it Sold Out
30845 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD SD50 Powered - Assembled -- Union Pacific #5011 (yellow, gray) HO 140.00 N
find it Sold Out
30846 Proto 2000 Diesel EMD SD50 Powered - Assembled -- Union Pacific #5029 (yellow, gray) HO 140.00 N
find it Sold Out
30864 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD SD50 Powered - Assembled -- Union Pacific #5080 (yellow & gray) HO 140.00 Y Disc. when Sold Out

30865 PROTO 2000 Diesel EMD SD50 Powered - Assembled -- Union Pacific #5082 (yellow & gray) HO 140.00
Sale: 99.98
Y Disc. when Sold Out



Rivarossi Walthers Mfg # 635

Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
5471 Steam 4-8-4 "Northern"- UP Class FEF-3 - Powered, Revised -- Union Pacific #844 (Excursion Scheme - black & light graphite) HO 234.98
Sale: 129.98
Y


Walthers Trainline Walthers Mfg # 931
Item # Description Scale Price Stock? Expected
363 Trainline(R) Diesel Powered GP15-1 - Second Unit Number -- Union Pacific #1649 HO 39.98 N
find it Sold Out
373 Trainline(R) Diesel Powered GP15-1 - NO Unit Number -- Union Pacific HO 39.98 N
find it Sold Out .

From:
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?category=Locomotive&scale=H&manu=&item=&keywords=union+pacific&instock=Q&split=300&Submit=Search
with some editting.

The ones that are sold out, you can find at shows and on ebay.

Kato has made others that are currently used on the UP, but out of stock,
EMD F40PH (Amtrak), EMD SD38-2 , EMD SD40-2 ,EMD SD90MAC ,GE AC4400CW
GE C44-9W
see:
http://www.katousa.com/
and click on HO.

Any of the above are fine additions to your fleet.

[Anonymous]

What about bachman anyone like those?

[Anonymous]

In order from best to worst here is my opinion.

1.Athearn Genesis
2.Kato (very close to Athearns ability)
3.Atlas
4.BLI
5.Life Like P2Ks
6.Athearn RTR
7.Bachman Spectrum

Those are my order shoices. I personally love the Athearn Genesis (SD70Ms), but I also love the Katos (AC4400, SD90Mac) They run superb.