If you had to choose, which would you choose for HO engines?

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah. Spectrum diesels aren't too hot. (their steam is fantastic!) If there is another option in the market for the same diesel locomotive they make, go with the other. But some times they're the only HO option for a strange prototype such as the DDA40X.

[Anonymous]

Are u sure its not your track? Mark from Utah. Ben

[Anonymous]

I will NEVER buy another Bachman locomotive again.

I've tried three diesels (Spectrums), all three were sick from the moment I put them on the track. Howled and screamed the entire time, and progressively ran slower and slower. I suspect a bearing problem with them. Luckily the store took them back.

I them bought a steamer after hearing good reports on their steamers. It ran for an hour and then died on the track, locking up in place. I suspect a broken gear. I'm going to send it back to Bachman to be re-worked.

All four of these saw little to no load on them and were just going through the break-in time when they died. Apparently it's not too uncommon to send a locomotive back for repairs.

Athearn's good, as well as Mantua and Stewart. I DID have an Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 die on me, it had a broken ring gear 2 years ago and Athearn STILL doesn't have replacement gears available.

Mark in Utah

[Anonymous]

Atlas..

[Anonymous]

Although I tend to buy model over manufcaturer, I like Alcos and Atlas has made a ton of them over the years, which is why my fleet is predominantly Atlas.

I have three Big Alcos from Stewart (1 C628 and 2 C630s) and two of them are out of service due to bad universals. And they're not nearly as detailed straight from the box as an Atlas, but tend to cost as much if not more. I'll never buy Stewart again unless they come out with something I have to have (i.e. An Alco T6).

Kevin

[espeefoamer]

!

QUOTE: Originally posted by bnsf97

Im just asking, what does everybody like and dislike about Bachman Spectrum diesel engines? Im thinking of buying the Dash 8 wide cab Santa Fe. Thanks, Ben

I have a Bachmann Spectrum ATSF Dash 8,and it is a well detailed,quiet,smooth running loco.I love it[:)]

[Anonymous]

I would choose bachmann specturm because they come with beauty, performace and
detail.

[Anonymous]

Im just asking, what does everybody like and dislike about Bachman Spectrum diesel engines? Im thinking of buying the Dash 8 wide cab Santa Fe. Thanks, Ben

[trolleyboy]

I have voted for P2K largely on the fact that their painting and detail level is on par with or superior to most of atlas.kato's run well but their painting and level of detail are far below Atlas or proto so untill they pull up their level on these two items I'll not spend the extra money on their offerings. Rob

[tstage]

I'd have to say P2K and Bachmann "Spectrum".

Tom

[johncolley]

BLI and Stewart, in that order!

[orsonroy]

Looking at just the above from a steam perspective (that's all I buy) I have to say Bachmann Spectrum. They may not be as detailed as P2K steam, but they run as nicely and pull better. And they also have the added benefits of being less expensive and NOT limited runs!

[DanRaitz]

You need to add ALL to the poll.
I usually buy by the model, not by the manufacturer. If i'm looking for a specific model of a diesel I'll buy it regardless of who makes it.

Dan

[Anonymous]

I have been very happy with each of these brands. I have only sampled KATO in "N" Scale and those are very good.

I'll admit it though, some of the used P2K stuff I have picked up have been great runners. I am pretty cautious when I buy used. I like to look it over and check them out, but so far LUCK has won out.

My latest Loco is a Silver Series Atlas GP-40 and this is a beast of an Loco compared to what I have. A few "CV" tweeks and it's really smooth!

Chris

[BRAKIE]

For me it would be Athearn BB(kit and RTR) and the newer RTR(CF7s,SD50/60sSD45T-2),Genesis and Atlas..The Walther's GP15 isn't that bad either.

[soumodeler]

Atlas, because it is the best for what I can afford.

soumodeler
-----------------
The Southern Serves the South!
http://www.trainweb.org/mgr

[cspmo]

Atlas gold series.

[Anonymous]

I know there werent any Broadway Limiteds or OMI. I was going for a more "middle of the road" reasonable price range poll. But I do agree, brass is nice! Thanks, Ben

[SpaceMouse]

I like my Protos, but my Broadways have sound. In steam, my best old-time runners are MDC Roundhouse.

[Train 284]

QUOTE: Originally posted by climber23

hard to say, pzk is great, both athearns are fantastic, atlas is great, i hate and i mean i hate bachmann other than the DD40X line.

WHAT!! [:O] [:O] You gotta be kiddin' I love Bachmann they make some great models, forget you man! [:(!]

Matt

[Anonymous]

Hard to say, I'm not as picky about brands. All those brands have satisfied me in the past.

[Anonymous]

In terms of sound, both Atlas and P2K has Boadway beat, IMHO.

[Anonymous]

I voted for P2K, but where is the Broadway Limited, Trix, and brass? I also have Kato and they are great.

One really good thing about your poll, though. No MTH!!!

[cacole]

Broadway Limited should be among your choices and that is the one I would currently choose because of its superior sound system. I own all of the brands listed, and have had good luck with all of them, but I think BLI has raised the barrier.

Now, if Kato were to make HO scale steam locomotives with the QSI sound system, that would probably be the best possible choice....

[Anonymous]

All I have so far are P2Ks, so I can't really compare...

[Anonymous]

Gordon -

Many new Atlas locos (U30C, GP7, etc) have the golden-white LEDs.

An exception was the Dash 8-40CW, due to a problem Atlas had in getting goldens for the working ditch lights.

- George

[CP5415]

Me, I prefer Athearn followed by Proto.

I'm not too keen on the blue headlights I've seen in Atlas & Kato locomotives.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I have all of these makes of locos ,,, and ATLAS is by far the best of the best, considering running ability, detail, and paint (color, application, and proper scheme).

As far as Broadway goes, their SD40-2 ... well, let's just say that I rather stick with my old blue box model !!!

BTW, you should have given STEWART a vote ... their locos are far better than Athearn, IMHO !!!

[CPPedler]

I have an example of all the make listed in the poll and the Atlas GP38-3 is by far the best runner in DCC . CPPedler.