Just supposing I wanted to waste a buch of time at work... (N-scale switcher question)

[SpaceMouse]

If I wanted to set up a 2x4 swtiching layout...

What would be the best-value for a good running DCC ready switcher? I don't want to spend a lot, but I want a lot.

Era is not a factor.

[Adelie]

My switching roster includes a pair of Life-Like SW9s and a pair of Atlas VO1000s. I think I paid $32 for each of the SW9s (a train show), and about $60 for the decoder-equipped VO1000s (a steal on ebay). I've seen non-decoder equipped VO1000s for about $49. I've been happy with them all so far.

If you want road switchers, search ebay for Kato RS2s or RSC2s. They run well, and if you ever want to convert them to DCC you can simply replace the lightboard with a decoder-equipped one. Atlas RSD4/5s, RS3s and RS1s are also pretty good, but conversion does require surgery.

[Adelie]

By the way, Chip, how was the show? I'm assuming it was the Timonium show. I planned to get up there, but we just got back from a vacation Saturday afternoon and I didn't feel up to driving the 90 minutes each way it would have taken. There is always June 25 and 26!

On the bright side, vacation was in Colorado. In my "spare time" I visited Custom Railway Supply in Colorado Springs and Caboose Hobbies in Denver. Caboose Hobbies took some of my money, the fiends![(-D]

[SpaceMouse]

Actually, I had conflicts that kept me from Baltimore. Instead I went to a small 90-vendor show about 2 1/2 hours from home. I was able to meet my wife in Pittsburgh (an hour from home) so I attended the show early.

It was okay. Spent all my money, but only found one thing on my list. I'm not sure how that works.

[SpaceMouse]

Oh, and in second thought. I don't need to be limited by DCC. The most I can run is two switchers and I can just run a few blocks and DC. In my mind this simplifies things a bit.

[Anonymous]

Well, If DCC is not the hold up, then I would stick with one of the P2K series of Switchers. They run GREAT on DC and even better in DCC. May I suggest getting one of Tony's Trains Custom SW9 decoders. Makes the install very easy!

There is a new Atlas Switcher coming out this year too.
http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=14129
It's going to be an EMD MP15DC which is a little newer than you might need, but boy oh boy these new Atlas Units run nice.

Chris

[brokemoto]

I do not use DCC, so I can not comment on it, but the best functioning N scale yard goat on DC is the Atlas Baldwin.

I understand that you can buy one with a decoder already in it.

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by brokemoto

I do not use DCC, so I can not comment on it, but the best functioning N scale yard goat on DC is the Atlas Baldwin.

I understand that you can buy one with a decoder already in it.

Forgive my ignorance. The Atlas Baldwin is the VO1000?

[Adelie]

The Atlas VO1000 is good DCC or DC. They say the non-equipped ones are "DCC Ready" which is a half truth. The decoder is a board swap for the original light board, and I think it is actually made by Lenz. However, it is not available by anybody, including Atlas. They have been stalling on getting that on the market for at least 8 months that I know of.

That aside, the VO1000 has the Atlas slow-speed motor which makes the unit switcher speed.

I'd probably go with that, if you want a pure switcher, or pick up a Kato RS2 on ebay or elsewhere, if a road switcher works for you. Both run well and include their respective Micro-Trains compatible couplers standard. Brooklyn Locomotive Works (www.blwnscale.com) is a pretty good supplier of N-scale stuff.

[Adelie]

QUOTE:
Forgive my ignorance. The Atlas Baldwin is the VT1000?

Yep, the VO1000 was a Baldwin.

[SpaceMouse]

Don't know where the T came from. Saw it went to edit and a customer came in.

That VO1000 is cute. Not as cute as Lil Guy, but cute.[:D]

[Anonymous]

If you're not planning to go DCC straight away (and can build the layout to suit it) Lifelike's Geeps are fine locos - split frame, good motor, smooth runners, the only snags are the Rapido couplers (conversion kits exist - try Microtrains) and the lack of space for a decoder, though you can buy milled frames with space from Aztec. Prices are very low at the moment - it'd be a good "toe in the water" in N. Hope this is of use!

[SpaceMouse]

Back to showing my ignorance.

I found a GP-18 at Trainworld for $19.99. I'm assuming they are Protos 1000's.

The question is: Were/are GPs used for switching. I've only seen them double and triple-headed hauling ballast on the B&P.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse
... Were/are GPs used for switching. I've only seen them double and triple-headed hauling ballast on the B&P.

Absolutely! The B&O (and later Chessie) had them, and SD7's as well, assigned to yard service around Baltimore.

[bogp40]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

Back to showing my ignorance.

I found a GP-18 at Trainworld for $19.99. I'm assuming they are Protos 1000's.

The question is: Were/are GPs used for switching. I've only seen them double and triple-headed hauling ballast on the B&P.

I believe the GP18 is an early P2K. These were released after the BL2 and the origional FAs. They don't run anything like the newer Protos and not sure if DDC ready. They were a little step up from Athearn BB. Some applied details seem a bit clunky.

Many RR are using Geeps for switchers these days- Seeing them used more in yards. Boston's (Alston now CSX) uses older GP40s. Heck of a switcher- no lacking of power there. But then, CSX has GP40s coming out of their ears.
Bob K.

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

If I wanted to set up a 2x4 swtiching layout...

i think somebody has a serious addiction problem [^]

[SpaceMouse]

[:-^] Who?[:-^]

[BRJN]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

If I wanted to set up a 2x4 swtiching layout...

at work ?!

Where do you "work"? ARE THEY HIRING? I want to "work" for an employer that'll let me bring in a 2x4 (plus some ahh decorations and hmm spare parts) and keep it in my office! [:D]

My current employer is a real stickler ( [}:)] ) about wanting me to do things of value for the company.

[SpaceMouse]

You're right and if I ever catch myself playing with trains on the job you can bet I'll kick my butt out of there so fast I'll think I was watching NASCAR from the center of turn 4.

[rrinker]

You're not the only one Chip. I've done a fully rendered plan of a small swiching layout to fit in part of my 'office' area - although HO. I've been tempted to redo it as N scale. See, I usually work from home, and my office is the finished attic area of out house. It's actually 3 rooms. I'm in one end so I have windows, the other end is mostly storage right now, and then there's the middle room andmy bathroom. The middle room is where I had the loop of EZ-Track set up on folding tables so I could get started with DCC stuff. That was against one wall, onthe other wall I have a comfy chair and a side table where I like to sit and read. The old table space is basically empty so I designed a layout to fit in there. It's not wide enough to have turnback curvesin HO - but in N I could pull it off. Hmm...


--Randy

[Adelie]

Just remember, gentlemen. The answer to the underlying question is:
"Because it is there."

[Catt]

That GP18 for under $20.00 has to be one of the origonal units.It is a trainset locomotive.That said they are excellent runners for the money and look pretty decent to boot. MT does a pilot conversion for them too.