Cheap Micro Trains N scale cars

[Benjamin Maggi]

Hey all. I just changed over to N scale and am trying to build up a fleet of N scale freight cars. I prefer microtrains because they already come equipped with Kadee couplers, which I like. However, such a luxury comes at a heft price of $15-20 dollars a car. So...

Can anyone recommend an online hobby store that sells Micro trains cars cheap? I am wondering specifically if any place has "Grab bag" specials and such. Ebay really isn't any help, but I am new to N scale and don't know of any online retailers that can help in this type of situation. If it makes a difference, I am interetested in modeling the Burlington Northern in the early seventies.

If Micro trains cars are not available, I am willing to settle with Atlas (not saying that they are bad, just that I need to then install Kadees). Does anyone sell them cheap?

THANKS in advance for any help you guys can offer! [:)]

[Benjamin Maggi]

I see that "Surplus hobby sales" has a 12 car grabbag for $39.99, but I bet they are model power or bachmann, which doesn't interest me. Has anyone ever done this through them, and can therefore comment on what they received?

[emdgp92]

Newer Atlas N scale cars come with knuckle couplers already installed. They'll mate with Micro-Trains, but not those nasty Rapido types. If you want to convert other cars (Bachmann, LL, Model Power, etc.) Atlas also sells their trucks with these couplers in 2 sizes. One is normal length, while the other is a bit longer. For Bachmann cars, you'll have to ream out the truck bolster hole a bit so it fits.

[pcarrell]

As emdgp92 says, Atlas seels their trucks assembled, but so does Micro-trains. Matter of fact, you can buy them in bulk packs with or without the couplers, with various lengths of couplers, with regular or low profile wheelsets, and in several sideframes. Makes switching to MT's a piece of cake.

[Benjamin Maggi]

Since I have never done it before, I would like some help. I remember seeing a MR article in one of the columns (I think it was "Back to basics") and it told how to do it. Not just converting ot Kadees, but specifically designed for N scale conversions. Which leads me to my next question:

Do you have to convert the trucks, or can you just switch out the couplers on the trucks for MTs? I know in HO, talgo trucks were generally bad but in N scale it doesn't seem to matter as much. Since coupler conversion is cheaper than truck conversion, this is important.

Thanks again for your help guys! [:)]

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scoobster28

I see that "Surplus hobby sales" has a 12 car grabbag for $39.99, but I bet they are model power or bachmann, which doesn't interest me. Has anyone ever done this through them, and can therefore comment on what they received?

They're Bachmann's, and not really a very good variety. They're mostly the cars that they're having a hard time getting rid of. A friend of mine found this out the hard way...

Tracklayer

[Benjamin Maggi]

Thanks for the warning. That is exactly what I thought, but I thought I would check. Hum, I wonder who sells Atlas cars cheap?

[pcarrell]

BTW, if you find MT cars cheap, please share the info. I'm not sure that there is such an animal as a "cheap" MT's car. Same goes for the Atlas....share the love.

[Benjamin Maggi]

It took a long time, but I found the Model Railroader article. Stupid me for looking first only on the top shelf that had 1996 on, as the article was in the March 1995 issue under "Basic Model Railroading." A bit simple, but it explains some things that I didn't know. Hope it helps others too. I still need to find cheap cars though! [:)]

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scoobster28

Thanks for the warning. That is exactly what I thought, but I thought I would check. Hum, I wonder who sells Atlas cars cheap?

My best advice would be to: 1-Try and win Atlas car lots on ebay. 2-Try and find a train or hobby shop that gives discounts on repeat business like mine does. 3-Try and hook up with another model railroader that has items you want, then knock him in the head and take his stuff. Then if or when the cops come around asking questions, deny everything and have a friend or family member to say you were with them the entire time. Politicians do this all the time([;)])...

Tracklayer

[Benjamin Maggi]

Um, I am switching to N scale because I moved into a small apartment and do not have room for HO. I moved into this apartment because I am attending Albany LAW school. Thus, only your first two suggestions will be considered.[:p]

[pcarrell]

Well if your in law school all you have to do is wait until you graduate and then cheap won't be an issue. You can charge outrageous rates for your services and get a bulk discount directly from the manufacturer![:o)]

[jmhewitt]

Best source for n scale cars is a seller on EBAY called TRANSACTUAL.

Dave has a nearly perfect feedback score, and will do anything to keep you happy - a true "the customer is always right" seller.

He sells what he calls RUNNERS: that is, cars for you to run, not perfect ones from MT for collections. most do not have boxes.

just go thru his listings, bid what you think you want to spend on any cars that interest you, and then don't look back again at the auction. if the bid goes over your limit, well, Dave has many more cars almost every week. he does combine shipping, and his shipping rates are extremely reasonable.

Michael Hewitt

P.S. I am just a happy customer for years, no other involvement. although, I do frequent the EBAY n scale list that he started and runs. uh,oh...haven't been there today! bye!

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scoobster28

Um, I am switching to N scale because I moved into a small apartment and do not have room for HO. I moved into this apartment because I am attending Albany LAW school. Thus, only your first two suggestions will be considered.[:p]

Just wanted to see if you were paying attention([:o)])...

Good luck hunting. Hope you find some good deals out there.

Tracklayer

[Adelie]

Most of the MT cars I've gotten came from ebay. Brooklyn Locomotive Works (www.blwnscale.com) sometimes has decent prices and they have a section on cars they are trying to get rid of (old stock).

On ebay, transactual is good, as is dans.train.depot and uncle don. I'm sure there are a few others I have given money to.

Train shows can also offer some deals, although it is hit or miss.

[Benjamin Maggi]

Thanks. I couldn't see anything by those sellers. Hum...

[Benjamin Maggi]

Also, the 2005 Walthers catalog shows most of the Atlas cars coming with MT or equivelant couplers. However, the item descriptions don't mention them as standard factory items and some pictures show rapido. At $11 for a boxcar, I can swing that IF they come with preinstalled non-rapido couplers. Trying to download the current Atlas catalog to see if they are now being issued with non-rapido couplers has failed. Can anyone explain or confirm this?

[Wdlgln005]

Your best choice for 'cheap" MTL cars is to find a retailer that discounts them. Compare proces from many vendors. Compare printed prices with ads in any magazine, including the Nscale ones.

You may find "specials" on older, slower selling models. Hot models will sellout quickly. Your best alternative is to price & consider Atlas or LifeLike's Industrial models. For the LL cars, yiou will need to include the price of conversion. THe good news is they are very easy to convert. You will also need to paint them & numer them if you want a whole fleet of hoppers or boxcars.

[jnichols]

While not one to bash Micro Trains products, remember Micro Trains is a collector line, not an operator line. Limited roadnumber releases is annoying if you ask me. I mean who wants to hunt down 10 different roadnumbers for the same car. You have to go back 10+ years in many cases which is ridiculous.

If you are looking for the best N scale rolling stock with lots of available roadnumbers, go Atlas and Intermountain. While the newer Atlas cars are as least as nice as the MT lines and can be had for much less money, the Intermountain cars are far nicer cars(separate grab irons, applied ladders and photo etched roof walks to name a few details you wont find on an MT car), and can be had for less than $12 at many of the online retailers.

Of course, this is all just my two cents worth... [;)]

Jeff

[MAbruce]

QUOTE: Originally posted by scoobster28

Do you have to convert the trucks, or can you just switch out the couplers on the trucks for MTs? I know in HO, talgo trucks were generally bad but in N scale it doesn't seem to matter as much. Since coupler conversion is cheaper than truck conversion, this is important.

Thanks again for your help guys! [:)]

You can do both.

However after trying both, I'd recommend that you just swap out the entire truck. I converted some decent MDC trucks I had to MT couplers and it was not an easy task. The parts are so small I think I got a taste of what performing neurosurgery is like. My results were also mixed. Best to spend the extra $$ on a new truck unless you have a LOT of conversions, a LOT of patience, and good hands. I also think MT sells special tools that make it easier (something I didn't get because it was hardly cost effective to do so at the time).