Just a quick question as I'm researching my options. I noticed that HO has quite a number of Demo units but so far in N scale the only thing I've been able to find is an Atlas Electro-Motive. Am I missing some?
I think Atlas did the FM Trainmaster in demonstrator colors in the second release and the Alco C-628 too.
The E-R Baldwin Sharknoses were done in BLW Demo colors. Also the Life-Like FA-2 in ALCO green demo (later sold to the C&NW). BLI just released the AC6000 in two demo schemes and I think Fox Valley had GE-something modern in demo as well. Charlie Vlk
Atlas C-628 Alco demo Atlas Dash 8-40C GE demo Atlas RS-11 Alco demo Atlas SD-60 EMD demo BLI Centipede Baldwin demo Intermountain FT Electro-Motive demo Kato ES44AC GE demo Like-Like GP-20 GM/Electro-Motive demo Like-Like PA/PB Alco-GE demo
I have to say that is more than I thought. Taking DCC/Sound/Smoke out of the equation who made the highest quality most well made Demo units in N scale?
Atlas/Roco did a foobie demonstrator about 40 years ago, they painted their FA1 in the scheme used on an FA2
I think LifeLike also did E8s and Kato did an SD40-2 a long time ago. Funny you should mention it. Two of my first engines were Atlas SD45 demos. That was 46 years ago. I still have them.
I’ve got: Micro Trains - FT ABBA demo set. Didn’t Intermountain also do the Demo set? Atlas - Trainmaster Atlas - SD60 - Think I do yet! Or it’s the Oakway Lease unit I’m thinking of! LifeLike - SD7/9 LifeLike - GP60
The Kato SD40-2 isn't a demo, but an EMD Lease unit. Which was a former Rock Island unit. Don't think EMD ever did demo units for the SD40-2s
Atlas/Rivarossi SW1500/SW1200 (circa 1971) Cow and Calf Units GM Demo Atlas/Mehano SD45 (circa 1969 - 1972) EMD Demo Atlas GP-30 (February 2008 Retooled Chinese Release) EMD Demo
So for now is the Kato GE ES44AC the highest quality Demo unit in N Scale? I've taken a look at what was suggested and so far this seems like the winner simply based on aesthetics. There doesn't seem to be many modern demos released in the last 5-10 years.