Well, I model in Z-scale, so went to a local Swap and show in Monroe, Wa last month. Nothing in Z hardly, but this old "O-Scale" Atlas F-9 hand painted in Great northern colors just kept whispering "buy me!" as I was walking around. Soooo, for $40 bucks, what the heck!! It was pretty well detailed to begin with-all grab irons, Kadee couplers, some MU hoses up front, and a really cool diaphragm on the back. Well, did some looking, and found some more details!! In my Z-scale, details are hard to come by, let alone put on! Detail Associate's Winterization Hatch, and some Overland Models parts, rotating beacon and firecracker antennae. Then, an Details Associates headlight, and a Precision Scale Co. 3-chime airhorn. The headlight will go in place of the lower headlight on the nose..... Still waiting on some lift rings that will go on the nose...
Opinion: You can't beat those old Atlas/Roco F units. Solidly constructed, easy to work on and modify, and yes, are often available at very reasonable prices. I have a couple: The UP engine came to me as you see it; I did the Maine Central loco years ago. I know, MEC didn't have F9s: this was more of an experiment in doing O scale decals. In any case, these are great models at a modest price... Mark in Oregon
Thank you. If I paid more than $40.00 for either of those, I'd be greatly surprised. I did have to change out the gearing in one (or both: I can't recall) due to gear-splitting; a common issue with these models. NorthWest ShortLine to the rescue! If one is fugal (cheap) one can actually do 2 rail O scale at minimal cost...as long as you don't need steamers. I did purchase an AHM 0-8-0 kit once, and was lucky enough to find a motorizing kit. I ended up swapping the kit motor (a tiny 3-pole) for a Pittman can, added weight, and it wasn't half bad. That engine is now long gone... Mark in Oregon
