Locomotive decision

ok Last night I finally went thru all the Train cars I have, some of which are older then me All HO. None of my 5 locos work, well there is one army one that goes in reverse barely. anyways, my wife and I were looking thru the 2001 Walthers since I don't have a new one looking at new locos, since I am starting with a small layout looking to get one or two locos to start, I need to fix up some of the frieght cars I have but. Looking todo Union Pacific and/or CSX ( which runs all around here) Just not sure what type locos to get. Any help would be appriciated. looking to possibly sstart with DCC since the power packs I have are from early 80's and not sure how well they will hold up. I am going to attempt to fix my semi new SF loco, seems the wire melted off the engine I think it was from over use.

Chris

 

Hi there, can you tell us a little more about why the ones you have don't work? Any idea's?

After all, fixing the existing ones might be cheaper than buying new!

Also, whereabouts in price/quality ranges are you looking, there are some very nice UP and CSX loco models around, but some are not cheap, very nice, but not cheap!

 

a Few need new motors and Wheels basically the top chassis is in decent shape, others the chassis are broken. The one loco I want to get working besides the SF is the Spirit of 76 Engine and Box car I have, this is from before I was born. not sure what kind of loco it really is. when I get home tonight I will try to post details to see what it is and possibly just buy new motor and wheels for it. and transplate the chassis cover.

I'm looking probly upwards of $40 per loco, mainly I want to get 1 or 2 decent locos to get things going and able to pull things. For now I am starting off small and cheap, I am sorta stuck with semi older Lil brown Atlas trottle controls that come with the basic Bachman/Atlas sets the last time I was into trains was back in 90/91 I even found my old Model Railroader mags.

The layout I am going with for now is basically a 4X6 double oval with a switch to transfer.

Chris

 

Okay, that helps...

With the "sentimental value" older loco's, my suggestion would be to keep your eye open at swapmeets or shows for cheap running loco's to act as spares donors, you can probably get them back in running order that way for a fairly low cost plus a little work.

Ref a couple of new loco's, hmmm, unfortuately $40 doesn't go that far these days, especially at list prices, i'll give you a couple of examples here from the Walthers site...you can usually find most of these cheaper if you shop around though...

Atlas B40-8 These are a very nice model, come ready to run, these even have a DCC decoder already installed (no extra expense there to add a decoder), unfortunately list price is $139.95!

Walthers B40-8 this is the slightly older Walthers model of the same prototype, the detail is nowhere near as good, but it should run "okay", you'll have to add your own decoder. - $59.95

Walthers GP15 In a similar vein to the Walthers one above, light on detail, runs okay, add your own decoders - $39.95.

Hopefully that will illustrate that there is a lot of different things around at different price/detail/performance levels, the Atlas stuff is great, but you'll have to make the choice wether you want to pay the extra for all the detail/features, my advice would be to have a troll of the Walthers site to find out what you like the look of, then find a good local hobby store that you can see the stuff in person at. You might then decide to try some of the internet shops to see if they have any good deals on.

Oh, before anyone brings me to task, there are many good model manufacturers, this was just a couple of representative ones...!

Hope that was some help...

 

Thanks, it helps. I think I am going to invest in the Atlas DCC system since the local guy is selling the DCC Duo Pack for $107 and the decoders for $18 and I will pick up a decent but cheap Loco to get me going while I build things. so I figure to spend just over $150 for the basics. since Right now I'm not planning for any one period just going for the basic ovals with a town and probly one industry in the middle.

One nice thing of haveing old Frieght cars that were stored in a box in the attic don't need to worry about the weathering as much

Chris

 

If you're going to get the Atlas DCC system, it's probably easier to get one of their locos with the decoder already installed. Another couple of options are the Athearns which look pretty good and run ok (good with some work), and for a smaller layout the Concor MP15 switcher. THe Concor is a Kato in everything but name, and one of the finest running switchers I've ever has, on par with Atlas and proto, at a much lower price. Best bet (in my mind anyway) is to look on eBay for your power as it can usually be had significantly cheaper for the same product.

 

Looking at Ebay it seems there are a few DCC/Power Systems, are there any major differences, except I know the Digitraxx can do computer hookup and running. but the MRC 2000 and hte Atlas DCC are they fairly the same. any recommends?

 

Chris, do look at Ebay right now. There are a number of nice engines on that are not bib on yet that are from $15.00 plus shipping, on up to $40.00 and are reasonably good brands.

Skip TYCO, most of the ones are older models that had the (diesel) power truck mounted in a steamer tender, and run good with no cars, but run like junk if you try to pull any cars to speak of.

Check the "ending today list for AHM/Rivarossi where these are listed.

Some have just now closed the bidding, so hurry.

One is a UC something or other diesel too.

Remember to always check the seller's feedback, and if no complaints against him, thenm check his "other listings" for engines you haven't come to yet. This will save you lots of time.

Any engines you are interested in, but don't bid on right now, put on your "Watch List" so you can come back later and check on them without having to go all the way through the Browse thing!

 

FOr you're Price Range, you can't Beat Athern. With a little TLC, they'll purr for you and the Detail is pretty good.

Go with a Four Axle.
GP-38-2/GP-40-2/GP-50 or GP-60.

Those will run you around $25-$40 at a hobby store.

Beforewarned that to make them DCC you will have to buy the Decoders and soldier them in.

Not too hard if you're comfortable with Electrical, but if you aren't, then you might be better off spending more.

 

Thanks, I just got a HO scale UP HiNose GP38 powered/dummy/caboose off Ebay for $30 to get me started in testing my current Engine I blew the one motor at one point long ago. but the other need complete overhauls, the wheels are corroded and what not, and good news I can run a 4X8 layout atleast I have the room for it, but need to convince the Forman to allow me to build the 4X8 table. But I did test my power packs so I have a DC powerpack to run basic trains so I think I'm set for now, so thanks for all the help. I think I will stick with the Atlas, athearns, Walthers. just wasn't sure who was good anymore.

Chris

 

If you haven't already, I would suggest that you pick up a copy of Model Railroader. There are several large mail order hobby shops that advertise in it. They deal in bulk and can always beat the local hobby shop price for Athearn. They also have good prices on Proto 2k locos. These are great runners and have some of the best detail in their price range. Trainworld was selling SD9s for $30 a while ago, that's hard to beat. Also, if you let them pick the road name on a loco sometimes they will knock off a few bucks. They are trying to unload inventory and will give you a break on price if you help them. Since it sounds like you are just getting back in, having a quality running loco may be more important than the right road name. You could always repaint or trade later.

As far as the Proto 2K locos go, these are reliable runners that look great and should last for a long time. I think that the new ones are DCC ready, but I might be mistaken about this. As for price, they are usually a little more than Athearn but the money is well worth it. I think that the most I've ever paid for one was still less that $50. Having said this you will probably find someone who had a bad experiance or just doesn't like them. Give one a try, you won't regret it. For the layout that you are building, the Proto 2K GP7, GP9 or GP30 would be great. I think they are doing another run of the GP18, but it will be a while before you can find one on sale. Also, like several of the guys have said, look on ebay.

It should be easy to find all these in UP and probably CSX too. They should be great for present and when you settle on a time period, you can weather them to look as old as you want or re-letter them for a short line.

Finally, I have an older Atlas BN GP38-2 and a BN Athearn GP40 that are just gathering dust on the shelf. I backdated to transition era and don't have much use for them. I would love to see somebody get some use out of them. All they need is some lubrication and run time. Both have had some detailed parts add and wouldn't look bad on any roster. I was planning to sell them both for what you said was your price range for one loco, but I can go lower. I would rather they run somewhere than just sit in the box. Contact me via email if you're interested.

Good luck with the loco search. Procuring motive power is one of my favorite parts of being the brass of my own railroad!

John Bursi

 

Well I am fortunate enough to live down the street from National Hobby Supply inc. and he has a 3 page spread in MRR.

I finally settled on a layout tho I know it won't be the final setting But It does include a roundhouse so Having one loco running will look a bit funny. and Atleast I have a few broken ones I can sorta stick on the set to show they don't work

I'm not trying to figure out how I want to built the Table to hold the layout, since I live in an Apt and this is going in half the guest Bed room. Trying to get 4X8 sheets of plywood and stuff up the stairs is difficult. so I am pricing out other methods. just need to find a craft store selling Foam board to use. since I wanna try to get the room cleaned and the Table built this weekend.

Chris

P.S.
I already emailed ya about the locos

 

Might be better to go to a Menard's/Home Depot/Lowe's and get the pink or blue foam that's used for insulation.

 

Quick silly question. I am doing a basic 4X8 Bench work with 1X4s every 12 inches on center. can I just put the foam right on top and build it up a bit to a working height or should I stick ply wood underneath to stiffen it more? basically I'm going to have a lil river in the middle and want to bridge over it.

Chris

 

You should be okay as long as you don't plan on supporting too much wait.

I'd make the Sides 1x6 and use 1x4 for the stringers, then the first piece of Foam would be surrounded.

 

For now, you could go to a second hand store and buy two card tables. For moving, their legs fold up, they are reasonably light weight, and they will give good support under a sheet of raw foam if it is 2" thick. This way, the foam is the whole layout, and light enough for one guy to easily carry it up stairs with track and scenery, if you unplug the power pack. It sure would beat trying to carry a 4x8 table.

Think about it. If company comes, you can stand the foam up leaning against a wall, and both card tables against another wall out of the way. What would you do with a table?

 

well for now I picked up two 2" thick Owens corning Foam insulation boards and glued them together using elmer's spray glue. so I got 4 inches of foam board to work with, basically the bottom 2 inches will act as the main ground, the upper two inches will be cut to make a river bed in the middle so that way I don't have to worry about having to laying a bunch of other foam beds to raise the track and layout to make the river

Chris

 

Thanks for all the help. by the end of next week I should have 3 locos I can run. I just picked up my track today. so by Thrusday I should have the track down todo final layout and then go buy the roadbed. so by the end of the month should have running trains

 

The Atlas System is a great way to start. You will not be throwing your money away. NCE also has a nice system, but that is probably more bucks then you are willing to part with.

If I was in your shoes and just starting, I would go with the Atlas system and pick up one or two of their decoder equiped locomotives. I have couple of GP 40's and they are good performers, and have the decoders already equiped. Atlas is also coming out with a re-release of the C-424 and C-425's These are also four axle units, and may have an extra function on the decoders.

Definitely stay with four axle units if you are going to have curves that are tighter than a 22 inch radius. There are a couple of six axle units that can handle less than 22, but they are the exception, not the rule.