It probably comes from my start in O scale, but I really prefer a metal bodied engines. If you use the 3 foot rule, clearly there is no difference. Plastic affords considerably more detail. But, if you touch em....... What do you think?
Put me in oldrk's camp; fine detail on metal castings is certainly possible. I'm an HO guy and the die-cast metal Trix models I have are exquisite. I expect that the tooling is quite a bit more expensive thought. Steam locomotives pull poorly as it is, extra weight in the form of a metal boiler is two thumbs up, in my view. Matt
Brass models were always known for their detail as apposed to plastic. Then plastic made strides in detail with added on parts. the same can be done with metal like the Bachmann heavy mountain.
"I'd like more metal shell steamers. Would you? " I dont...I dont run steam !! *Runs away LMAO ! :tb-biggrin::tb-tongue: .
I have some German Minitrix engines, they are built with metal boilers and Faulhaber motors inside the boiler. Other engines have metal boilers, too. It is possible to apply plastic detail parts to a metal boiler. So, if properly done, a high level of detail is possible and the engines run much better. The Model Power steamers have all the detail cast on the boiler, so their level of detail is not too hot. I use my Pacific and Mikado without traction tires and they work well for me.
