Being new to this particular scale I'm not familiar with the different mfgs of N scale rolling stock. I model O scale as well and most of my rolling stock is Atlas. What is the best rolling stock for detail vs cost on the market? Seems Micro Trains, Atlas and Intermountain seem to be favorites. Your comments? Thanks, Ralph.
Ralph- Those companies you've named have been around a while. So everyone knows their names, their quality and reliability. There are others such as Athearn and Red Caboose. Several intermodel manufacturers, etc. Sometimes familiarity also depends upon what era you choose to model. I am locked into the late 1960's, so don't keep good track of items which post date that time. Boxcab E50
I would add Deluxe Innovations to the manufacturers mentioned above (and I agree with all the other companies named). For sheer variety, value and availability, I think Atlas stands out in N scale.
I think atlas gives you a lot for the money, especially the prices some of the big online dealers are selling the Trainman line for. A $6.99 car doesn't look like a $15 car but it's darn nice for $6.99 and you have the option to improve it. I just like the fact that you don't have to be wealthy to enjoy the hobby. I don't have any experience with those other brands but hear nothing but good things about MTL, IM, etc. I'm curious about Trainworx. They have some nice looking cars just going by the pictures.
Thanks for the information , guys. I am familiar with Atlas and believe had some Intermountain in my old HO days. Doesn't Atlas carry two lines of rolling stock. In my O scale there is Masterline and Trainman, but it may be different with O scale as there are scale and semi-scale in O. Thanks, Ralph.
Atlas is big in O scale and the same thing is true of N Scale. "Big", is that a play on words or just a bad pun? The new items coming in from today's manufacturers, isn't bad. It's the earlier stuff Ie., Life Like, Model Power, Bachmann you need to be careful with. Todays quality product lines... FINALLY...comes with knuckle couplers. A positive step for N Scale. Detail is moderate to good, size is very close to correct and most items are prototype. Have fun!
Papa, yes atlas has 2 lines in N scale. Trainman is the lower cost and Master Line is their top of the line. Both are nice depending on the level of detail your looking for out of the box. All knuckle couplers now. The only thing I will add to that is some of the Atlas locos come in "Classic" packages such as the new GP30. I *think* those models originally predated the Trainman line, and I'm not sure if they are somewhere between the 2 lines or are same detail as the Master Line. Is that confusing emough? LOL
About Trainman: in this line Atlas offers their models done with the old molds, such as the 40' standard box car, they are nice models, nice paint, great printing, but some parts like stirrups or walkways are a bit thick. On the other hand Atlas is also offering new models in this line, e.g. the new C&O caboose. This model is just great! The new cars of the Atlas Master Line are top quality, they have now four different types of 40' box cars, and great tank cars, just to name my favorites. The Trainworx gondolas are great models, with separate metal detail parts, very good. I think right now we have a better selection of models than ever in N-Scale: MTL, Atlas and Walthers (ex Life-like), Intermountain, Athearn, plus the smaller manufacturers Deluxe, Red Caboose, Trainworx, Wheels of Time, Blueford Shops, Bowser, and others. If you need more details about a particular model, please ask.
The best mix of price/quality & availability may be Atlas, Athearn, Intermountain. MTL makes fine cars. Prices for one of a kind items get steep. The runner packs help some. You have to watch Bachmann. They can be too cheap, but the new ones with the knuckle couplers can be better. Lifelike cars have become scarce since the takeover by Walthers. You can get good deals at swap meets. Ask lots of questions before you buy. You may find cars already converted to MTL trucks/couplers. Just be sure all the parts are there!
