My USA GP-30's run great right out of the box. They have the same power trucks as the GP-9, F3, and GP38-2. So to answer your question, yes they are power hogs, but I will put one of my USA GP-30 locomotives against 2 of Aristocrafts GP-40 locomotives in a power pull any time of the day. I have a Bridgewerks Magnum 1000DL which is 15 amps and 24 volt max output. To give you an idea of how much power they indeed use, I can only put a maximum of 4 USA locomotives on one transformer powered track at a time, any more and it heavily bogs those mighty transformers down which is why I have a seperate unit for each of my 3 main lines. I highly recommend the Phoenix sound system as it has the best sound for a GP-30. As for the Airwire DCC control, better make sure that system can handle 24 volts max, alot of systems are built for 12 volt as I found out unless you are going to run battery power and if so plan on a recharge every hour with a fully charged 12 volt battery. USA Trains work better on transformer power. Aristocraft locomotives do have a low power draw advantage for club members as yourself and are more easy to set up for DCC which is why they are so popular at club meets. Special Note: I noticed you said you have a USA Alco PA. The USA Alco PA and PB have 12 wheel drive which is 2 6 wheel drive power trucks, but did you know in real life the Rio Grande Alco PA and PB had 12 wheels on it, but only 8 were powered, the center axle in each trucks were just dummy axles. Too bad USA Trains didn't make a full size Alco back then as it would be more dependable, The real Rio Grande Alco PA locomotives were so undependable, especially as they got older, they were pulled from passenger service and reduced to mail hauling later on in Rio Grande. Even then, they had to send locomotives out after it's rescue when they broke down.
USA locomotive lashing do's and dont's USA now has a wide variety of locomotives and I will go over what you can lash together and what you shouldn't lash together. First lets look at the USA GP-9, GP38-2, GP-30 and the F3. All four of these USA locomotives use the same exact power truck. This means you can lash a GP-9 with a F3-B unit if you wanted or a GP-30 with a GP38-2 or if you had the right transformer power like me, you could lash all 4 together. So lashing any combination of the above listed will not hurt or harm any running gear. The USA NW-2 and the S-4 are switchers that have their own power truck gearing and should only be lashed with each other. Don't attempt to lash with a GP-38, etc. The USA SD40-2, this was USA trains first attempt at a 12 wheel drive power truck, the only other locomotive you can lash up to would be the USA Alco PA or PB which has the same power truck. The USA SD-70MAC has a way better 12 wheel power truck system on it and is more reliable. Unfortunately it also has 2 motors per truck, again making this incapatible in lashing up to any other type USA locomotive unless you make a dummy unit somewhere.
Reviewed: USA GP-9 The USA EMD GP-9 is a Ultimate series 1:29 scale ratio locomotive which uses a power trac drive system featuring traction tires and slide shoes. There is one motor per truck on these units. There are two versions available depending on which railroad you model whether it is a GP-7 or GP-9. I model Rio Grande so mine is a GP-9. There were a first generation issue and second generation issue. The first generation issue did not have the constant voltage lighting in which the second generation did. They used different road numbers for each generation. For example the Rio Grande first generation GP-9 was road number 5353 and 5354 which did not have constant voltage lighting, the Rio Grande road number 5355 and 5356 did have constant voltage lighting. USA did make one mistake however, to those who follow Rio Grandes GP-9 roster would know there was no GP-9 locomotives after #5354, they should have went backwards in there numbers on this one. Other than that, the GP-9 locomotives are beautiful and perform well out of the box. The only thing you have to do is install the hand rails and knuckle couplers if so desired. There are switches for smoke, lights, track power and sound on the bottom. There are only a couple of fragile detailed parts such as the step plates. I had the one GP-9 for 8 years and the other for 7 years pulling the same coal train. They have held up well, still with the original traction tires and slide shoes. These locomotives do need a 5ft diameter curve to run on, but of course wold be happier on much wider curves such as 8ft and up, especially if you want to run knuckle couplers.There is also a detailed interior with a figure sitting in the seat.
Reviewed: USA 70 Ton Hopper Car The USA 70 ton Hopper car is a 1:29 scale ratio Ultimate series piece of rolling stock. Unlike Aristocrafts 100 ton hopper, the USA 70 ton hopper cars come thru with metal wheels and a simulated coal load. The hatches on the bottom even work and open up. The model comes ready to run and comes thru with hook and loop couplers, but a knuckle coupler conversion kit is also included. These hopper cars will negotiate a 5ft diameter curve with no problem. I personally had both the USA 70 ton hopper and the 100 ton Aristocraft hopper, I liked the USA 70 tom hopper better and dumped my Aristocraft hopper cars on ebay. When these hopper cars first came out there was 6 road numbers in each road name, USA cut that back to only four road numbers now. These hopper cars are really nice and detailed and no wonder USA won Railrtoader Magazines readers choice award for these hopper cars.
DragonFyreGT, sorry, you are right on the 100 ton hopper, I was thinking of the Aristocraft 2 bay hopper car. I will make the proper correction, thank. This is what I like about train board, we can all share info and keep each other straight
Reviewed: Aristocraft 2 bay covered hopper car This review is for the Aristocraft 2 bay covered hopper car and not to be confused with the new release 2 bay coal hopper. The Aristocraft 2 bay covered hopper car is a 1:29 scale ratio piece of rolling stock. I must say the Aristocraft did well on making this look just like a real 2 bay covered hopper car and my short line here runs them. There has been many developments on the Aristocraft 2 bay covered hopper cars over the years, the early generation hoppers hade brass grab rails and handles which took away from the looks a little and they also used the stock number as the road number, the next generation came along with black plastic grab rails and handles, but again still with the stock number as a road number. To my surprise, another generation was realeased early this year 2008 and I saw the first ones at the East Coast Large Scale train show. They actaully got their act together and this generation of the 2 bay covered hopper is the most realistic looking yet and even with real road numbers and even available in multiple road numbers which was a first for this old Aristocraft favorite. My only complaint is that non of the top or bottom hatches operate. I mean really, come on, if match box can make a door open on a car that is only 1:87 scale ratio in diecast. I'm sorry, but I like working doors and hatches, especially if it is a model this big. Can you imagine if those diecast ertl cars in 1:24 scale didn't have opening doors or hood to see the engine, they wouldn't sell as many. But in reality folks, I over looked this because I do like the model and it is perfect for a small railroad, it will negotiate a 4ft curve with no problem. Picture #1 The early generation Aristocraft 2 bay covered hopper, I had this one for a while. You will notice brass detail parts and the road number is actaully the stock number also. I don't think they captured the Rio Grande 2 bay hopper car well since they were grey on Rio Grande railroad in real life. Picture #2 The newest generation, I like what Aristocraft did here with the Rio Grande 2 bay covered hopper, they painted it in the proper grey paint scheme and gave it a real road number, but working hatches and doors would be nice also.
Reviewed: LGB Coal hopper Although LGB of America is probably as good as gone and has been replaced by Piko which is pretty much Marklin products, I still thought I should review this piece bbecause believe it or not you can still find plenty of them brand new, especially on Ebay. This particular Rio Grande LGB coal hopper has been around forever and was finally discontinued 2 years before the LGB of America demise. This is suppose to be a 1:22.5 scale hopper car, but looks closer to a 1:29 scale ratio to me. For the Rio Grande hopper LGB used both a Rio Grande herald decal and a orange Rio Grande flying herald, just a flying herald would have been enough. The car however is well detailed but weak near the coal load area. The plastic is too thin around the edges and gets brittle with age and is easy to break off. The LGB grey trucks have alot to be desired also, a nice set of USA trucks with rotating bearing caps would spruce this problem up. The model only comes thru with hook and loop couplers, I found converting this to USA couplers was very easy. It also comes with plastic wheels, USA metal wheels fit perfect within the LGB trucks. All in all I liked the model so I kept it all these years and ran it, with a few changes it can look more realistic than it does now. I bought it way back in 2000. You still see them up for sale on ebay once in a while. This hopper car will negotiate a 4ft diameter curve with no problems.
Somewhere in my garage I have a boxed Limited Edition LGB Burlington Coal hopper. I ran it a few times before putting it away. I can say it's a pretty smooth runner. I have metal wheels on it and LGB Knuckles. As for scaling, it looks pretty 1:29 like you said. Worth purchasing if you run across it.
Bachman Trains makes a perfect intro to G scale You always see my threads I write in which I always talk about USA Trains, Aristocraft and once in a while LGB. I think Bachman makes a great intrudcutory G scale train to those on a low budget and they are pretty dependable. There are now 2 series of G scale Bachman trains, there is the "Big Hauler" G scale series which really isn't scale specific and the new narrow gauge series which is called Bachman 1:20.5 "Narrow Gauge" series which is more detailed, scale specific and more pricey. Lets get back to the big hauler series, if you want to get into G scale and like the steam era, the Bachman big hauler series is for you. However I would upgrade to Aristocraft track and not use the track in the sets. I myself started out with a Rio Grande Bachman big hauler set which consisted of a 2-6-0 Steam locomotive with coal tender, a wood side box car and a red bobber caboose. The doors on the box car actually worked. I later added a woodside reefer car and stock car which the doors worked on those also. Maybe it wasn't the most detailed G scale train in the world, but I had fun with it and it helped me to explore options in the G scale world. Some people love the big hauler locomotives so much, there is a company that actaully puts in metal running gear in these locomotives. I like the Accucraft 1:20.5 scale ratio model railroad items also, now Bachman got into the competition with it's 1:20.5 scale ratio narrow gauge items which are alot more detailed than their big hauler series. The price on these new narrow gauge series is what you would expect to pay from Accucraft, but surprisly, the Bachman new narrow gauge is just about well detailed as the Accucraft > almost. If you are thinking about trying G scale, I would go with Bachman trains if you are on a budget, they may not be high detailed, but are fun to run. There are other cheaper manufacturers out there such as Lionel which has many running gear problems and also there is New Brite which offers real cheap toy like G scale trains operated on battery power. I don't knock New Brite, just not something I would buy unless it was for a young kid, then it is perfect.
USA F3 Review reviited I wrote a review about the USA F3 early on in this thread and just though I would revisit another review since how I never posted pictures to go with it. The USA F3 comes in as a F3-A unit or you can buy the F3 AB set. There are 2 AB sets for each road name which many supplies have run out or dwindled down at this point in time. I think set #1 is still available in Rio Grande but set #2 is gone for example. These locomotives feature smoke units, back up lights, constant voltage lighting and a power trac truck system. They are very smooth and strong pullers. They are however very fragile and there are many warnings you should read about how to handle them when picking them up. The side grilles are especially fragile. These units will negotiate a 5ft curve, however if you want to run a AB set you will need to run these on a 8ft curve since how when the A & B units are coupled with knuckle couplers, they are pretty tight together. They will also not make a tight S curve, you must put a 2ft straight track in between the S, if not, derail city will come you way. These are bigger than a Aristocraft FA so allow proper space. These are really dependable and I really think these are the best F units in G scale to have. I myself run a F3 ABBA set, but you better have some power to back this set up. I run a Bridgewwerks transformer which is 15 samps and 24 volts, at regular medium speeds all 4 units pull in around 15 volts on the average. Both the A unit and B unit are fully powered, so you can pull one long train.
You're F3 review is making me want a set to custom paint in BN Green in the worst way. Not to shun my beautiful Alco girls as they will always be my babys, but I really would love a second set of Cab Units to play around with. I'm considering the F3's as switcher units because if I want to use them as lead motive, I can and it won't look to obscure. My other thought is to paint them Oxide red and use them as my maintance units aswell. I have a set of Heavyweights I'm considering having pulled behind them. Do these units have a motor On/Off switch like the Aristocraft units? Also about your review on the Bachmann Big Hauler. 4 years after my LGB Set, I got a Bachmann Big Hauler Set. Rio Grande Southern. Steam Locomotive, Gramps Tank Car, Florance & Cripple Creek Boxcar and the RGS Caboose (4 Wheel). Later from friends, I got an MKT Cattle Car, Wrigley Gum Boxcar, and a second RGS Caboose. My Bachmann Steam Locomotive needs new drive gears and is damaged from wear and tear, but I'm considering having her repaired. Interesting that at some point we all had a Bachmann Big Hauler set.
All USA trains have a on/off switch for the motors, for the lights, the sound and the smoke. I gaurrantee you that you won't be sorry you bought these USA F3 units. They are strong pullers, stronger than your Aristocraft Alcos, I know I had a Alco FA-FB-FA set. It is funny how most of us G scalers started out with a Bachman big hauler set, probably because it was so cheap. A company called Barrys backshop has a service to convert the Bachman big hauler over to metal running gears, you send in your locomotive and he converts it over.
Reviewed: USA 40ft Box car The USA 40ft box car is a Ultimate Series 1:29 scale ratio piece of rolling stock which will negotiate a 4ft diameter curve, but would be much happier on a 5ft or more diameter curve. The 40ft USA box cars were the first to feature see thru realistic roof walks, Aristocraft box cars had roof walks, but were solid and had simulated grating, but later changed to see thru roof walks also. I think both the USA and Aristocraft 40ft box cars are pretty much even with each other other than the USA box cars comes standard with metal wheels. So it's pretty much a preference of what brand you like. The USA 40ft box cars features opening doors and detailed parts such as grab handles. they come with hook and loop couplers, but a knuckle coupler conversion kit is also included. These box cars look great behing older locomotives such as the EMD F3, EMD GP-9, Alco RS-3, Alco FA and are perfect for small G scale layouts.
Reviewed: USA 40ft Reefer car The USA 40ft reefer car is the Ultimate series which is a 1:29 scale ratio and can run on 4ft minimum diameter curves but would be much happier on 5ft or bigger diameter curves. This reefer is modeled after the ice type reefer in the time period where dry ice was loaded in the top of the car, but after the woodeside reefer days. The ice hatches on top actually really open, the side doors also open. These reefer cars are well detailed and perfect if you want to model a ice loading diarama type scene on your layout on a siding with a ice house. These reefer cars come with metal wheels, hook and loop couplers, as always you get a knuckle coupler conversion kit. These reefer are a must have if you got F3 or FA locomotives on your layout, they go great with that era locomotive. There are no where near as many road choices for these steel ice reefer cars as there is for the USA woodside ice reefer car which by the way is the American series 1:24 scale ratio. I like the USA 40ft ice reefer car and it runs very smoothly.
Reviewed: USA 10,000 Gal tank car Th USA 10,000 gallon tank car is a Ultimate series 1:29 scale ratio piece of rolling stock which will negotiate a 4ft curve, but would probably be happier on 5ft diameter curves and larger instead. Don't confuse this 10,000 gallon USA tank car with the USA 55ft tank car, those are way two different types and length tank cars. The 10,000 gallon tank car goes with the era of the USA F3 or Aristocraft FA while it would also look good behind a USA GP-9 or Aristocraft RS-3. These are better detailed than the Aristocraft single dome tank car and an award from the Model Railroader Readers choice award proves that fact. They come standard with metal wheels, hook and loop couplers, but knuckle coupler conversion kits are included. There are many road names, oil and gas companies to choose from. These tank cars are a perfect addition to a small railroad
USA trains adds more Canadian road names USA Trains has added even more Canadian Road names to satisfy the on growing demand of Canadian G scalers. This time they added Canadian road names to older rolling stock that is already out. I myself have 2 favorite Canadian railroad names, I like the Canadian Pacific and love the Ontario Northland paint scheme on rolling stock. Below is a list of Canadian road names for each USA rolling stock. 55ft 4bay hopper car Alberta - 12 different road numbers Saskatchewan Canadian Pacific CP Rail Canadian Government Canadian National 70 Ton Hopper Car CP Rail Canadian National 50ft Box car Canadian National Canadian Pacific CP Rail Extended vision Caboose Canadian National CP Rail Bay Window Caboose Canadian National Two Tier auto carrier Canadian National Ontario Northland I personally myself would like to see USA add a Ontario Northland road name to their 70 ton hopper car series, I really like that paint scheme, especially on a hopper car
LGB trains for sale reach record levels on Ebay Ever since the Announcement of Marlikn buying out LGB and not agreeing to fill the LGB America market contract, the LGB products on Ebay have been going crazy. First the prices were going a little crazy, but now the market seems to be getting flooded with alot of LGB items for sale. The amount of LGB products for sale on Ebay have hit near 1,500 which is a near record high. With stores and warehouses selling off what they have, who knows how long the LGB supply wil actually last. LGB has been replaced with Marklin products which is being sold in America under the Piko name. LGB of America had to open up a sub-division since how they could not sell the new Piko products under the LGB of America name. Will the LGB name be eventually permanently dropped althogether after decades in buisness? Who knows for right now, but as time rolls on we will find out for sure. Right now there seems to be plenty of LGB products and parts for sale to take care of those who love LGB trains.
That doesn't make any sense! Marklin was saying a limited number of European production products would ship to the United States. They said they aquired the North American Distribution rights from LGBoA/*****. Early this year was when they would ship. LGBoA's President was stating that he was preparing the shipping containers for the products and the LGBoA Club newsletter would start up again in 2009. So was Marklin lying to us the entire time? Because if they are it wasn't a good idea to toy with everyone else in this country. I'm still trying to find a Stainz tender. This is not good for me.
Oh Clever Marklin. You agree to give us Euro LGB but they had no intention of using the name LGB. Clever. They used the name LGB in every press release knowing it was to hype Piko up. That. Is. Not. Cool. Marklin. That's just my theory and assumption, but it still stands.
