I just started my collection. I decided to go with N scale because I dont have alot f room and I find these n scale cars are nicer looking. I bought an F-40 (Amtrak) loco and Im getting it painted VIA colors. Any suggestions/comments that would be useful for someone who knows nothing about this? Thanks Bannon ------------------ Bannon C Woods Jr VIA Rail Canada Safety, Health & Environment
Yes,hang out here,and don't be afraid to ask questions.The old timers(yup me too) will be more than willing to help a newcomer to our little world. Still havin' FUN! ------------------ Catt!
Hi Bannon. Catt is right.Any questions you have will be answered. I have had great help from Trainboard and the members ------------------ Robin Maberly and Tayside
Hey, welcome aboard N! Two things to consider since you're just starting out in N (I'm assuming you've been in MRing for awhile). At least consider if you'd want to use DCC - it'll be easier on the wallet to add decoders as you go along (rather than wait until you have 50 locos in your roster). I don't use DCC yet. I may try a progressive cab control to keep my costs down. Also, it's also easier on the wallet to convert your couplers (and trucks) to convert to Micro-Trains as you go along. N is great and N is booming Look Ahead, Look South
Good point. If I were starting in N scale now, I would go for DCC, but to do it now, retrospectively would be too expensive for me. So make the decision early ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com Andersley Western Railroad Alan's American Gallery Alan's European Gallery Alan's British Steam Gallery
I'm not sure putting DCC into the current LL F40PH is the best idea. Wait on that and you might see a new frame go into the LL F40PH sooner than you think. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BannonVIA: I just started my collection. I decided to go with N scale because I dont have alot f room and I find these n scale cars are nicer looking. I bought an F-40 (Amtrak) loco and Im getting it painted VIA colors. Any suggestions/comments that would be useful for someone who knows nothing about this? Thanks Bannon <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Yo Bannon, First suggestion, this unit is a framer, as it has good pulling power, but not great running. I would suggest the Kato, or LL E9, if you are interested. In terms of passenger cars I could point you the right, and cheaper direction if u would like! Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. BCRailKing@Canada.com [This message has been edited by BC Rail King (edited 04 July 2000).]
Bannon, if you find the LL chassis is not to your liking, I have heard that the Atlas GP40-2 chassis is a good candidate for the replacement. Not sure of the details needed for a swap though it shouldn't be a hard job. I think Model Power had a F40 in VIA colours years back, but the LL unit is by far a better runner. As the others have already said... just holler! Gary. ------------------ Gary A. Rose The Unofficial TC&W page N to the Nth degree!
Bannon You might do well to see if there is a local N-Scale club in your area. Check your local hobby shop, they should know if there is a club. Also see if there is an NTRAK and/or NMRA group in your area. All these ideas coming from the 'net are great, but nothing can beat the hands on approach that a club or group of N-Scalers can give you. ------------------ Let's Go Run Trains MARK
Hey guys, thanks for your responses, I just started and know very little about this stuff, what is all this DCC and truck changes? hehe, I dont know the make of this locomotive but when I bought it, he tested it for me, there were a couple of HO guys there and 2 N scale guys there, they all said the loco was great , not too many loco's run that smooth, so looks like im off to a good start. Thanks guys Bannon ------------------ Bannon C Woods Jr VIA Rail Canada Safety, Health & Environment
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BannonVIA: Hey guys, thanks for your responses, I just started and know very little about this stuff, what is all this DCC and truck changes? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Look at some of the older posts in the DCC forum, they will give you a very good idea of what DCC can do. I am not sure about 'truck change', do you mean changing the couplers?? If you do, I would suggest AccuMates, Micro Trains, or a similar high quality coupler, as if you start to convert early in your modelling life it will not be as much a pain as it will be later. <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR> hehe, I dont know the make of this locomotive but when I bought it, he tested it for me, there were a couple of HO guys there and 2 N scale guys there, they all said the loco was great , not too many loco's run that smooth, so looks like im off to a good start. Thanks guys Bannon <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Well, if you are happy, and they thought it was great, it is! In terms of cars, I took alook ang have some suggestions. For coaches (Blue ex.CNR cars) you could just use Con Cors, but for the baggage car, diner, and RPO I would use Kato. Sleepers also work OK with Con Cors. If you want the Canadian cars just start collecting the new series of them coming from Con Cor. They are pretty accurate to the Via Cars. I would suggest one expensive thing, I can E Mail u details if u would like. Happy Railroading!! Dane N. ------------------ BC Rail King TAMR2860@Canada.com for TAMR info. BCRailKing@Canada.com
BannonVIA may have been refering to the trucks in my post. In the past, not all N scale freight and passengers cars had trucks that were worth the plastic used to make them. Micro-trains' trucks are very nice, in guage, and free rolling. I got into the habit of replacing trucks and couplers immediately. It really helps if you're going to run long trains. Micro-trains offers trucks with or without couplers in a lot of styles - Andrews to Friction Rollerbearing. New N scale equipment seems to have better wheels and trucks, but I'm sticking with Micro-Trains for now Look Ahead, Look South
