Hello every one, I stole this post from the Kitty (Chesie SD50 XXXX) and have brought up the question here in N scale! What loco would you recomend to your freinds? Era is a non-issue, nor is the manufacturer. Happy Railroading! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
I think the answer would depend on what you want the loco for. Based on what I've seen, I'd say: Switch/transfer: LifeLike SW9/1200. Runs and looks good, and fits for a long period. Road unit: LifeLike GP38(-2?). Runs well and comes at a good price. Atlas GP30/35. Also run good and look good, wide time period. Heavy duty: Kato U30C or SD40-2. Both are outstanding runners and look great. Just be aware that the U boat is significantly heavier and runs much faster than most other locos I've seen. Atlas SD60. Great for modern era, well made model. Now all we need is a better looking F40 than what's available, or an AMD103, and we'll be all caught up!
I forgot to put mine!! Over all, the Kato SD45, and Stlas are on my good side. When I see some one just starting I always point them to the LL SW12 as it has good strenght, and detail for the cost. If I know some one will never get into Trains a s a magor hobby, I would however, have no regrets sending them towards the LL SD7, it works for what they would use it for. You all say a decent F40 would be nice, and I have said that too, but recently I have had a 180 degree mind change, now I want the F59PHI!!!!!!! Now that would look awesome on the cover of the TAMR IR WR publication called the "Cascade" (To submit an article send too- TAMRCascade@hotmail.com). I wouldn't hate a Talgo set either! Happy Railroading!!! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
I would say the LL F-40-PH looks good, but the drive is really dated. They run alright and will pull a house but they really need that new LL drive. I want some AMD's too, the F59 would be nice, but I model the mid-west and gulf-coast areas so I don't need them. I love my Atlas/Kato GP-30! The SD-60's are great and what I've seen of the Kato SD-40-2, they run well also. Alright, let's just get to the point. Anything made by Atlas, Kato or Life-Like(new drive) is the cream of the crop. For value minded folk, any PRE-TESTED Bachmann, Life-Like (old drive) or Mini-Trix will do just fine. ------------------ RAILROADING-TO-THE-MAX, Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Style! Brent Tidaback, Member #234
Atlas SD50 Kato C44-9W ------------------ Theres no such thing as having to many coal hoppers or GP40-2 when you model Chessie System LONG LIVE THE KITTEN!!! LONG LIVE BIG BLUE!!!
If era (and cost) was not a concern, pretty much any Kato or Atlas loco would be a top recommendation. I think some of the smoothest (and most powerful) locos I have ever owned were Kato E8/9's; however the LifeLike E7/8's are outstanding performers at way less than half the price. I also have highest regards for my Kato Dash 9's, SD40/45's and SD40-2's. While I do roster a large fleet of Atlas locos (like any good Chessie fan must...GP30's, GP40's, GP40-2's, SD50's, etc) overall, they are slightly lesser performers than the Kato units, however are a strong value and readily available. (I can't wait for the SD35's!) Chessie ***********************************
I'm not trying to knock the LL F40 for running, because one of our club members has one and it seems to run fine. My problem is the way the pilot is done, and the fact that (so far as I know) there isn't a MT conversion to fit it. I may be acting like a rivet counter here, but I personally just don't like truck mounted couplers and open pilots on locos. As for blue, gimme Jenks any old day!
Eagle, if I acquire a locomotive with truck mounted couplers, I cut 'em off, build up a pilot with styrene sheet, and mount MT 1015 couplers. Then add all the pilot details. ------------------ Alan The perfect combination - BNSF and N Scale! www.ac-models.com http://Andersley.homestead.com http://galleryusarail_tehcaj.homestead.com [This message has been edited by Alan (edited 12 May 2000).]
C44 and SD45's!!!! ------------------ Craig Martyn BLMA(best looking models around) Custom painting and detailing
MY DREAM CAME TRUE!!!! Some one is making the Cascades and matching F59PHI!!!! YES!!!! Dane N. ------------------ TAMR2860-AKA BC Rail King TAMR2860@hotmail.com
