I would second that Microtrains all the way. However, depending on how protoypicaly concerned you are those Bettendorf trucks would be appropriate on older rolling stock that had roof walks, etc. Built in the 30's,40's and 50's. Starting in the 60's the Barber trucks would be more appropriate.
One of the guys over on Nscale.org used it on his layout and he seems to like it. They don't offer many pcs. therefore your radii on turns and turnouts will be limited. I believe they only offer #6 turnouts at the moment. It uses traditional style unijoiners so those will have to be replaced...
This has been completely different than my experience. I have dozens of both Kato and Atlas engines and about 99% of the time the Kato's are vastly superior in pulling power, voltage requirements and yes, noise. It appears you may have a lemon or two.
That's true if your buying the Kodo Custom Shop models with the TCS decoder installed. However, I buy the Kato engines without from MBK and they are usually 59-69 bucks in DC depending on model. Then I put my own Digitrax decoder in for about 25-26 bucks which puts them much closer in my opinion.
I couldn't agree more. For the cost you can't beat it that's why I have 3 of the new Bachmann DCC equipped engines. They are much much better than what they have had in the past. In fact they are down right competitive now in my opinion. The RS-2 is superb in detail as well you should check...
Guys I couldn't resist telling everyone about this. I signed up for Exactrail's email alerts some time ago and I got one this weekend for a 15% off promo that ends 9/30. I couldn't resist I put an order in for some box cars and the shipping is free on orders over $100! Don't miss out on this one!
I almost forgot that my only gripe with the Chessie unit is that the Chess "C" is on the wrong part of the engine. I have Jerry Doyle's excellent book about Chessie System locomotives and he states that the B&O put the Chess "C" on the long nose because that's how the B&O ran them; long nose...
Yes, absolutely buy one or several if you can. I have two a B&O and a Chessie and they are nicer than the Atlas geeps(which I also have). Down side is that the Lenz decoder they use is VERY basic and other than programming address and starting voltage that's about it as far as programming is...
I have now successfully installed three hard wire decoders in my N scale fleet(first time for me). I'm now ready to try a Tsunami but was wondering where to solder the track leads? This will either be in a Kato or Atlas N scale engine and I will be using Aztek for the milled frame.
Here are some pics of a Custom GP40-2 that Brian Kuhn has completed for me. These are from his web site. I haven't seen it in the flesh yet but I am excited to get my hands on it!
http://www.briansnscale.com/chessie_gallery.htm