N Scale Locomotive Advice...

ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


Exit109GTI

New Member
Hey all,

So I only have two locomotives, and they are both bachmans. I got a diesel for $20, and a steam engine for about $35. As expected they both really suck at slow speeds, especially the diesel.

A couple of months down the road when I've made myself a decent sized layout with DCC I'd like to upgrade to a couple of loco's that will be able to pull a 6+ carload at a realistic speed.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?
 

martyscustomn

New Member
Stay with Atlas and Kato for DCC right now. Life-like is really good, but not as DCC friendly as the other two. On ebay, you should be able to buy a DCC ready loco for a reasonable price. Look at the description closely to make sure they are DCC ready.
 

ATSFCLIFF

Member
Martys is correct, Kato and Atlas make good running and well detailed engines. I would add InterMountain engines to the list, they are just as good.

Cliff
 

BrandywineBob

Superintendent & Porter
Kato and Atlas are the only way to go! My F7's have pulled 77 cars (that was all we had available at the time).
 

BMRR

Member
I'll have to agree, Atlas and Kato have the best quality locos and are great running.

Stan.
 

Brakie

Member
Absolutely..Atlas and Kato..BTW..Atlas makes decoder equipped engines which *might* be your best choice.
 
D

dthurman

Guest
I have Atlas, Kato and LifeLikes. Of the 3 I am most impressed with Atlas on their slow speed crawl, The Kato's are fine runners and steady, but don't do the "creep" nearly as well as Atlas. The LifeLikes, I think are a hit and miss, I have the SD7 which runs slow speeds well but has oversized flanges so it is not as smooth on Atlas Code55 track, the Sw they make is a real slow and smooth runner, but because of the short wheelbase, it has a problem at frogs, but I have a web site that is supposed to help solve that, I guess the power pickups are not up to par with Atlas and Kato.

After getting back into N scale (Normal Scale) after a 20 year break, I was amazed at how the N scale engines run almost if not better then HO engines out now a days.

Just my oberservation.
 




Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)


ModelRailroadForums.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

RailroadBookstore.com - An online railroad bookstore featuring a curated selection of new and used railroad books. Railroad pictorials, railroad history, steam locomotives, passenger trains, modern railroading. Hundreds of titles available, most at discount prices! We also have a video and children's book section.

ModelRailroadBookstore.com - An online model railroad bookstore featuring a curated selection of new and used books. Layout design, track plans, scenery and structure building, wiring, DCC, Tinplate, Toy Trains, Price Guides and more.

Top