OldGettysk
Running the MC & Buffalo
Boy you can say that about Bachman , It takes awhile for them to fix something and return it !
Boy you can say that about Bachman , It takes awhile for them to fix something and return it !
Top quality:
Atlas, Kato, Gützold.
Trix and Rivarossi some models running too fast.
Standard quality:
Mantua, Walthers, Roco, Fleischmann, Kleinbahn, Klein - Modellbahn are ok.
Bachmann, Proto, Athearn would need a stronger motorization for proper running at low speed.
Rebuilding need Products:
Model power, IHC and old Mehanos i have rebuilt with new motors, flywheels and added current supply points for better running.
I've seen a lot of praise for the Tower 55's, but my personal experience was less than satisfying. I had a pair of the 'black widows' of SP that I picked up from a friends shop. The detail was very good, but the sound was far less than satisfying. I think the speakers mounted in the fuel tanks very close to the rails was problematic. BLI is much more satisfying, particularly the AC6000's. And I believe the BLI is superior in traction force.I'd say:
Athearn BB
Bachmann Spectrum
Overland
Athearn RTR tied with Athearn Genesis
Proto 2000
Kato
Atlas
BLI & Tower 55
Personally I think Athearn with 50% better on the RTR Dash 9 then the Genesis SD70 series! My rating range is based on detail mostly, with Kato & Atlas topping higher because of the drives, and BLI & Tower 55 for the sound. The new P2K & Genesis offerings with sound can push up there now too.
NOTE: In my point of view, a diesel locomotive is more track-friendly in most cases, while a similar sized steam engine may be trouble-provoking. Steam engines must be made to a better standard and can stand much less tolerances in HO scale.