What freight mfgs have the best cars of all kinds
- Thread starter davidone
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Why do you need "a bunch"? Are these for just running and watching the train or for use in operating sessions? I don't use highly detailed cars for operating sessions because all that nice detail gets broken off. But, yes Athearn RTR are probably a good compromise. I've not any experience with the Atlas trainline but they are supposed to be reasonably priced. Bachmann - well I used to have their product line figured out but they keep changing it. I recently got a "sliver series" tank car. Looks OK rather like the Athearn Blue box of old. It has McHenry couplers of course. I am skeptical, way back I was on the rolling stock committee responsible for checking in cars to the club layout. The Bachmann at the time would pass, go out on the layout for a session and be back on my desk with a work ticket on it. About 5 round trips and I would just "throw the car away" aka send it home with the donor. Not worth the constant fiddling to try to keep it in spec. The ones today might be better.
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Iron Horseman
Well-Known Member
I have found that reasonably priced and nice detail are mutually exclusive.
Why do you need "a bunch"? Are these for just running and watching the train or for use in operating sessions? I don't use highly detailed cars for operating sessions because all that nice detail gets broken off. But, yes Athearn RTR are probably a good compromise. I've not any experience with the Atlas trainline but they are supposed to be reasonably priced. Bachmann - well I used to have their product line figured out but they keep changing it. I recently got a "sliver series" tank car. Looks OK rather like the Athearn Blue box of old. It has McHenry couplers of course. I am skeptical, way back I was on the rolling stock committee responsible for checking in cars to the club layout. The Bachmann at the time would pass, go out on the layout for a session and be back on my desk with a work ticket on it. About 5 round trips and I would just "throw the car away" aka send it home with the donor. Not worth the constant fiddling to try to keep it in spec. The ones today might be better.
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santafewillie
Same Ol' Buzzard
I guess that it depends on what you consider "modern freight cars". Athearn and Walther's have reasonably priced 1980's - 2000's RTR cars; and Accurail has reasonable kits. They have less detail than than some brands, but they are all durable. I just am not familiar with more modern cars, post-2000, to offer any advice
migalyto
Well-Known Member
Scaletrains Operator line is very budget friendly.
They just came out with the modern (present day) 60Ft box car with a price tag of around $33.00. $30.00 if you buy 6 or more.
They just came out with the modern (present day) 60Ft box car with a price tag of around $33.00. $30.00 if you buy 6 or more.
ctclibby
Well-Known Member
RTR is a matter of view point. It seems that you always need to do something to them before using.
Detail on the other hand is perspective. Most of my layout ( HO ) will be viewable from 3ft. What detail can I see at that range? If I am following my train around, I am more interested in what the power is doing and what is ahead, not really watching the trailing cars up close and personal. Well, seeing something long snaking through scenery and/or trackwork is also good, but again not up close and personal.
And then you have the 'great detail' problem. The more detail on some car/power the greater the chances you will break something off just trying to move the things from one place to another using your 0-5-0. That can be handled if you want some super detailed cars - put in static glass display that nobody touches where the wind doesn't blow and the earth don't move.
For me, having enough cars on the layout to make things plausible at $$$ I can afford is the way for me.
Just remember rule #1
L8r
Detail on the other hand is perspective. Most of my layout ( HO ) will be viewable from 3ft. What detail can I see at that range? If I am following my train around, I am more interested in what the power is doing and what is ahead, not really watching the trailing cars up close and personal. Well, seeing something long snaking through scenery and/or trackwork is also good, but again not up close and personal.
And then you have the 'great detail' problem. The more detail on some car/power the greater the chances you will break something off just trying to move the things from one place to another using your 0-5-0. That can be handled if you want some super detailed cars - put in static glass display that nobody touches where the wind doesn't blow and the earth don't move.
For me, having enough cars on the layout to make things plausible at $$$ I can afford is the way for me.
Just remember rule #1
L8r
boatwrench
Well-Known Member
My favorites are old Athearn Blue Box, add KD and metal wheels, adjust weight and coupler height and easy to maintain. If you want to add details easy to do. During an op session if they get banged up, easy repair. Fall on the floor and damaged. strip the couplers and wheels and use the shell for practicing weather technique. Usually can pick up at a swap meet for a few bucks so very inexpensive.
riogrande5761
Well-Known Member
What, no rule about couplers?
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