N Scale Recommendations

I'm just getting started thinking about an N Scale layout and equipment and would appreciate just a little advice.

I live in a pretty remote area so I can't easily get out to shows, and my local retailer stocks, how can I put this nicely? well, crap. I have internet access but it's hard to tell what I'm looking at when you know as little about it as I do.

Who, in your opinion(s), are the BEST manufacturers of locomotives and rolling stock? The stuff I've seen at the store looks and FEELS like cheap plastic junk but friends have told me that there really is quality, die-cast equipment available.

I wouldn't say that price was no object but, for the modest layout I'm envisioning, I'd rather spend a lot for a relatively small amount of decent equipment. Does that make sense? If you could only have a couple of trains, what would YOU get?

Reply to
kush
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You don't mention where you are posting from, but I presume you are talking about American manufacturers. Surely it will be difficult to achieve high levels of details with die-casting in N scale. I don't see what the problem is with plastic, but if you prefer something "weightier", you could always go for brass.

Reply to
Dave Fossett

Sorry, I'm posting from the U.S. so, yes, American manufacturers or products which are more-or-less readily available in the U.S. market.

I don't have any problem with plastic, I guess, per se, so much as CHEAP plastic, that looks and feels like an inexpensive child's toy. If plastic is the accepted standard for a realistic, high-quality product then I guess that that's what I'm interested in. Please make allowance; I have seen very few examples to be able to differentiate between them.

Reply to
kush

Kato Micro-Trains Atlas

-John

Reply to
Pacific95

Thank you.

Reply to
kush

Let's expand on that a bit.

Kato generally makes the top running/detailed locos. But it is verrrryyy closely followed by Atlas, and LifeLike is hot on the heels. Micro-Trains, Intermountain, MDC are quality companies that have recently started doing locos as well as rolling stock. Bachmann Specturm line sometimes puts out good stuff, but QC is erratic - some percentage of any batch will run smooth, and a bunch not. (These you absoulutely need to test before buying any given unit, or use a dealer with a good return policy)

High quality cars come from MicroTrains, Intemountain, Roundhouse, and some people will probably have few more in that list. You can always replace poor trucks (wheels) on any brand with MicroTrains truck/couplers.

Overall, quality and variety of N gauge has been getting better the last several years. You need to keep an eye not only on product reviews, (they will be biased towards praising advertisers stuff!) but read forums such as this. For better focus, check out the N-scale list on yahoogroups

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Val

Reply to
VManes

There are several quality n-scale train sets available. If one of them appeals to you, it will be a quick way to get started. One place to see them online is here:

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(But only look at the Kato and Micro Train sets.)

Reply to
Ken Rice

This is exactly correct. Life-like makes some smooth-running locos at lower cost, but Kato and Atlas are the best. Stay away from Bachmann. As for track, Kato is good, as is Atlas and Peco. Atlas is reasonably priced and is fine. Also, you will have a choice of Micro-Trains couplers or Rapido couplers. Go with Micro-Trains. They look better and uncouple smoothly with magetic uncouplers. On some new locos you will need to install the MT couplers. This can be tricky at first. You can request that the people you buy the loco from install the MTs for you for a small fee.

Reply to
Barney Rubble

Locos:

Kato Atlas Micro-trains Life-Like (only the past 4-5 years - gp20, sd7/9, sw8, PA)

Also, start with DCC. That means buy locos with decoders and you can get the Digitrax Zephyr for a good price from most dealers. I now use

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as my principal supplier.

Rolling Stock:

Micro-trains Intermountain Red Caboose Kato Atlas Model Die Casting (MDC Roundhouse)

For cars that don't come equipped with them, convert your rolling stock trucks to Micro-trains with low-profile wheelsets.

Bill

-- Moderator:

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Reply to
Bill Barr

I'd go with the manufacturers posted by the others.

However, don't buy any second hand unseen. The quality of N gauge stuff has jumped only in recent years and older models by the manufacturers listed would probably disappoint.

Pete

Reply to
mutley

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