Hi, I would like to know what model locomotives I should use on my layout. I think i will run DCC so i think plug-N-play style locos would be ideal for my situation. I am modeling a shortline in northern appalachia (pennsylvania i think, nowhere specific). i will also model a branch to a coal mine. I think i want to model the 1950's im thinking 1956 but i dont need to be specific. I'm thinking one switcher, for my small interchange yard, and 2 all purpose engines, for hauling and switching freight and coal drags. the planned minimum radius on my layout is 12". Am I leaving anything out? All suggestions are welcome. Thanks
I'm just going to welcome you. My suggestion would be 1 of everything you like (maybe 2). So I won't go there
If you want a dcc switcher then you might look at this guy. Its a Bachmann 44tonner. Comes with a decoder installed. Comes in a variety of roads and reasonably priced. And as far as a few road engines about anything by Kato or Atlas.
i really like the look of alco rs's (the short hoods only, tall ones are ugly, IMHO) and i saw some where that Life-Like and Kato both made plug and play versions of this engine. Is this true? and are they still available? (i also see that walthers proto makes a "DCC freindly" RS-2, does anyone know how hard it is to install a decoder in one of these? also how hard are they to get?) (actually it seems that the walthers loco is the life-like loco)
Atlas has been the major supplier of Alco RSes over the years. The RS-1, RS-3, and RS-11 are all relatively recent and can still be found in various road names. They are not "technically" DCC ready, but TCS makes decoders that are designed expressly for installation in these units. I've done a number of these are they come out great. I haven't tried the Walthers so I don't know how it compares. Here's a link that gives you an idea of what the TCS decoder installation is all about. Check out the embedded link in the text as well. http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Atlas/RS3/RS3.htm
The Kato RS-2 is a great loco, pulls good. I have had about 10 at one time or another. Kato's are real easy to install the decoder in to. Is your short line a fantasy road or a actual Railroad?
Its a fantasy railroad. My idea is that they lease all of their locos from other RR's, that way i wouldn't have to bother with painting or anything of that sort. It also gives me flexibility in roadname choices.
I have a Kato RS2 it is an excellent loco, only problem is the Santa Fe only had one. Another good shortline engine would be the Kato NW2. Another thing to look could be the Atlas Shay, it would fit in well on a shortline of your location and era, but while it is not exactly easy to install a decoder there are several DCC dealers able to do the install for you. I had one done by Litchfield Station and they seem to do quality work.
The new Atlas locos with the scale speed motor run great, the scale speed also makes them great for switching. My railroad the VN is a fantasy railroad that purchased the EL, Reading, CNJ, and LV. This way I can run locos painted for those roads. I also haul a lot of coal and use mainly Atlas RS2s, RS11s, and GP7s for mine runs.
The newer RS-11 in the Atlas Classic boxes are decoder ready. I just picked one up recently and it's a single light board. Replaced it with TCS AMD4 decoder and voila!
