Who makes the best 'Hustler'??

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for the old Athearn Hustler, I suppose because it was the very first HO locomotive I ever saw.

Who makes the best version of a similar engine today? I have seen some Tyco and Bachman in the hobby shops but have never seen any of them operate.

Thanks,

 

A Hustler? Well I know this guy down at the Pool Hall.......

I have a Tyco and a Bachmann, the Bachmann still runs.

 

Watash,
Is the Bachman gear or flywheel drive? Smooth? Reliable? Or you gotta be kidding?

Thanks,

 

If you have a soft spot for the hustler then you should look at the ATHEARN (ex ROUNDHOSE) EMD model 40 critter. This 4 wheel switcher runs great and is very well detailed. http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=RND84096


paul

 

Joe, I would have to go dig it out of a box to be sure, but I think it had plastic gears too. It still ran when it was packed away, but they had worn almost off. about to spin. The TYCO lost its teeth from pulling too many cars, too often reversing, and too many kids playing with it. It is so old it has grown whiskers!

 

Laughing out loud!

Wayne,

You made me laugh out loud this morning!

Reminded me of myself, too many reversals, too many hotrods, too many late saturday nights, eh?:teeth:

Joe

Paul,

Thanks for the tip on the Critter, I had been shining up to the Spectrum 44 tonner, mainly because it is badged for ATSF, but the Critter has a unique character all its own, and it says it is DCC ready! After all, I do need to learn to paint my own locomotives someday!:thumbs_up:

Best,
Joe