Now that the who makes the best loco question is past, here is another.... who makes the best rolling stock and why? What are the differences in the different couplers and which is best? Paul f [ 24. September 2003, 19:28: Message edited by: PAUL F ]
Paul- I can only speak for what I buy, due to the time frame I model. There are others out there. In no particular order: DeLuxe Innovations Micro-Trains InterMountain RY Red Caboose Atlas (Of the last few years.) Accuracy, detail, paint and lettering quality. For couplers, I stick with Micro-Trains. Best availability, appearance, reliability. Boxcab E50 [ 24. September 2003, 19:59: Message edited by: BoxcabE50 ]
Paul, Rollingstock probably isnt as critical in performance as a locomotive so its mainly the detail and availability that determines what you buy. I have the following Mictrotrains Red Caboose Atlas Roundhouse If you want to model intermodal you can't go past Alan Curtis models for detail and excellent running equipment. As for couplers I beleieve the standard now is microtrains couplers and also accumate, i use both and have never had a problem.
IMHO, the best value in rolling stock right now is LBF. The level of detail is very good, pricing is competitive and Micro-train trucks and couplers come standard. No doubt about it Micro Trains trucks and couplers are still the best.
Does anyone remember the old Concor/Kato cars? The boxcars were as good as cars made today as far as casting appearance. They had low profiles (car did not ride high) and nice thin roofwalks. The roofwalks were about as thick as a MT roofwalk today, but they were "snuggled" down into the roof. I will post a picture when I get back home in about a week. But, the printing on the cars was not nearly as good as the printing today. These cars predate the Concor cars with the big snap on trucks. They were probably around 1965-1969. As far as cars made today, I like Deluxe Innovations, Inter Mountain, and Atlas. I generally don't even look at Micro-Trains anymore. [ 25. September 2003, 02:49: Message edited by: sapacif ]
I must have just about every make of freightcar, and if the trucks/couplers are changed to Microtrains they are all ok. Newer cars tend to have better printing and the more expensive ones better and finer details. Basically I buy the type of car I need, not the make.
I think it's generally agreed that modelers buy equipment (locomotives and rolling stock) that fits their theme, not because of the manufacturer. That being said, look into the older Model Die Casting and Atlas cars. They are still a great value in this age of $15+ per car models. I picked up ten MDC kits at a recent swap meet for $25, which is $2.50 a car. A great deal by any measure. Most online retailers list the older stuff for $5-6 a car, which is still a great savings over the $15-20 Micro-Trains releases. By the time you weather and replace the trucks you can hardly tell the difference in detailing.
Tough question based on personal preferences. For me and in no order: 1.Atlas including Trainman 2.Fox Valley Models 3.BLMA 4.Athearn 5.ExactRail 6.Intermoutain 7.Micro Trains 8.The older MDC/Roundhouse cars
As a few others have said, I buy rolling stock because it fit's my era and need. I don't buy something just because it is brand X or Y and I don't pass on something for the same reason. If it is a car I need and want, I buy it. If it has problems, I fix them. It's still a lot cheaper and easier to buy a car predecorated for what you need and make adjustments to fine tune it than to scratch build a car. Remember your time is worth something too, not just the materials involved.
the best rolling stock is $5 or less at the local train show. as long as its nothing modern era. I don't care who its made by or if its missing a few grab irons. I can't bring myself to buy anything new just to go and make it look 50 years old.
The best rolling stock in my opinion are: BLMA, FVM, Exactrail, Intermountain, Atlas Master Series, ESM, Trainworx, Microtrains... I think there a place for all the manufactures and there intended buyers. If it fits my era and is of decent quailty I will buy it and run the hell out of it. JSL
LMAO!!! I bought one of ebay by mistake When I pointed it out to the seller, he sent me a ton more for the cost of shipping... will work fine to fill a yard for show... just don't try to turn corners!
If I had to pick one I would have to say BLMA for a few reasons. In my opinion BLMA's rolling stock has excellent carbody detail, and nicely detailed trucks that roll on what I think are the best looking metal wheels in the scale. Overall they extremely accurate according to the prototype, including correct looking ride height, body mount couplers, accurate carbody color and printing. I always look forward to new announcements from BLMA since I am confident they will be well researched and produced.
