Recommend a switcher?

TwinDad May 24, 2011

  1. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    Hello...

    I'm afraid I'm not too up on HO locos, as you probably already know. I'm looking for a decent switcher diesel to use on my daughter's shelf layout. Hoping y'all can recommend something.

    Requirements, as far as I know them:

    1) Reliable runner - by far the key requirement
    2) Inexpensive (like, less than $50, used is OK)...
    3) 4-axle diesel, or maybe a Plymouth or equivalent
    4) Reasonably decent looks, but this is low priority
    5) Roadname is quite flexible... I can discuss with her...

    Catching my eye at the moment are the Walther's Trainline GP9Ms on clearance at a certain online shop that shall remain un-named...

    Thinking an older, smaller Geep, or a SW- or MP-unit, or something like that...

    Help / suggestions?
     
  2. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    An Atlas S-2 or Kato NW2 would be very reliable switchers and could be picked up used for $50 or so (I got the S-2 at a train show for $38...). They run quiet and smooth and are heavy as bricks (great for traction).

    The Walthers GP9 you're eyeing might be good too. I have a Walthers FA1 that is a good runner, so I presume that the geep is the same. I think I paid $25 for that at a train show.
     
  3. bnsf971

    bnsf971 TrainBoard Member

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    Old-school would be an Athearn SW7 or Athearn Baldwin S12, they run forever and are very forgiving of young fingers. They also have the advantage of being inexpensive, usually less than $25, NIB. I saw one at a swap meet two weeks ago for $30, with DCC and custom headlights installed.
     
  4. GP30

    GP30 TrainBoard Member

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    I have been pleased with my Proto 2000 SW9's. I have 4 of them and they all run well.
     
  5. ratled

    ratled TrainBoard Supporter

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    TD what era? and to a lessor degree, what road or region? You can't go wrong with the Atlas in terms of a runner.

    Any new pictures?

    ratled
     
  6. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    I've got a photo or two to post tonight... we've (barely) got the wiring hooked up, and we put some rolling stock on. That's when she realized the Life-Like Geep was junk.

    As for era and road/region, not specific. The one she has is a Santa Fe (warbonnet) high hood GP38. I would lean toward an older Geep (GP7/9, 20 something like that), SW unit, or if more modern maybe a MP15.

    Once I get a couple of options I plan to shop around for a few roadnames and see which color schemes she likes best. Then we'll strike.
     
  7. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    Hey...

    The LHS had a Con-Cor SW-something-or-other (didn't look close at the time - could even have been an NW-xx) in SOO colors on the clearance shelf... are these any good? Google isn't turning up much
     
  8. Komachi

    Komachi TrainBoard Member

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    My "blue box" Athearn GP-35 has been in my posession for about 22 years now, and it still runs great. You can still pick them up for a reasonable price these days, too, so I'd reccomend anything of theirs. People also sing the praises of Atlas as well.

    A smaller locomotive that might suit your needs is a Bachman Spectrum GE 44 Tonner. They're supposed to be excellent runners, although I've never owned one, so I can't give you a frist-hand critique of their operation.

    Something to consider, though.

    Otherwise, the Geep would be a good choice too.
     
  9. cmstpmark

    cmstpmark TrainBoard Supporter

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    Older (more than 10 years) Con-Cor is not so hot. Same with the older Bachmann and Life-Like. The Life-Like GP-38 is probably their train set version at that has oen miserable pancake motor driving only the front two axels, and the gearing for that is also weak. The train set engines from Life-Like are designed to run from December 25 through January 1st. Beyond that you are on borrowed time.

    Is she is younger than 10 YO go for an Athearn. Either the switch units or a Geep or F unit will work fine, and the body sheels are robust enough to handle the use. The newer Atlas and Proto units, while great, have some details installed that will break. You will want to research how to fine tune the Athearn-replace the metal electric clips with soldered wire, clean the wheels, lube it, etc.-and then watch it run for a couple fo decades.

    The four wheel switch engines are probably not a good idea. The four wheels make for lousy electrical contact-the Athearn 8 wheel units are much better-so unless she keeps the track spotless (buy her a Bright-Boy or a bottle of RailZip) the four wheel unit will stuuter and stop. Plus, all the Plymouth and other small switchers I know of are usually train set quality, so they die prety quickly, too.

    -Mark
     
  10. Geared Steam

    Geared Steam Permanently dispatched

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    The Spectrum 44 ton is a good reliable model, the shell is quite durable as well. I have two that are several years old, no issues whatsoever. I sourced my thru an Ebay dealer, they were $38.00 each, I had to add a decoder.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    Had a sit-down with the Junior COO. Looks like she's interested in a Walthers Trainline GP9M in Milwaukee Road (she likes the orange). They're on clearance NIB in at least one un-named place for $30.

    I showed her the 44-ton and 45-ton switchers, but she didn't like them.

    She also wants an F-unit but I said that would have to wait... too hard to back them up in switching operations. Her cow-gineer would get a crick in her neck.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. Logtrain

    Logtrain TrainBoard Member

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    One thing to keep in mind is the less things that can fall or get broken off the model by little fingers is better. I would suggest a F unit but you are looking specifically for a switcher.

    Just a thought.
     
  13. Mike Kieran

    Mike Kieran TrainBoard Member

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    Check out the Bachmann Spectrum 70 tonner. A great looking locomotive at a good price. Too bad she didn't like the 45 tonner. The side rods on the trucks are very animated and make the engine look like it's speeding down the track even though it's only going 10 scale mph.
     
  14. brakie

    brakie TrainBoard Member

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    Here's the best locomotive for a kid...A Athearn SW7 or the older SW1500..These engines are bullit proof and will last forever.
     
  15. friscobob

    friscobob Staff Member

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    Being the owner of a couple of Walthers Trainline locomotives, I say you made a good choice. It should hold up to her handling pretty well.

    But, if you need a shorter engine, I DO have an Athearn SW7 in need of a good home...... ;)
     
  16. traingeekboy

    traingeekboy TrainBoard Member

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    First off... I am lifting my jaw off the floor...

    y-o-u-r d-a-u-g-h-t-e-r l-i-k-e-s t-r-a-i-a-n-s???!???!!!!!

    My daughter sneers at me when she sees me ogling trains on the computer.

    If she wants the gp9 and it's only 30$ get it. You can always get something else later.
     
  17. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    My daughter is 10. She likes her daddy, and by extension, whatever I'm involved in. I'm sure that will completely change in just a few years (if not months).

    So... strike while the iron is hot...

    But yeah, she actually enjoys them... when her attention isn't diverted elsewhere...
     
  18. Mr. SP

    Mr. SP Passed away August 5, 2016 In Memoriam

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    Switcher

    Might try the trusty Athearn SW-7 or SW-1000. Rugged and pull good. The SW-7 might be a bit hard to find though.
     
  19. TwinDad

    TwinDad TrainBoard Member

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    OK, the mailman brought some new motive power over the weekend. WAY better than anything we had on the roster.

    This is the Walthers GP9M in Milwaukee Road (obviously).

    [​IMG]

    TwinGirl and Bessie are very happy. I had to replace the rear knuckle coupler with the (included) horn-hook, as all of our very old rolling stock is horn-hook.

    One odd question, though. On the lower front quarters, the little silver decal you can see right behind the stairs... says "GP20" ... why???
     
  20. 2slim

    2slim TrainBoard Member

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    TD,
    Here's the reason, notice the unit number (fairly close for Walther's). This is a remanufactured GP9M. BTW the 954 was the last of the MILW number series for the GP9M's.


    2slim
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: May 31, 2011

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