Who runs modern era diesels?

davidone Apr 8, 2015

  1. davidone

    davidone TrainBoard Member

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    I love the look of modern era diesels like the SD70ACe, ES44AC and others. What are your favorites and what mfg. seems to have the best running, detail and sound.

    Being fairly new in HO but not model trains I really need your feed back.

    Thanks, Dave
     
  2. John Smith

    John Smith TrainBoard Member

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    If you are only asking about those two models... I have an Intermountain Gevo. Smooth running, great detail and good puller. I bought it as a KCS ES44AC... but, modified it into a CSX "primer" ES44DC... as my timeframe is 2004-2005. Not sure if this will help you but, I also have an Athearn Genesis Conrail Quality SD70 and an Athearn Genesis NS SD60M... Good details, smooth running and are good pullers. Also, a CSX Kato SD80MAC... one of the finest locos I have ever owned!!!
    JMS
     
  3. davidone

    davidone TrainBoard Member

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    Not asking about any specific model but just what is being made and what may be best.
     
  4. YoHo

    YoHo TrainBoard Supporter

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    Honestly, Athearn, Intermountain, MTH all make quality product in this space. I try to avoid MTH, because I hate the very idea of DCS, but I can't fault the general quality.
     
  5. BB2921

    BB2921 TrainBoard Member

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    I owned 3 athearn genesis and 1 intermountain es44 and they've been amazingly detailed. I'd say the genesis is slightly better(runs a little smoother and better gearing overall) but basically from 3 foot away they're interchangeable. Bachmann had been picking up their quality and for the price isn't a terrible deal. Not too sure about MTH, I've had one friend who owned a M-2 and hated it, never worked outside the box sent it back twice and always had issues, but that's just one case. Another friend has a Kato Dash-9 which is nicely detailed but not a strong runner, and really needs about 2 or 3 locos to make a good train. That being said I would read reviews/watch Youtube videos about each loco brand before buying.
     
  6. YoHo

    YoHo TrainBoard Supporter

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    Kato dash 9 looks better than the athearn....Dash 9.

    I forgot about Bachmann. Their gevos and ACes are much cheaper. Not seen one up close though. Walthers just announced they're doing an ACe as well. I have no idea why.
     
  7. GN.2-8-8-0

    GN.2-8-8-0 TrainBoard Member

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    NOT ME!!

    Steam Rules!!
     
  8. HOexplorer

    HOexplorer TrainBoard Supporter

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    Not me either! No offense. Jim
     
  9. Mike VE2TRV

    Mike VE2TRV TrainBoard Member

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    Not what could be considered "modern era". The newest I have is an SD40-2. I mostly run diesels from the 40s to the 60s. Geeps, Alcos, FMs, Baldwins, etc., both road switchers and cabs.

    But the best runners so far are Atlas, Kato, Intermountain, Proto, and recently, Rapido. That GMD-1 I bought myself as a Christmas present is incredibly smooth and quiet. Very high quality mechanically and in detail. When their FPA-4 comes out, I'll be onto it like lightning.
     
  10. David D Hetzel

    David D Hetzel TrainBoard Member

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    Then why comment? :droll:

    Because everyone wants to get a piece of the heritage unit pie!
     
  11. omnitrax

    omnitrax TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Members. While my layout is not DCC i still run a few modern 4 axle diesels. What's a modern 4 axle diesel? EMD GP15-1: EMD MP15DC: GE B23-7: EMD GP60. I suppose that an EMD GP15-1 is not really that modern but they look modern with their "tunnel motor" type radiators.
    Thanks
     
  12. ravdoc22

    ravdoc22 TrainBoard Member

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    I have an MTH Sd70m-2 and Intermountain ES44dc and these are my two smoothest running locomotives


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     

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