Hi all, since I will be moving forward in HO and I do not have any pulling power as of yet (just a small Athearn diesel yard switcher), I would like to know which manufacturer you think is best/prefer. Who gives the most "bang for the buck" to start out? Do I want to get locos with DCC in them already or DCC ready? I was thinking of just doing one power pack initially, but how much harder is it for DCC? I do not want to "break the bank", but I do want to have very reliable engines. I feel like the new kid in the class when it come to the engines and DCC even after reading tons of articles and books on the stuff. Any help would be greatly appreciated! 'Nut
My vote would be Atlas engines. Not sure what era, but I think Atlas engines are some of the best value peices out there. I have Atas's from the late 80's/early 90's that run just as good as anything now. I have put decoders in a couple of the old ones and they run like champs. I have purchased several new ones as well and the quaility seems just as good or even better than years ago. Not too shabby. You can get Atlas engines in the low 100's w/o decoders. Upwards from $180 to > $200 w/ sound. That's somewhat below MSRP, but I have purchased mine at shows, etc. where pricing was, shall we say, "negotiable" . That's just my opinion. I am sure others will chime in. But for my money, Atlas is a great value either with or without decoders. And remember, you do get what you pay for.
Athearn Ready to Roll (and even the lesser detailed older "blue box"), and Atlas Trainman. Bachmann has some out there, just seems you never know if you'll get a good one or not... Of course Bachmann has good prices on some lesser detailed engines with DCC installed and ready... I still think DC is the best way to start (programming DCC really can be a little too much for some beginners)- just my opinion - yes, I have some DCC equipped engines, but both my N and HO layouts are DC, with no plans to convert to DCC for a long time.
When I started out, my loco roster consisted entirely of Athern blue-box, Athearn RTR, and Bachmann Spectrum (and a few Bachmann Plus) locos. I paid anywhere from $25-$50 for each and most still run on my layout today. You're not going to get the ultra-detailing of the more expensive units (IE $100+) and most don't come with a decoder installed so you'll need to do the upgrade on your own if you choose to move to DCC. However, I point out that these locos all do come with flywheels on the motors, all wheel electrical pickup, and all wheel drive so there are very suitable to break into the hobby with a reliable loco that won't break the bank.
A lot of the older modelers started out with Athearn "Blue Box" models, I among them. There are a lot of new manufacturers out there today with products that not only run well but look good doing it. "Bang for the Buck" might mean Atlas. There are others out there that might be slightly cheaper but if you want decent detail that's affordable, I'd go with Atlas.
Basically you have some decent options starting at the low end: Proto 1000: Very good diesels for a modest cost. Only choices are the RS3 and the F3A and F3B. Bachman Spectrum (quality isn't always quite up there with Atlas etc) but decent and the prices are more modest. Bachman Spectrum includes SD45, some GE units and F40PH. (for the F40PH at the low end I prefer Walthers Trainline) Walthers Trainline also offers some modest cost lower end engines which are decent quality and some can be bought with DCC decoders - the F40PH has been offered that way. Athearn RTR are a litte more expensive but still a bit lower than the higher end stuff. They are now coming with surprisingly accurate details with each new offering. After this I'd say come Atlas, more expensive but among the best made period. Then Proto 2000 newer offerings and KATO. I personally don't care for Bachman Spectrum but if low cost is a priority, I would look them over. I would avoid Bachman Plus, as they are pretty cheap.
Nut, That's an interesting question you pose. Just for shucks and grinns have a look see at Trains mag. January 2008 "How much does it COST" a resite on what the real railroads pay for there locomotives, cars, track, and signals. It is a very interesting corealation between the real and the model. Here is just one example, SD 40-2 $200,00.00 dollars for the real thing, $2,000.00 for a brass O scale, and $200.00 dollars for a HO scale, of corse with lights, sound, and DCC (Get DCC ready if possibable). I have not been in HO for years, however it would be a good bet that Atlas, Kato, and Stewart would be the front runners in the more bang for the buck race. As far as being harder in DCC well, it's not, Bone up on the gray matter there is info all over the place and Tony's Train Exchange www.TTX.com is a good place to start. Maybe more expensive to begin with, it depends on your budget and what you want to do now and in the near future. My suggestion is start with one very good engin in your theam and budget (Don't have a budget? Make one!) Sure it will not give you instance gratification. It will give you steady consistent growth in the building of your Empire., get another say every month or two untel you have a couple then go on to purchase other railroad related items within your budget. (Funny, That's what the real railroad does. They set up an expense chart of what they need to buy or repair to keep on being in the bussiness.) Here's what I do, I have a Visa card just for trains with a set limit. I only buy what I can pay for in three months and that's for large ticket items like a brass locomotive (I am in O scale) anything else I buy I pay cash for. And I NEVER exceed that limit that keeps it real and under control, Hope that helps out. "Still Training After All These Years" P.S. Nut, what type of switcher do you have? Make and Model.
What time period are you doing STRAS? when I didi my switch to HO for a while I opted for one really good engine. I know you want to save money, but I think better is better.
