Non Brass Equipment

Chris McDaniel Dec 4, 2001

  1. Chris McDaniel

    Chris McDaniel TrainBoard Member

    123
    0
    20
    Had a chance to visit an O scale (two rail) club in Cincinnati over the weekend. They'll have an impressive two level layout once construction is complete. After leaving I came up with a couple of questions.

    Is there much in the way of locomotives and rolling stock (non-brass) for the two rail O scalers - particularly kits? I thought N scale was fairly limited when compared to HO, but it seems like O scale may be more limited unless one jumps into brass.

    I've seen the kits from Intermountain (really nice looking). Is there much available for the 60s era. If I do some O scaling, I may have to put on my scratch building hat [​IMG]

    Thanks
     
  2. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

    1,355
    1
    32
    Chris,

    What kind of kits are you thinking of? If you want shake the box, then there is Weaver. Weaver also offeres ready to run. They are similar to Athearn. Now for some really nice ready to run there is Atlas. Both are available in 2 rail. There is Red Caboose kits that are more involved as well as Inter-Mountain kits. As for engines, Atlas has several in 2 rail as does Weaver. Weaver is also bringing out a die cast 2-8-0 that looks to be a real jewel for the price. If you want to build brass kits, Central Locomotive Works is alive and well. Another brass kit maker that is closer to scratch building is Locomotive Workshop. Any period can be modelled to some extent. Weaver has the R Box box car and will have a 57' reefer out soon. The steam to diesel transition seems to be the most popular period for manufacturers. E bay has a lot of O scale items for sale that haven't been seen in hobby shops for a few years. The main thing that we seem to be missing in 2 rail O, are ready to use, switches. There was a couple of sizes offered for a long while but they were discontinued and the price has gone way up. But on the flip side, there are a couple of manufacturers that sell switch kits that make into nice switches and really aren't too expensive. Atlas flex track is still out there to be had and a new brand from Germany that matches pretty good is now available. Questions, feel free to ask......

    Greg Elems
     
  3. Chris McDaniel

    Chris McDaniel TrainBoard Member

    123
    0
    20
    Greg,
    I had the chance to look at some Intermountain kits (hoppers). That's the level of kit I can handle. I checked out Central Loco's site -- brass kits might be a bit over my head right now, but it is nice to know they're out there. I have some Red Caboose kits in HO, so I'd expect the same level of quality in their O scale offerings. Westerfield kits are nice also, but I don't see that they offer O scale items.

    I haven't decided on an era yet. I'm modeling the late 60's and 70s in N (which I'll keep). I'm debating on HO or O as a second scale -- either steam only or first generation diesel only. My plan is to run HO or O equipment at a club and have an N scale home layout.

    My guess is that in O scale your mindset has to change (unless you're rich). In N the tendency is to buy a full lashup of diesels (3 or 4) and a hefty number of cars for a decent train. I'd guess that in O the focus is more on pushing the quality (detailing) versus quantity.

    Thanks
    Chris McDaniel
     
  4. Greg Elems

    Greg Elems Staff Member

    1,355
    1
    32
    Chris,

    O can be very expensive or it can be the same as HO. If your into F units, the old Atlas F9's are still out there for a reasonable price. P&D Hobbies sells a kit that can be made into anything from a F3 to F9. They are pricey but you get a great looking F unit. Red Caboose sells GP9's, kits and ready to run. They have a similar drive as the Atlas F9. The early Weaver RS3's are nice too. They are still offered but have a vertical motor on each truck instead of the single horizontal. If you want something a little newer the Weaver GP38-2 is good. I have one of those that I'm kit bashing into a GP40. I almost forgot, Weaver makes a nice looking FA2 a and b units. Like I said, Weaver is coming out with a 2-8-0. Atlas has a SW8/9 and SD35 that really look good.

    Also there are wood craftsman kits in O that build up nice. All nation has a wooden CNW caboose kit that looks pretty good, judging by the pictures I've seen. If your interested in doing some conversions, MTH has some western cabooses that are scale and can be converted to 2 rail. One is the Santa Fe cupola and the other one is an SP bay window caboose. Mid 60's is actually pretty easy to do

    Greg Elems
     
  5. Gary

    Gary TrainBoard Member

    19
    0
    17
    Greg,

    Strange running into you here, I hardly ever come to this forum , they didn't have much in O scale for a long time, this forum used to stay empty, now it looks as if it might get a little activity.. :D

    Christopher,
    There is quite a bit that is readily available in O scale, my whole motive power fleet is made up of Atlas F units, and Red Caboose Geep and 2 All Nation NW2's as far as rolling stock, there is plenty, much of it can aquired via the 3 rail segment and then modified for 2 rail, there is also a ton of the old Atlas freight cars from the 70's still on the market, as well as the Intermountain and Red Caboose kits, All Nation still makes rolling stock for both freight and passenger, and Old Pullman still has many of the old Athearn freight car kit parts in stock, so there is plenty out there if you willing to look... [​IMG]
     

Share This Page