A question for anyone running modern G scale equipment. I'm looking at getting the following locomotives: 2 - Rio Grande GP30 - USA Trains 2 - Rio Grande GP40 - Aristo Craft Trains. Does anyone run both makes on the same layout? How do they compare with each other? Is one better, slightly better, about even? I've already got a USA Trains Rio Grande NW-2. Was test run at store only, before I decided to get it. Haven't run it at home yet. Might try it before bedtime this morning! :tb-biggrin: Information appreciated. Thanks.
I had a USA GP and it ran nice. I sold it becase I now model steam, and SHARP curves. But the USA GP was NICE in detail and a great runner.
keith i had a usa gp30 and hopefully soon an aristocraft gp40. there are some pros and cons for both manufacturers. usa trains : + more detailed loco + usually a bit cheaper - traction tires and contact shoes - much less pulling power - detail parts easily break off - too light aristocraft : + exceptional high-end drive train + lots of pulling power + strong and very reliable + no traction tires + superb power pick-up - less detail than usa i'd go for the aristocraft loco. in my opinion they're better for a garden railroad. of course i have products of both company. currently there are - usa f3a/b - usa gp38-2 cp rail (custom painted) - usa sd40-2 cp rail (custom painted) - usa sd40-2 stl&h (custom painted) - aristo sd45 cp rail - aristo c44-9 bc rail - aristo c44-9 canadian national - aristo c44-9 cp rail - aristo c44-9 cp rail (different #) - aristo c44-9 qnsl (custom painted) - aristo c44-9 undecorated along with a few other units
I have vested myself of all my Aristo engines. That's not a slight on their operation but simply a result of what models they produce. Aristo always seems to make those odd ball models that were seldom seen on the Canadian prairies and as an 'indoor' guy, I prefer the finer details offered by USAT. Anyway, I did build a safety cab onto my GP38 and it runs quietly and smoothly every day. Never even a hint of trouble. I haven't installed sound in it yet so I know it doesn't make any noise while running. I test ran a GP40 for someone else at Christmas, along with his new RS3, and they both operated well but they both growled like a junkyard dog. Maybe that 'roar' goes away in time but it's always been my experience, in other mechanical/electrical issues, that if gears make a noise while they're working they're not working well. On the traction tires, pickup shoes issue: The pickup shoes are obviously there to make up for the loss of contact caused by the traction tires but I have never had a problem with either. The pickup shoes are practically invisible, even running inside at waist height or better, and while a few of the traction tires have come off I never replace them. Just remove the rest. That small groove in the wheels does not hurt the track even after running over it for 6 years. Pulling power? I usually pull 8 to 15 cars with two engines with grades of 14 inches over 20 feet. Never a problem. I did re-bend one pickup shoe because it picked the frog on an Aristo turnout. Want quality issues? After 20 years or more in the business why are mass produced G scale turnouts still a piece of toy junk? Just my input - for what it's worth. Dave
