1st N Scale diesel reccomendation

[Baikal]

I've always been an HO scale modeler but I'm thinking about doing a small N scale test layout / diorama.  Say a couple turnounts on 12" x 24" base.

So I'm looking for advice on a N scale "demo" diesel loco with the following characteristics:

- 4 axle.

- As good-as-possible slow-speed running.

- Good shell & handrail detail... but 2ndry to slow-speed running qualities.

- Pre-1972-ish.  Pre Dash-2.

- Road name unimportant.

- Model manufacturer unimportant.

- I'd prefer DCC no sound but that's probably not happening.  So how about a reccomendation for a DC unit and/or a DCC+sound unit?

[crblue]

If you want the bells and whistles (literally), I'd suggest a BLI switcher - The NW2 or SW7.

For a more basic diesel, anything Kato. The F units are pretty much indestructible and very easy to install a DCC decoder in, and they have an NW2 that I know nothing about.

Atlas is mostly a hit, but I'm irked with them because I've had to take apart and fix my ALP45-DP 3 times because the solder joints were bad. They also collect cat fur in the truck and power pickup cups quicker than my Kato units, I'm not sure if it's because I run them more though.

ScaleTrains is usually a hit, although there's some fuel tank problems on the recent run of SD40-2's and anything else is probably too modern.

I'd avoid Rapido. I think they made some F units that would fit your era, but there's a whole thread on therailwire dedicated to them, and not in a good way.

The best way to get slow speed running characteristics are to power your turnout frogs and use a DCC decoder with a keep alive. N scale is much more vulnerable to power problems than HO.

Lastly, a 12x24 inch base is basically a T-Trak "Double". If you went that route, you could make a module that could be plugged into a larger layout, if you wanted to.

[jonklein611]

+1 for Kato. 90% of my N roster is Kato and they run like tanks. Easily converted to DCC, adding sound can be challenging unless it came from them directly (install normally requires frame milling or re-working the LEDs.

Newer Atlas stuff runs well. I can't speak to some of the older pre DCC atlas stuff.

BLI is popular at my club.

Potential options:
Kato NW2
Kato F units (they have quite a few)
Atlas GP20
Atlas GP40
Atlas RS11 or RS-2
Atlas S4


Atlas FA1

[bnsf971]

For a DC engine, nearly any Kato F unit. Get one with a green label, as they have the low-friction drive, and are DCC-ready, if you decide to go that route later.
For DCC and sound, Atlas' GP30/35.

[Colin 't Hart]

For a switching layout, I wouldn't choose an F unit.

[Baikal]

Mar 24, 2024 6:38:44 GMT -8 Colin 't Hart said:

For a switching layout, I wouldn't choose an F unit.

Thanks everyone for the reccomendations.

I'm looking at a Atlas GP9 or RS-2.  Lombard has a couple of DCC CNW RS-2s for $105.