N Scale Steam Favorite Model or Model you want...

[wendtsc]

This is a question for all the N scalers out there. Whenever we talk about making a new model in N scale, the topic is always about diesels. I have been told that steam engines are too difficult to build in N scale. That N scale modellers are younger than HO and O and so therefore they prefer SD70ACEs and ES44DCs. N scale steam doesn't sell and its all junk anyway. Yah-da, yah-da, yah-da...

So is this true? Is N scale just for diesel fans? Has there been any real good steam engines made in N scale and what would be on your steam wishlist?

Oh, and what kind of experience have you had with sound?

I am just curious... maybe I can make something come from this...

Scott

[carl160]

heisler.
Climax
2-10-4

[dkalkman]

PRR M1a 6755

[alco539]

Good N scale steam;
Athearn 4-6-6-4, 4-8-8-4.

Bachmann, Most new releases, 2-6-0, 4-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-8-2 (Hvy), 4-8-2 (later release Lt.),
N&W J, some quality issues on all, but all of mine ran great, right out of the box.

Life-Like, 0-8-0, 2-8-4, 2-8-8-2, many down grade them for poor pulling power, but with tweaks they're OK.

Kato, 2-8-2 rated as the best in N scale.

What I'd like, anything! However, I'd really like to have a C&O/Virginian 2-6-6-6 Allegheny, or B&O EM-1.

Regards Charley.

[Spikre]

Scott,
have been stumping for not only Steamers,but N to keep the 9mm track,but to Increase the Scale to at least 144th scale.
160-1 Scale Steamers are just to small to be reliable.
until some Brave company makes the move to Enlarge the Size of Steamers,they will be just cute Expensive Decorations.
personally gave up on N steam by 1979.
and am rethinking even keeping the N items on hand here now.
yes Steamers can be made in Z, 220-1, scale,but doubt they will last like pre 1942 Varney B&O Docksides that still run today.
put Your Time and Money where it will earn a good Reputation for KBM.
Spikre

[jlong]

I am very impressed with my recent purchase of a Spectrum Malley and IM Cab Forward. Both required a bit of break in but are awesome running machines.

Put me down for a B&O EM-1 and UP FEF.

Oh yea, I agree that modern fat cab diesels are fugly.

[cnj3676]

One of my areas of interest is British N scale equipment. Since purchasing Graham Farish, Bachmann has enhanced the quality of British steam models by leaps and bounds. They feature feature separately applied details, spoked drivers and smooth running mechanisms. I've purchased several of the new generation models and they're the highest quality N scale steam locomotives I've ever owned.

I would like to see Kato release improved models of the various classes of New York Central Hudsons.

Bob

[skytop35]

Though I'm not a big steam fan, I would like to have a Burlington 0-5a 4-8-4. Or Milwaukee #261 also a 4-8-4. I like the look of the larger husky looking steam engines.

[Spikre]

Charley,
the C&O and Virginian Allegheny's were 2-6-6-6s.
there is one C&O Allegheny at the Ford Museum.
even these larger locos have problems in N Scale.
but that is the best option for now.
160:1 is just Too Small !!
Spikre

[alco539]

Spikre,

Thanks, I fixed it, I guess I had 8's on the brain (or no brain), I know better.

Also, I forgot about the Intermountain AC-12. I have one of the first run and one of the second, both run good. I don't know about the recent production run , I have enough.

Regards Charley.

[tims]

Here is a pic I took of the 2-6-6-6 Allegheny at the Henry Ford. Look at the number it is screaming N-scale 1601.

[wendtsc]

You know its been way too long since I have been to the Ford Museum... but its hard to get my wife to consider even leaving the airport when we are in Detroit All she sees on CNN Asia about Detroit is all the violence...

You know I do have to give kudos to Bachmann when it comes to the topic of N scale steam. They have built a pretty large stable with a pretty good variety. And they have done this in spite of all the grief everyone always gives them.

Did I hear someone say #261? This may be my favorite steam engine ever...

It baffles me as to why no one has done a serious version of this model in plastic. I have argued for this model in HO as well, ever since the good folks in Minnesota brought her back to life. Considering that probably close to a million people have seen it in person and 10s of millions around the world on the big screen, I just can't figure out why anyone hasn't jumped at the chance. I have to settle for watching the Lionel #263 to get my fix... BTW, a great looking and sounding model, too bad about that 3rd rail...

[wendtsc]

Spikre,

I hear you about bumping the scale a little. It was also a reasonable solution back when British modelers were dealing with smaller steam models back when... That gave birth to OO... Maybe we could have a scale called NN for these models...

I think though we might be closer to an in scale solution than you might think. We have been looking a lot at coreless motors and while they too have their challenges, they have huge potential and are still seeing steady improvements in design. Here again, technology might just solve a long standing problem for us.

Scott

[hobbyworldjapan]

Apr 2, 2013 14:03:35 GMT -8 cnj3676 said:

One of my areas of interest is British N scale equipment. Since purchasing Graham Farish, Bachmann has enhanced the quality of British steam models by leaps and bounds. They feature feature separately applied details, spoked drivers and smooth running mechanisms. I've purchased several of the new generation models and they're the highest quality N scale steam locomotives I've ever owned.

I would like to see Kato release improved models of the various classes of New York Central Hudsons.

Bob

[hobbyworldjapan]

All the N-scale model trains are fantastic.These trains are well designed.

[Spikre]

Scott,
consider that even until the last days of steam on many roads the 2-8-0s,0-6-0s,2-8-2s,4-6-0s,
and small 4-6-2s were more common than the bigger Super power locos.
but the small models in N dont run good,or for long.
maybe the best small loco is the ex-MDC,now Athearn 2-8-0.
the loco is close to N,but the Motorized Tender is close to TT.
many seem OK with that,but there really isnt any other choice.
for larger models running on N 9mm track,how about "Super N",or "N Plus",or a similar notation the models are larger ?
could work if the Locos run great.
Tim,
great Pic of the 1601 !!
Spikre

[ssteamguy]

All of the above, plus the IM Cab Forward which a friend has 2, and both look and run great.

Add the old Kato ConCor Hudson a sentimental favorite, the Model Power steamers which now all run well for me, and the Con Cor 2-10-2, and the reconstituted Northerns and GS4 which are surprisingly great perrformers.

In other words I believe most of the distributors of American Steam have stepped up to the plate and knocked them out for home runs. Long gone are the arnolds, trix's, and yugoslavian switchers which at best were ok.

Ken "Steamguy" Willaman

[jlong]

Anyone for a Triplex?

[carl160]

Considering the disadvantages of siderod stem engines, why not the Jawn Henery?

[inkaneer]

I agree with steamguy. Good operating steam engines can be done in 1:160. It may take some innovative thinking that is currently outside the box but the Kato 2-8-2 and the Bachmann 2-8-0 were both vast improvements. Unfortunately both had to use traction tires to achieve success.

Maybe if we abandon the concept of the 'low cost solution' we may arrive at an answer to the problems.

[jlong]

The problem associated with N scale steam is all the moving parts. Real railroads suffered from this as well which is half the reason they scrapped steam for diesels (external combustion was the other half of the problems).

I am pleased with N scale steam and the steamers I own perform just as well as the latest diesels from Atlas and Kato.

Improving N scale steam beyond what it is today could mean super tight tolerances which requires micro precision machining and assembly. This could raise the price of your average Kato Mike or Spectrum 2-8-0 to $600.