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What is the consensus on whether the new plastic steam locos by Athearn, Rivarossi, Trix, etc. are as good as the metal models by Bowser and others? I assume because the metal models are heavier, they can pull more. And they should operate better at slow speeds. But this view is based on older models of the plastic locos. What do people think?
Posts: 17 | Registered: Nov 2002
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The new models don't hold a candle to Bowser. The Bowser's only real reason for being solvent is that they make a bunch of Pennsylvania Railroad Locomotives that no one else makes. As far as detail and performance goes, Bowser got sweaped to the way side in the 1980s. To make Bowser perform as well as say a new Secrtrum Locomtoive, a person has to have a fully equipped machine shop so that they can clean the metal flash off the cast gears with precision. As for the DC-71 Motor, Its so far out of date I am suprised that it is still being made. I do agree that Bowser has everyone else beat as far as tractive effort goes. But Why is your 2-8-0 Pulling a 150 car Train?
Posts: 315 | From: Lander,WY USA | Registered: Jan 2002
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Thanks for the comments. It sounds like the good plastic steam locos run better than the Bowser locos at low speeds. True?
Posts: 17 | Registered: Nov 2002
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I do repairs for a local hobby shop so I gotta say I've seen 'em all. The main difference between the old iron & the new plastic engines, especially steam, is that the new plastic engines are more complicated, tougher to get apart & more delicate. If you can handle those, go for 'em. I agree with the person who said the old ones don't run nearly as good as the new ones; motor technology has taken quantum leaps in the last 20 years & a main part of the work I do is motor upgrades-- replacing the old open-frame motors with can motors-- & the difference is breath-taking. The newer Rivarossi engines are great-- I have a plastic SP Cab-forward that will crawl, pull 30 or 40 cars with ease, & hardly makes a sound. In a mallet, you can't ask for much more than that. Just remember, these newer plastic engines are delicate, so I recommend leaving them on the layout & not taking them in & out of the box every time you run it. Bob
Posts: 5 | From: Concord, CA, USA | Registered: May 2003
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