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?
Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :
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 As for the DC-71 Motor, Its so far out of date I am suprised that it is still being made.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?
Posted by Chuck Walsh (Member # 677) on :
Weight and it's proper placement over the drivers is the key factor in traction/pulling ability.
The Athearn pacific & mikado, moderately priced, under $90.00 are a bargin in comparison to the Riv & Trix.
The major problem with the Athearns is to light, around 12.75 to 13 oz per MR.
There are many many different Riv models from $90.00 to the $400.00 Allegheny that weighs in at 26 oz.
The $500 to $600 Trix weighs in at 36 oz.
Don't overlook the Lifelike 2-8-8-2, $275.00, that weighs in at 23 oz.
My minimum weight requirement, either diesel or steam is 16 oz or better.
[This message has been edited by Chuck Walsh (edited 05-06-2003).]
Posted by Suburban90 (Member # 2450) on :
Chuck
When you say 16oz, are you talking about the entire weight of the locomotive?
And, how much on average should a car weigh and how many would you say, one 16oz can pull? (If I understand you correctly.)
Posted by usbureaucrat (Member # 2109) on :
Thanks for the comments. It sounds like the good plastic steam locos run better than the Bowser locos at low speeds. True?
Posted by Challenger (Member # 1298) on :
Yes. and they are a heck of a lot quieter to.
Posted by RGB600V (Member # 2503) on :
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