Recent content by CNJ

I go along with the gang on this one. If I am changing out couplers because of rapido's or bad accumates, the 1035 roller bearing truck works for about all situations. Now if your pike is set in an earlier time, archbars or early cast steel trucks would be correct. Always use pre assembled...

I am limited by the size of my temporary layout, but I have pulled at least 40 cars with a LL E-6. I had the feeling it would pull a bunch more. What might be an interesting test is to run the E-6 in one direction , coupled to my pair of SD-80s going the other way. It might not truly test the...

The motor in the new versions of the 0-6-0 and the 4-8-4 is the same one used in the Spectrum series. Learned that on the B'Mann forum. Len

I finally have bought an optivisor. It should be an improvement over wearing two pairs of glasses. Once you learn how to use it, the MT assembly fixture makes assembling couplers a good bit easier. Until the skill is achieved however, that same fixture is nothing but a better way to send coupler...

I thought there was an actual running problem, rather than problems with the paint job. Even my older Atlas Locos (RSD4/5, SD-35) run like a fine watch. Its hard to believe that there would be a noticable mechanical problem with later production. Maybe someone with an SD-60 will emerge from the...

I recently received an A-B-A set of Kato F-3's and a pair of Atlas Alco C-630's . Both sets were equal in every way. If anything, the Atlas locos had better detail. If my feeble memory serves, there were some sort of issues with the SD60's when they came out. When the Atlas board comes back, you...

I have to call it a draw twixt Kato and Atlas. Both run smoothly and quietly, and detailing is comparable. Lifelike makes some great stuff for the money. If only coupler conversions and DCC installs were easier. If you are into steam, Bachmann Spectrum is pretty good. The Kato Mikado is.......a...

Thanks Ron and Pete I guess that settles that. Two good reason to stay away from the thing. The big surprise is the lack of tractive force. One would think that an all metal loco would have more than enough weight over the drivers. I understand that the Kato mike has caused some folks to tear...

Lets take this a step further. The big guys use diesel electric and so will we. Start with an Irvine .20 diesel which we couple to an Astro Flight 05 electric motor. The electric motor will act as a generator. The power produced will have to be run through an electronic regulator to the driving...

I am thinking of buying a Model Power Pacific, and am wondering if the quality and design issues have been resolved. I realize that this topic was probably beaten to death on the Atlas forum, but I was out to lunch at the time. I would also like to know how DCC friendly this beast is. TIA Len