2013 N Scale Locomotive of the Year?

[spookshow]

It's been another slow year for new locomotive releases in N scale, but what we did get was pretty good -

Bachmann Alco S-4
Bachmann EMD F7A & F7B (revised DCC-equipped version)
Fox Valley Models EMD GP60M & GP60B
Fox Valley Models GE ES44C4
Bachmann 2-8-8-4 B&O EM-1
Atlas 4-4-0

Which one did you like best? Oh, and feel free to vote for any locomotive that came out this past year (old models in new paint schemes, whatever). I'm not going to go all "rules lawyer" on this 

Cheers,
-Mark

[Leggy]

Of those, top would be the EM-1.

[sd45elect2000]

Hands down ; The Bachmann B&O EM-1.

Fox valley also reissued 2 of the Hiawatha 4-4-2s in different paint and numbers.

(Excellent models in their own right)
Randy

[davefoxx]

I would say the Fox Valley GP60M (I even bought one despite it not being within my modeled era or locale), although I must admit that I have not seen an EM-1 in person yet.

DFF

[Philip H]

I'd say its a tie between the S-4 and the GP60M.

[pjm20]

Atlas 4-4-0!

[pwnj]

S-4! 

[crencs]

Definitely the EM-1! 

[basementcalling]

I really like my pair of FVM ES44s, but those EM1s sure look impressive and I am sure people who need em love em.

[Virginia Atlantic]

Obviously.

[R.Groff]

I like the F7s

[Rossford Yard]

EM-1 to me.

[jdcolombo]

The EM-1.

The S-4, GP60's and other new diesels (how about the NS Heritage ACe's and GEVO's?) are all very impressive, and certainly the S-4 is a model that was lacking, but all these are built on proven designs.  I wouldn't say that any of them really pushed the modeling envelope.  The N scale diesel has sort of reached its pinnacle of design; they just work, and it's pretty hard to screw it up if you follow the split-frame, low-friction truck design, regardless of the size of the model overall.  The only thing that is left is adding sound - and that's being tackled by what is already my candidate for next year's award, the Atlas S-2.

But steam is easy to screw up and manufacturers still don't seem to have a good "formula" for reliable, smooth, great-pulling steam locos.  The EM-1 is an impressive achievement for its smooth running, pulling power, overall level of detail and excellent design.  I still can't believe it is a Bachmann.  It's as much a landmark in N scale steam as the Athearn Challenger was when it was first released.   I think that unlike the new diesels, the EM-1 does "push the envelope," which is why it is my choice.

John C.

[CBQ Fan]

GP-60 hands down.

[brokemoto]

TIE

Bachpersonn EM-1 and Atlas eight wheeler.

The B-mann first generation dieseasels are pretty good.  The long-awaited third improvement of the F-7 is pretty good.  The S-4 runs well, but, sadly, the flexing wires soldered to pivotting trucks is an archaic construction method that will render problems down the road.

Still, the amazing slow speed performance of the EM-1, on DC, and, especially on curves that are supposed to be too tight for it, as well as its good appearance and availability in several configurations makes it a winner.

The Atlas eight wheeler showed some improvements over the mogul and has the best slow speed control of the three widely available mid nineteenth century locomotives (the Athearn/MDC are late nineteenth century).  It is a good running locomotive and a needed prototype, as there is not that much nineteenth century equipment available in N scale.  It is a winner for its good running characteristics and meeting a need.  It is even available in two different configurations.