N-Scale Steam, how reliable?

[AlkemScaleModels]

Hi,

I would like feedback on people's experience with recent N-scale steam releases like the ones from Bachman and Model Power. I am especially interested in the thoughts of folks who do operating sessions using N-scale steam. Can I have reliable operation? Do you feel that they capture the feel of Steam?

If you have been to an operating session using steam era, how was it? Did the N-scale steam locos cause you any problems?[/b

Chris

Chris,

I tried doing N scale steam several times over the past 19 years and have finally given up. The newer models are more reliable, but still problematic. Case in point, I bought two Bachmann 2-8-0s. One ran fine. The other ran for a few minutes, then stopped completely. The new Atlas 0-8-0 runs well but pulls about 5 cars.

I have/had a bunch of brass locos that Hans Starmans rebuilt for me at no small cost. Even they had troubles. I sold off most of them and kept just a few as souvenirs.

As much as I wish it were not so, N Scale steam is not a viable option for an operational N Scale layout. (OK fire retardent suit on - fire away)

[ChrisNH]

What B&M Era would you be modeling?

The line north of Wells River was leased to the CP in 1926, so it would be some time prior to that. I would like to do something more around 1915 to avoid both Prohibition and the USRA. Obviously based on what locomotives are available in N, doing something before USRA may be problematic.

N Scale steam is not a viable option for an operational N Scale layout.

That has always been my assumption. Even with the positive feedback I am getting on N steam I would need to "prove it" to myself, one way or another, by doing a smaller layout and operating it intensely before I would commit myself to that path with a major layout.

Another problem I am having which may end up making this all moot is that there is a serious dearth of RTR cars from prior to the 30s in N scale. It seems like N scale picks up steam (so to speak) in the late 30s with the advent of the X29 cars.. which makes sense to me given how many people model the transition era.

I appreciate all the feedback, it has given me a lot to think about!

Chris

[SkipGear]

Chris,
 The older cars may be your sticking point. I think your options may be limited to the Athearn / ExMDC old time stuff (Truss rod - Box, Stock, Reefer, and Caboose), the old time Bachmann stuff which needs work and can't be had except at train shows and Ebay, a couple MT cars (3 dome tank, truss rod reefers, and some of the hoppers come to mind) and of course kits. RS Laser kits has been working on some older style cars and the Tichy MOW stuff could be modded also.

[AlkemScaleModels]

Another problem I am having which may end up making this all moot is that there is a serious dearth of RTR cars from prior to the 30s in N scale. It seems like N scale picks up steam (so to speak) in the late 30s with the advent of the X29 cars.. which makes sense to me given how many people model the transition era.

Chris

Availability of the right locos to model a particular prototype is a problem in N Scale too. Greg Scott at GHQ once said to me that the best approach to trying to model a particular prototype in N Scale steam is to pick a RR that used a lot of USRA locos, as they tend to be made in RTR. The RR he cited as an example is the Southern. The C&O did not run a lot of USRA stuff, but many of their engines are available in steam, albeit after 1930's. If you are amenable to picking a different prototype, you options may be better.  But most of the equipment in the early steam is quite limited in N Scale.

Good luck.

[Walkercolt]

IF, repeat IF you are willing(and able) to do a little/some/alot/darn-near re-building it "tweeking", N-scale steam can be reliable and durable, and can even be made to pull more than the prototype engines were "rated" for. There are at least 5 brands of decoders that will fit fairly easily into the MDC/Athearn 2-8-0/4-6-0's. I have seen (and heard) one with sound in it.(non-synced) Most brass N-scale locos need some TLC, lots of patience, and lots of adjustments, but then, some (by far not all) can deliever amazing performace. I have two that are outstanding, and the third is about to be "shopped". Even the "bargain" Bachmanns can be made to run well (I'd say 50% of them.) By far and away the biggest problem with N-scale steam is finding something close to your prototype and era. Also, remember that "doubling" or "tripling" a grade in the steam era was the norm, not the exception. I'm a Frisco fan and have the Frisco book that shows the "ratings" on every one of their steam engines. On flat, straight track an engine might be rated for 35,000 tons (50, 70 ton cars, loaded). On a 1% grade, that same engine (especially before WWI) might drop to 15,000 tons, and from 40-45 MPH to 15MPH. And Alkem, I sure won't "flame" you. You've rightly pointed out some major problems. It's like the British sports cars and motorcycles I messed with years ago. You couldn't call them reliable stock, and Brit bikes you made a deal with Satan; for every hour you ride it, you work on it an hour (or 2) or give-up your 1st-born....

[wm3798]

If you can find them, these ancient Atlas Austria cars can work for your era.  They're 40' long, but the carbodies are short, and the detail isn't that bad.  I replaced the roof walk on the NP car with an MT part,  The Seaboard car is original.  Both are original paint.  The trucks are Accumate/Atlas, but you could install archbars to make your version more Victorian...  They also had a stock car that was similar in dimension, as well as steel reefers, which might be a little new.

Scan ebay for box lots of junk rolling stock, and you can probably build up a fleet pretty quickly.

Lee

[ChrisNH]

Those cars look great. I am not a guy, at least not right now, who likes to do a lot of fussing around with rolling stock. I need to do some more research but the thought of having to modify N-scale freight does not fill me with joy... still.. it is apparent you can get some decent results.

One of the things I LIKE about late 70s railroading is the freight cars. I find that older freight cars, especially in a small scale, are very drab.

Chris