Has Model power found the key?!

[Cody J]

I got enough Santa Fe F7s right now.  i have 3! (2 A and 1 B) I'm trying to build on my B&O roster now  The original plan was the L&W R.R.(my layout) was gonna be mostly B&O but i was wrong! 90% of my diesels and steamers are Santa Fe! Even this old 2-6-2T i bought from a train show was Santa Fe! (i didn't know till the next day) So im gonna try to get some Conrail and B&O soon.

So I assume that you're layout must not be very prototypical combining B&O and Santa Fe. I am a lot like you. I model BNSF in 1997 but I really like Bachmann's CSX SD40-2s and since I live near the Wheeling & Lake Erie I want that new SD40-2 coming out but I don't think a WLE has ever been spotted in Washington before.

cody

[CAB_IV]

If you have a $150 budget, and you really want a GP20, seriously,  go P2K.    You will not regret it. I'm sure one can be had for a discount.

Don't get to crazy trying to save money by buying inferior models.  Its not worth it in the long run.     

Since you are on a budget, i reccomend picking a time period or railroad to stick to, and not just buy any random model.   I used to do that a alot, and now i've got a large roster of thing that don't belong with eachother.

[jettrainfan]

I don't look for cheap models. I look for locos and rolling stock i like. My top 2 favorite railroads Were ATSF & B&O. So its like making your own world. It doesn't have to be prototypical all the time. I decided not to get the gp20, and instead, get a GE70 ton instead. Reason: i read one of my 2008 model railroader magazines and found a great review. I love switchers and have been thinking of it for a while, plus, its DCC. Thanks for the info

[jward]

if you are looking for inexpensive locomotives, you can't go wrong with the atlas trainman line. i ave 3 rs36s and i've seen tem down around $50 or so.

also, broadway limited often as fire sales on some of their models. they are considered top of the line yet i've seen them (without sound or dcc) for under $60.

if you are going to go with model power, their metal train f7 is a great runner and relatively inexpensive.

and of course we have the offerings from bachmann, which can often be found at train shows for well under $50.

[CAB_IV]

I don't look for cheap models. I look for locos and rolling stock i like. My top 2 favorite railroads Were ATSF & B&O. So its like making your own world. It doesn't have to be prototypical all the time.

Perhaps, but by the same token, we're talking mechanical parts here.  That P2K will run smoothly, quietly, and reliably.   It runs nicely.  I'm not sure if B&O or ATSF ran those engines (I focus almost exclusively in the North East),  but you'll be better off with something that runs well then something that doesn't.  A good runner will last, and you'll eventually get your money out of it.

I decided not to get the gp20, and instead, get a GE70 ton instead. Reason: i read one of my 2008 model railroader magazines and found a great review. I love switchers and have been thinking of it for a while, plus, its DCC. Thanks for the info

It can't be 2008, that issue was out this past summer, lol.  Still thats a better pick.    THe 70 tonner will do well.

[jettrainfan]

Well, i got a bad memory of my issues! lol. sorry 

[wjstix]

As someone noted, you might be able to find a sound-equipped BLI engine for less than the $150. Unless you're planning on a large layout in the near future, I think one good running sound-equipped engine might be better than several cheap-o non-sound ones. (I'd recommend the NW-2 switcher, good sound and runs well on tight curves.)