The LNER Encyclopedia

N Gauge - I have built a few kits now and Bachmann/Farish and Minitrix chassis seem to be no problem at all. I still prefer the old Poole Farish chassis though as they seem more robust but recently have built 3 on Fleischmannn chassis and would prefer to avoid the experience in future. The driving gear is awkward to fit under the running plate and the tender drive does not want to fit into a tender at all. BTW I got the McGowan 8F Austerity working after a lot of patience and it paid off. I give the kit manufacturers their due that I did buy these as projects that others had started, aand I've just started another S15 (Sorry)

I don't have too much experience outside of Farish chassis, but the detail is just awful against current standards seen elsewhere in the world. Having said that, they all run well.

My one Fleischmann tender drive to date was an attempt to create a proper tender for my B12. Once I replaced with motor with one supplied by Union Mills, it fitted like a dream - I must dig that project out again soon.

I've just got a class 39 for my P2 project, might have to shelved for a little while. Once I get building, I'll let you know how I get on with the chassis.

one of my engines is an American N by Athearn. It runs superbly compared to my UK offerings- it has see through spoke wheels, fine flanges, good valve gear detail, and all for a rrp of about £35 in US markets. Why on earth can't we get something like that for the 'basic' UK N gauge chassis. Bachmann's new efforts under locos such as the Jubilee are all well and good, but at over £100 a pop they are obviously not for everyone. And why Peco's Collet 0-6-0 is £120 I will never know!

Will

There are two main reasons that US models are cheaper - one is that the US dollar is worth very little these days. The second is that it is a much bigger market, resulting in larger product runs.

Which Athern engine do you have? I thought their diesels have solid wheels - eg. my F59phi. And I really don't think you saw a Challenger or Big Boy for that price!

Their F59phi is so-so. Yes better than a 70s era Farish steam engine, but it is quite noisy - not as smooth as my Katos.


Richard

its this one:

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=21600

Runs like a dream.

(bottom of page- its getting closer to completion now though)

Will

Ah, it is Atlas rather than Athearn

I remember some discussion on the N Gauge listserver when Atlas released their Mogul. I think the final consensus was that it wasn't usable for a UK prototype. Of course everyone was thinking of 20th century Moguls - and not the short-lived late 19th century imports.

Atlas does have a good reputation - similar to Kato. Similar prices and quality.

Athearn are traditionally HO but entered the N market a few years ago. From what I can tell, their entry has been a learning experience (as with Dapol) and their quality has been improving. Eg. their Big Boy looks to be a better model than their F59phi.


Richard

So, just how good are Kato steam loco chassis? Any opportunities for converting to UK locos?

Kato and Atlas have good reputations for both steam and diesel at an affordable price. I only have two Kato diesels and they run well.

All manufacturers are prone to the odd mistake and the Kato SP Daylight has a few teething problems (it shorts out on DCC!) which will get fixed. This is the first time I've heard any of their models having a major problem though...


Richard