Model Railroading > N Scale Engines

I have been building a N Scale layout Pecos track and nce system with Atlas engines , I am not happy with the performance of the atlas ,looking for best running equipment just dont know what would be best to go with

I get 1970's Arnold and Minitrix off Ebay. They are noisy with big flanges, but are built like tanks and will outlive me. Occcasionally you will buy a piece of junk, so that becomes a spare parts source.  

thanks for your input

i have a large n-scale layout on kato unitrak.  most of my engines are kato and i think they run the best.  in fact, i can run long coal/double stacks with with powered mid-train dpu's with my kato engines.  i also have atlas and athearn engines.

oh, i don't use dcc.........

66

I don’t model N scale but have friends that do, and run trains on their layouts.

From my experience the top 3 in this order:

1.  Kato
2.  Kato
3.  Kato
 

I have been in N for 25 years and have over 100 engines.

Kato and Fox Valley.  Clearly the best.
Atlas is usually pretty good, not sure what problems you are having.
Broadway LTD, is hit and miss. Some run great, others have issues.
Intermountain and Athearn are prone to electicical problems.
Life-Like, Bachman, Model Power are not very good for DCC.
Stay away from old stuff unless you are adventurous,

Scott
Belmont Shore MMRC.

Scott Schifer
Torrance, CA
TinyTrains Website

Curious, I've heard that ScaleTrains has the same setup for their N scale engines as HO scale. In other words, not the typical split frame, but actually a moter on the frame like in HO. I'm an HOer, so was just wondering if anyone has expience with the ST locos and what they think. 

Mike ONeill
Parker, CO

Well Kato is a simple answer. But keep in mind you are fighting simple physics here. Since N scale locos weigh so much less than HO counterparts, thier contact with the rail is not as effective meaning that dirt and grime have much more of an effect of blocking the passage of electricity. So clean track becomes more vital. Unfortunately some of the best electrical cleaners also lubricate the rails. Not a huge issue in HO scale, but it is in N scale where the locomotives already lack traction (particularly switchers and small 4 axle engines).

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

      What is the 'nce' system ? I have not done any modeling for years.

NCE North Coast Engineering.  DCC System.  One of the best.  That's what I use.  Seems a bit easier than Digitrax.  

Keith Schmidt
Milwaukee, WI

That's an understatement!

Matthew

WrongWayMurphy Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don’t model N scale but have friends that do,
> and run trains on their layouts.
>
> From my experience the top 3 in this order:
>
> 1.  Kato
> 2.  Kato
> 3.  Kato
>