Comments on: Who Makes The Best Brand Of HO Diesel Locomotives?

By: phil johnson

phil johnson — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:44:03 +0000

LOL Each company has their faults, depends on who you talk to. However, I like Athearn, Atlas, LifeLike/Walthers P2K, Broadway Limited. Personally, I avoid MTH and Bachmann. Both from past experiences. Scale Trains is a new company that I would also look at. Have fun.

By: Howard Dwyer

Howard Dwyer — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 22:50:56 +0000

In reply to Hervey. Hervey I never thought of Rapido or Broadway. Thanks Morgan and Hervey.

By: Hervey

Hervey — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 00:24:30 +0000

Howard,
Today there are some very good locos out there. I will give you my list which is only my opinion. One of the better ones out there today is Rapido. They make things that others don’t or they do it with a greater adherence to prototypical locos and the peculiarities of each livery.
Proto 2000, Kato, Athearn and Atlas are all good. The other I would put in this group is Broadway Limited. Broadway Limited has a limited selection of Diesel locos but their locos are very good.
If you are not too worried about emulating a prototypical railroad then Bachmann has pretty good locos. I wouldn’t go near Mantua.
This list assumes you are buying new today. The older Athearn locos require a lot of work too make then DCC friendly and functional. Atlas have been good runners for a long time but the older ones are less prototypical looking.

By: Morgan Bilbo

Morgan Bilbo — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 23:13:14 +0000

The best are: Proto2000, Atlas, Kato. Next is Athearn. Bachmann is great, but cheap. And that makes it a first choice for me. No Mantua, too old mfgr. This is Just My Opinion. Take it or leave it. LOL