jgtrh62 posted:Hi Anthony and welcome!
IMO there is actually a lot more potential out there than those looking to model in either O fine scale or Proto48 might first expect, even for the 'modern era'. I have to agree with others here who state Atlas and 3rd Rail are likely the best option for plastic models, and GGD for extruded aluminum passenger cars. I'll add Lionel in there too, they have quite a few cars that are superb looking and fairly easy to convert to 2 rail. There are some really nice brass rolling stock models that can be found as well from importers like PRB, PSC, Overland and others. And of course there are tiers above that too that get into the $$$ range. Anyways I like modeling grain operations so here's a few examples of what's available for that type,. (sorry about the poor quality photos, I took them with my cell phone).
Atlas's PS 4427 covered hopper are really nice, their Trinity 5161's are excellent too.
A 3 and 4 bay Lionel aluminum ACF covered hopper. These Lionel's are amoung my favorites.
Overland 4750cu covered hopper.
There are also a number of Atlas loco models out there that can be quickly and easily converted to either O fine scale or Proto48 simply by swapping out their wheelsets with ones offered by NWSL. I have only converted a pair of Atlas GP35's but I know it is applicable to a number of other Atlas models, and the conversion literally takes approximately ten minutes to drop in the NWSL wheelsets. As for brass yes they can be pricey however if one is patient there are often good deals to be had. I've purchased some modern era Overland's and PRB's over the years for example at near and sometimes less than what new Lionel and MTH locos sell for, here's a few examples.
Overland SF30C and U33C
Various Overlands, C44-9W's, C40-8W's, SD40-2, GP35's, SD75M.
Additionally if you like to solder and paint there are a number of CLW and other kits available from online auctions and at model trains shows that build up into pretty decent looking models that further expand the possibilities in 2 rail.
The difference between O scale and Proto48 isn't that much tis true, so it's not a big deal to overlook. Here's what the difference in gauges looks like, House of Duddy O scale code 138 flex track in the foreground, Right 'O' Way Proto48 code 125 flex track in the background.
If one doesn't want to hand lay turnouts and track work there is s a pretty decent selection of RTR turnouts for O scale and even some for Proto48 turnouts. Building turnouts is one of my favorites aspects of model railroading though so I build all mine. Micro Engineering is a good source for O scale code 148 flex track, and Atlas code 148 flex track is pretty decent too. Right 'O' Way picked up Protocraft's line of Proto48 code 125 flex track some time back and is what I like and use just about everywhere. Both the Micro Engineering and Right 'O' Way flex are offered in weathered and non-weathered varieties.
Best of luck,
John
Thank you John, I love your work. I am wondering if I can pick your brain here in the near future and your modeling?
Thank you for sharing the ohotos and your knowledge..
Anthony
