Scale models

https://proto48.org/

When it comes to plastic, the very best are Atlas and 3rd Rail.... Atlas produces some very nice plastic freight and passenger cars.... 3rd Ral makes the best plastic engines.... However their output is very limited... 

Please do not overlook K-Line freight cars made toward the end of their existence.  The Lionel milk reefer series introduced in 1997 were spot on.   3rd Rail/Sunset six dome tank cars and chlorine tank flat cars are scale.  Pecos River cars(freight and passenger) are scale.  Weaver 40' and 50' boxcars are quite nice.  GGD 54' reefers are scale size.  Any missing details may be easily added. John in Lansing, ILL

A few examples below...

The Atlas CZ project was exceptional and I would love to see more passenger trains from Atlas... The F7 is an upgraded 3rd Rail RG set.

MTH comes to mind, however their releases require TONS of work to be able to considered decent.... And even then they leave much to be desired... Two MTH u it's below...

Atlas!

3rd Rail CB&Q E9 and E5

My impression is that there’s been a growing interest in modern freight equipment in the last few years... Atlas’s releases fly off the shelf... but they rarely put out a new model.

I have looked at all the models available,  I think Atlas would be the best (not including P&D and Desplaines), MTH is close but the other i feel are more toy like, ( not that there is a problem with that) but i am looking for products to be available to what the HO market is getting. I will be going the P&D route probably for my first build. I like that the basic dimensions are super close on the body leaving only minor body modifications and then adding the details you want.. SANTIAGOP23 I like the detail work you are doing (as others also) to getting the look of the prototype. The ones who model steam seem to have the market on stuff but I could be wrong. Thank everyone for answering back for sure.. 

This is what i do in HO and want to try in O.. 

The difference in gauge between P48 and O Scale is .08 inch. You will not find a lot of stuff built (RTR) to P48. Either can be detailed to the nth degree, and there are brass pieces out there that are built detailed to the max. You will likely end up hand laying track if you go P48. You would likely be best served going to some 2 rail shows and talking to different people. P48 is a minority of a minority scale. Remember the difference is .08

Simon

Here is a link to a video that has BOTH p48 and O layouts:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAjrZ_t6w28

Simon Winter posted:

You would likely be best served going to some 2 rail shows and talking to different people.

That would be good advise to any and all.

You are asking the right questions.  Producing highly detailed Proto 48 models is risky business because of the limited market.  Do not expect a proliferation of such models at any price.

Your decision will wind up being a personal one - how much work and investment you wish to make in a hobby.

bob2 posted:

You are asking the right questions.  Producing highly detailed Proto 48 models is risky business because of the limited market.  Do not expect a proliferation of such models at any price.

Your decision will wind up being a personal one - how much work and investment you wish to make in a hobby.

Ok understand P48 is not the norm from what you are saying. But is there still a need for standard O modern models in todays market like the ones producted in HO? I am sure they could be modified to P48 is the individual wanted.. does this sound right?

I would say that sounds right, however an announcement would have to be made to gauge interest... it’s very difficult to say what would sell... 3rd Rail announces the sd40s and reservations were lousy... 

And that is what i am wondering, i know a company will not want to invest in all that needs to be done without having people actually wanting the model. This is a quest i am taking on my own to see how much interest there might be for a modern model that is as close to scale as a brass model. 

You're not going to be happy with Weaver, MTH or Lionel's SD40-2 as the trucks sit too far inboard (this is a major spotting feature and what makes the Dash 2 so unique).  I would recommend an Atlas or Lionel SD40 as it's more accurate.  Not sure why MTH would spend money on new tooling for a SD45, but not spend the money on EMDs best Locomotive - the SD40-2

You can try to locate an old Central Locomotive Works SD40-2 and super detail it.

SPSF posted:

You're not going to be happy with Weaver, MTH or Lionel's SD40-2 as the trucks sit too far inboard (this is a major spotting feature and what makes the Dash 2 so unique).  I would recommend an Atlas or Lionel SD40 as it's more accurate.  Not sure why MTH would spend money on new tooling for a SD45, but not spend the money on EMDs best Locomotive - the SD40-2

You can try to locate an old Central Locomotive Works SD40-2 and super detail it.

 

I remember an article in MR when i was young that had a picture of a Mopac SD40-2 that was super detailed using the Central Locomotive Works model. Thanks for the reminder..

This guy might be able to satisfy you, but you better get your loot out:

http://midwesternmodelworks.com/

Simon

Simon Winter posted:

This guy might be able to satisfy you, but you better get your loot out:

http://midwesternmodelworks.com/

Simon

Though this is super impressive, i would like the models in plastic so the individual can add their own details if they liked. Not everyone can drop $2000 on a super nice model, including me. Thanks for the link.. 

You'll never find in O scale 2 rail what is available in the smaller scales like HO. Unfortunately, O scale 2-rail from importers like Atlas and MTH only exists because of the 3-rail market.