ACE Products - Any Experience/Reviews?

Pricey, but great stuff! Have a look here  - https://www.acetrainslondon.com/

- Mike

If you want a 3-rail runner, look for Ace or Darstaed "coarse scale" - that's the British term for less-detailed versions.  I have some, and it's great stuff, but not inexpensive.  Also, be aware that the default for most Ace / Darstaed is to run on 3-rail DC.  You can choose to have a dedicated DC loop, or you can add an electronic e-unit.  Darstaed has a US distributor who sets up at York.  The stuff seems pretty robust, but I'm not sure what happens if you need parts or repairs - fortunately I haven't had to find out.

And re Ace vs. Darstaed - I believe that both grew from the same roots, and I don't fully understand the differences between the two brands, as the products appear to be very similar.  If anyone has a reliable explanation of the difference, I'd love to hear it.

@Mallard4468 posted:

If you want a 3-rail runner, look for Ace or Darstaed "coarse scale" - that's the British term for less-detailed versions.  I have some, and it's great stuff, but not inexpensive.  Also, be aware that the default for most Ace / Darstaed is to run on 3-rail DC.  You can choose to have a dedicated DC loop, or you can add an electronic e-unit.  Darstaed has a US distributor who sets up at York.  The stuff seems pretty robust, but I'm not sure what happens if you need parts or repairs - fortunately I haven't had to find out.

And re Ace vs. Darstaed - I believe that both grew from the same roots, and I don't fully understand the differences between the two brands, as the products appear to be very similar.  If anyone has a reliable explanation of the difference, I'd love to hear it.

@Mike Casatelli posted:

Pricey, but great stuff! Have a look here  - https://www.acetrainslondon.com/

- Mike

Thank you both so much for the advice!

I gave up on finding an Ace trains coarse scale, Spam Can. They are rarer than Hen's teeth! Typically, I look once a week at The Station Masters Room Ltd's website since they always have a large selection of Ace locomotives. Yes, I am aware of the DC/AC issue and it is my intention to add sounds, smoke, etc. so... If I went coarse scale, would gut it and throw a PS2/3 board with all the fixings inside. If I can only get a fine scale engine, dead rail seems logical to me.

As for Darstaed, I do not recall them making a Merchant Navy Class engine.

Bryce