I have an opportunity to pick up a Heartland Locomotive Works G Scale 4-4-0. I am not too familiar with G scale as well as this manufacturer.
How does it compare to LGB, MTH 1 gauge and Bachmann? Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Original Post
"HONGZ" stands for HO scale, N scale, G scale, and Z scale.
Post your non-O scale stuff here!
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I don't wish to have you think I ignored this. I just don't have this loco. We all have opinions that can be swayed by our favorite engines or brands. I think MTH has the best overall quality vs. price in G scale (value for what you get). Some of their products are even better than others. There have been some great releases from about every major brand. I have quite a few.
I prefer metal gearing. I do believe that some LGB plastic gears hold up very well. Some other brands not so much in my experience. I like to haul long trains that can be rougher on the engines up grades.
So I just did a search on this engine to see what you're posting about. It's a nice looking loco anyways. I hope someone chimes in with experience of it.
I think that it might need considering on the type of quality you're after vs. the type of use you'll be putting it thru. I'm guessing that for regular use on short trains, it should be fine. Maintenance is big to longevity in G scale.
Sorry I can't be more helpful. Are you running strictly inside, and maybe around the tree for now? What are you planning to pull? up high grades? Do you want sound? smoke? command control?
Many users are happy with these types of engines in lighter use. If the price was right, I would probably buy it myself.
Yes for now a circle of track around the tree with 4 Bachmann Liberty LTD cars.
I have a Hartland loco works V&T set. These are very high end limited run trains or at least the
older ones were. I think my loco was in the 700? range many years ago.
Hartland products, made in the U.S.A., are very durable and reliable. I once had a good many Hartland locomotives but sold a lot of my G gauge equipment prior to my move several years ago (I still have a lot of LGB, which I hope to use on a garden railroad in the near future). I had no problems with the Hartland products I had, and still have a couple of items that will see future use.
I own a couple of Hartland Macks and a rail-bus. While not LGB quality, they run and hold up remarkably well.
Go for it! ☺
