Premier vs. RailKing

If you like it, get it.

As you probably already know, some of the RailKing line's diesels are scale... such as end cab switchers, early ALCO RS series , and EMD GP7/9 ... these are what comes to my mind at this moment.... there is more RailKing scale offerings as well.     If you currently own any of these RailKing scale diesel locomotives,  I don't see why a Premier  S-2 ( which is scale ) would look out of place on your layout.   And ... as Jim said " If you like it, get it."  

Definitely get it if you like it enough but if you want more info youcould also go on the MTH website’s product locator. Search for the engine and you can get the dimensions of the S-2 in which you’re interested. While I don’t believe MTH has significantly varied the size between recent Premier S-2 Vs RK S-2 models, it can’t hurt to check and confirm if the length is the same as other S-2 models you have or just in general the type of sized loco you would like on your layout.  

Buy it if it makes you happy!!

Be careful Gary Liebisch.

Once you go to purple boxes, you won't want yellow boxes any more.

We started with RK in diesel and steam.  Then we got a taste of Premier diesel.  So we said, OK Premier diesel but RK steam.  That then changed to all premier... Diesel, Steam, Freight and Passenger.

By the way the Premier S-2 Unit Measures:12" x 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" - Operates On O-31 Curves

It looks like MTH did not make the S-2 in RK, but the SW1500 looks similar. 

The SW1500 Unit Measures: 11 3/4” x 2 1/2” x 4” and Operates On O-27 Curves

Your sizes look close enough that it would not look out of place.

Good Luck with your decision (Get It).

Ron

My experience also.  RK does not have the detail Premier has.  I am running 036 Fast Track and can run many of the Premier steam models.  They look great.  Once you taste Champaign sparkling wine won't cut it.

@Ron045 posted:

Be careful Gary Liebisch.

Once you go to purple boxes, you won't want yellow boxes any more.

We started with RK in diesel and steam.  Then we got a taste of Premier diesel.  So we said, OK Premier diesel but RK steam.  That then changed to all premier... Diesel, Steam, Freight and Passenger.

By the way the Premier S-2 Unit Measures:12" x 2 3/4" x 3 3/4" - Operates On O-31 Curves

It looks like MTH did not make the S-2 in RK, but the SW1500 looks similar.

The SW1500 Unit Measures: 11 3/4” x 2 1/2” x 4” and Operates On O-27 Curves

Your sizes look close enough that it would not look out of place.

Good Luck with your decision (Get It).

Ron

I run both on my layout at the same time. I see no difference unless you are running Premier Steam along side RailKing then you will notice the difference. LikeRon stated the purple boxes can be addicting!

I have both a RailKing Alco RS-1 and the Premier Alco S-2.  They look great running together if that helps.  One thing to note though, is that the S-2 has a tiny speaker so it's not as loud as some other locos.

Premier locos and rolling stock won’t look out of place with your Railking unless you get the same model and the Railking is under scale.  A GP-7/9 Railking is scale so a Premier GP-7/9 would look fine next to it.  A Railking Alco PA1 is compressed scale so a Premier Alco PA1 would look big next to it.  You should be good with the Premier S2.

@trumpettrain posted:

As you probably already know, some of the RailKing line's diesels are scale... such as end cab switchers, early ALCO RS series , and EMD GP7/9 ... these are what comes to my mind at this moment.... there is more RailKing scale offerings as well.     If you currently own any of these RailKing scale diesel locomotives,  I don't see why a Premier  S-2 ( which is scale ) would look out of place on your layout.   And ... as Jim said " If you like it, get it."  

Very True!  In fact, the railking Scale line (also known as the Imperial line) is probably the best value in O gauge. I have a number, including a B6 steam switcher and an Alco RS-1 diesel, and they look as good (only slightly less add on details, but virtually unnoticeable) as my more expensive Premier engines. I run premier and Railking scale together all the time and they look great.  

@Strap Hanger posted:

Very True!  In fact, the railking Scale line (also known as the Imperial line) is probably the best value in O gauge. I have a number, including a B6 steam switcher and an Alco RS-1 diesel, and they look as good (only slightly less add on details, but virtually unnoticeable) as my more expensive Premier engines. I run premier and Railking scale together all the time and they look great.  

The RailKing Scale and RailKing Imperial are different lines.

RailKing Scale are scale sized with modest detailing.  From what I know, many of these are old Premier tooling from the 90s.

RailKing Imperial are highly detailed like their Premier counterparts but are NOT scale.  The proportions are compressed for tighter curves and running with more traditional sized rolling stock.

@rplst8 posted:

The RailKing Scale and RailKing Imperial are different lines.

RailKing Scale are scale sized with modest detailing.  From what I know, many of these are old Premier tooling from the 90s.

RailKing Imperial are highly detailed like their Premier counterparts but are NOT scale.  The proportions are compressed for tighter curves and running with more traditional sized rolling stock.

Thanks for the correction, RPLST8.  I have both and they look excellent when run with my premier engines.