WWII Era III Steam Loco suggestions European operation ?

I don't think any of MTH's European locomotives will travel through curves that sharp. Think 072 for the steamers and maybe 060 for the electrics--if the first car behind them has swinging coupler arms. 042 is about the minimum for the freight cars.

---PCJ

Hi Orion, I am a neighbor here in New Hampshire. Now is a good time to consider radio control with battery power. I will be giving a seminar at the Amherst Show in January. I could introduce you to the O scale Metro West guys. Click on my name to access my email. 

you can consider the BR24 or the BR 89, not so big, or if you can find one , the BR64

all from Lenz

one thing to keep in mind, the US stuf is scale 1/48, the eurepean stuf is 1/45 .

i believe that all engines from Lenz are ment to go throu the R1 track from Lenz

that means a radius 914mm

Cor

There are a few options out there. Lenz quality is top of the line all in 1/45. A good steam locomotive will set you back close to 1000 dollars, a diesel in the 600 dollar range. A view of German ebay, Spur 0 (o scale) is a good start. Old Pola Maxi, Rivarossi, or Lima locomtives can go for less than 100 dollars but are non dcc with 1970s motors and detail. If you do a search for Georgenstadt here, you can see my two rail 0 scale German layout.

Miketg

Thanks, for all your input.  Don, I'll reach out to you later today.  Mike, detail and multi train operation are a requirement.  Can you elaborate on your 1/45 scale Lenz locomotives remarks. I had looked at Lenz's BR 24 and not sure how it was used during WWII yet, nor its curve requirements.   Is the gage not suitable for Atlas 2 rail track?  What about the MTH euro Guterwagen cars, they are also 1/45 scale with scale wheels.  WRT MTH steamers, my searches thus far show at least 1 that operates 042 but most say 054.  None are currently available that match my stated criteria.  Ebay seams like my only option for the MTH locos, as they emerge.  What concerns should I have buying a new in box model that is 5-10 years old, other than buyer beware.    I don't mind taking chances on a $60 box car but a $1200 loco has a lot of moving parts.

I don't know much about this, but I do believe that although the "scale" is 1/45, the "gauge" is still the same: 1 1/4".

I actually have a little of the old Rivarossi and Lima 2-rail O scale European stuff; pretty cool.

If I'm not mistaken, most eBay sales are now covered with a refund guarantee, unless otherwise stated.

Best of luck with your hunt; will be curious to see what you come up with.

Mark in Oregon

More options which would fit smaller radius:

http://www.ets-trains.com/en/l...portation-corps.html

http://www.ets-trains.com/en/l...hf4rnau0b35knofto6a7

http://www.ets.cz/en/locomotiv...3v9ddj35pr4rpnl9ids6

Regards

Fred

Fred,  You nailed what I was asking for, great job.  I have gone through the entire website and have seen several interesting items.  I would definitely order 1 or 2 rolling stock pieces just to compare to MTH detail.  Has anyone ordered thru the Chech. republic site before.  Warranty/service could get complicated with international shipping.   Price point seams equal to Lenz or MTH for the locos.  I can't believe they make a USATC loco.

Regards, 

Jim

Jim,

You could order ETS trains through Rob Giskes of https://www.blik-en-speelgoed.nl/en_GB/ . Others on this forum, including me (but for me it is local), have done so.

Regards

Fred

ETS is nice if you like toy trains

you can not compare it with the details from a Lenz engine

Cor

Cor,  An interesting comment about ETS locos.  I have examined photos of the USATC and DB 38, checking the level of detail in the locos.  My impression is that they don't look as detailed as any of the MTH models I have studied, nor the 2 Lenz models.  I brought ETS up to my local train shop and was advised against purchasing internationally.  There is no US  support so any issues are difficult to address, not to mention if items are shipped back and forth to ETS in the Chech Republic.  I am simply frustrated that these 2 units are historically accurate and would work for my WWII theme layout, but lack detail and US support.  I wish MTH produced what I am looking for but so far I have not turned up anything that fits my original requirements. The Mikado came close.  The French 1-4-1 Mikado was not produced until after WWII because Germany invaded France and they stopped production.   I do know that HO scale would solve all issues but I'm not interested.  I am certainly open to more feedback and ideas.

On the rolling stock issue,  MTH has an upcoming release, MTH 20-95327, among others that I am interested in.  Will someone confirm that I would need to purchase and install trucks/wheels to convert to 2 rail operation.

Rolling stock from Menards has also caught my eye, specifically # 2793568 flat car.  Again, must these be converted to 2 rail.

Lastly, are the various options for couplers.  It appears there are 2  euro options as well as the US knuckle.  Do the euro option offer auto uncoupling,

I thank you all for any and all suggestions, and will be attending my first train show in New England next month to further my knowledge.

Regards,  Jim

Orion the Hunter posted:

.......  I wish MTH produced what I am looking for but so far I have not turned up anything that fits my original requirements. The Mikado came close.  The French 1-4-1 Mikado was not produced until after WWII because Germany invaded France and they stopped production.   .........

No, that's not quite correct:   The first 141P's entered service in 1942, assigned to the SNCF South Eastern Region, and by 1943 some [ with -8x running numbers, though that doesn't mean there were 80 in service or even built  by that date ] were assigned to the Western Region.

SZ