Who is considered best model railroad Manufacturer

[hectorton]

Have not seen subject matter discussed and was wondering. Wat are the views of JNS members regarding the quality of the model railroad manufacturers? Who is considered the best and why (any scale/manufacturer)?

 

Hectorton

[bill937ca]

Kato is very good, has spare parts available, but some of its older models do not live up to the same standards.  Tomix is good, some Shinkansen models are very popular for their all wheel pick, spare parts are readily available and the track range is the widest available. Micro Ace is good, but I've heard some bodies are literally glued on and there are almost no spare parts.

 

Bachmann USA may be about the worst,  models with gears that crack and a poor track system.

[Kabutoni]

Well, all manufacturers have their strong and weak points. I'm going to limit myself to Japanese manufacturers, since I only have had experience with European manufacturers in my childhood.

 

Kato is maybe one of the best there is out there regarding quality and availability of spare parts. The general pricing of their products is also very competitive and they have an excellent quality of rails. I wanted to use Unitrack, but due to the bad range of small curves and switches, I decided to use Tomix anyway. Really too bad, since I like the Unijoiners and the looks of the Kato track. The quality of the buildings is also very high and are decently priced, but have a general plasticky look on them. Also, kitbashing them is a bit hard, since the plastic is of high quality and very tough.

 

Tomix/Tomytec has a great range of trains, but the quality (on older models) leave some improvements to wish for. Tomytec trains are unmotorised, though have a very extensive and competitively priced range and leave almost nothing to wish for. Almost all railway companies are covered and the list seems to be made longer and longer every few months. The downside is that the motor units intended for these trains are bulky and take up the interior most of the time. The track range is the best of them all, though the quality of it might not be as good and as sturdy as Kato's. Especially when frequently pulled apart, the joiners will lose their rigidity. The range of buildings and accessories is very extensive, but can be a bit shoddy in terms of quality. Kitbashing on the other hand is easy due to the soft low quality plastic. Especially in the Tomytec range.

 

MicroAce has a great amount of detail, but can have terrible ride quality on some models. The foam in the boxes is also too inflexible and trains can be of questionable quality as well. The range however is wide, but older models can be very hard to find and tend to be very expensive. Spare parts are hard to impossible to find.

 

Greenmax/Crosspoint is two-faced for me. One side provides extremely expensive ready-to-run models, and on the other side GM makes great and high quality kits. Greenmax is for me definitely a winner in kits, but a loser when it comes to their ready to run models. My regard for them has however grown as they were the first to release a Chiba Express train on the market recently.

 

Kawai/Popondetta, Kawai used to be of good quality and have an interesting range of freight wagons, but since Popondetta has taken over, prices have risen. Also, I'm not a big fan of Popondetta as a firm, since they overprice their goods way too much.

 

Modemo is a company that specialises in trams/interurbans and other small EMU. Expensive, but come up with a lot of desirable little and cute trains. The motor designs are however very crude and take up a lot of interior space, which is unfortunate. Recently they have started to add front-lighting to some models, so that looks promising for the future.

 

So far my experiences with manufacturers from Japan. For me, Tomix/Tomytec is the winner, since I buy most products from them, though some stuff they produce can be a bit flimsy and bulky. It has its downsides, but also its charms.

[Ochanomizu]

Kato, Tomix, Micro Ace and Greenmax have all had problems.  Without being specific, all have had to terminate product in the past.  The most recent issue I can recall is the Kato Glacier Express couplers.  The gap between cars is nearly 1.5m at scale.  However, any of these can be considered "best" if one measures volume, popularity, price, and availability.

 

But if you wanted a measure of quality and accuracy in reproduction then surely you must consider Real Line, and

the brass models ofTenshodo and World Kogul as being superior.

Edited April 24, 2013 by Ochanomizu

[Krackel Hopper]

I would consider "The Big Three" (Kato/MicroAce/Tomix) to all be of high quality.

 

You need to make sure you're comparing apples to apples though.  I'll use the DE10 as a perfect example.  Tomix had several models of the DE10 on the market since the early 2000's (some earlier) and in 2009 Kato released their new DE10s.  Suddenly, Kato was the superior company for the DE10.. and in a sense they were, at least until 2011 when Tomix re-launched their DE10s with improved motors.  Now, I would argue that they are both of excellent running quality.  Apples to Apples.

 

Beyond that, these three manufacturers do a nice job of covering the entire market.  About 70% of my collection is MicroAce, not because I find MicroAce to be superior to Tomix or Kato.. but simply because MicroAce happens to produce more of the trains I'm interested in.

 

DCC:  In the world of DCC, Kato is the only Japanese manufacturer producing DCC friendly models.  It is my understanding that getting Tomix/MicroAce converted to DCC can be very difficult.

 

I'll leave my comments to the trains.. there's also the Kato/Tomix track comparing and Kato/Tomix buildings.. but I don't believe that is what you are asking about.

[Bernard]

I agree with Bill on Bachmann USA, for years I had problems with their trains and then they came out with the Bachmann Spectrum line which they say is superior. I just can't bring myself to purchase one of them because of past problems I had with their regular line. My preference is Kato, not just for the craftsmanship, but also the ease it is for me to install a decoder into their trains.

[JR 500系]

This is a tough match..

 

Like Toni & others have covered much in their posts, it's really up to individual. Some find Kato superior for their good pricing, extensive range and easier to find in the market... While others might find Tomix/ Tomytec superior for their tracks and extensive range of buildings, and MircoAce for their special range of trains that the others do not have... Even Modemo has their exclusive cute little trams that makes them good in their own way...

 

While i do have Kato, Tomix, MicroAce and Modemo trains (only Japanese) to compare, i tend to side more towards Tomix... Perhaps their range appeals to me more without costing too much and their buildings, especially the Tomytec series with their human collections, vehicles and all, are about the best layout type suppliers in terms of quality, range and pricing around... Kato can be a tad expensive with their buildings and figures, but their quality is really top-notch. It depends on what you like and want versus what you're willing to put your dough on while you're at it...

[hectorton]

Love the input so far and would also love to hear about some of the European manufacturers. Personally, I have at least one set from each of the japanese manufacturer. I have a friend who exclusively collects German manufacturer/prototype and the stuff he has is just gorgeous. He has an n scale replica of Hitlers train that is to die for. He purchased it 25+ years ago.

 

I agree that each of the japanese manufacturers offer a specific charm and they each have a market nitch. I prefer kato's product presentation, quality, support, worldwide availability, and but not least is their pricing which I think is the best overall. However, I love Tomytec and their piece meal approach of introducing prospective customers into the hobby. With the tomytec collection series you can slowly and relatively inexpensively enter the hobby. I only wish they were readily available abroad. On the other hand, I don't think Greenmax quality can be matched by any one else. I recently acquired the GM Lupin painted train and it is just superior.

 

A number of comments so far have mentioned the high quality of Kato's Unitack and I know that outside of Japan it is extremely popular and probably Kato's best seller. However, every japanese Train enthusiast I know prefers Tomix, and I could be mistaken, but I believe Tomix track is a bigger seller inside Japan than Kato. The advantages cited o me have been that Tomix track scale is correct and their track/controllers/structures are better quality, and offer greater flexibility/functionality. Any agreement s or disagreements on these point. They cite that the only advantage Kato track offers is that it is sturdier. Hectorton

[Densha]

I have both experiences with European and Japanese manufacturers.

 

Japanese N:

My first Japanese train was the E231-500 from Kato (the last model with 6 doors), really good overall quality in terms of detailing and running. I bought it in the spur of a moment, but it's still a great train. I also have the Kiha110 by Kato and these are really great models as well. Kato's pricing of most trains is also good. Kato's couplers are good, but a bit bulky.

I have had experience with one (high-grade) Tomix train, but the motor had problems when it arrived, the detailing was absolutely stunning. The TN couplers are also very nice.

I have two MicroAce trains and I really like them, the detailing is very good and the flywheel motor is perfect. Toni mentioned that there can be some difference between MA quality but both trains I have are of the same quality.

 

Tomix also has their own range of buildings, I have an apartment block and a convenience store which are of very high quality ready but there's a plasticy look on the apartment block. The price however is extremely low for the quality they offer and I will probably get a station and platform from them too but I have to see how that fits with my Unitrack geometry.

I have quite a lot of Tomytec structures and all are very detailed and almost cheap compared to European kits. And there's no plasticy-look, I don't like painting so that's a great advantage.

Then there's some unbuilt Greenmax kits I have, the detail looks really good.

 

For track I use Kato's Unitrack, it was the most logical decision to choose this because it is readily available in Europe (although it's fairly easy to get Finetrack too) and because it seemed superior than Tomix to me. I personally don't have experience with using Finetrack but I still find that the track range is a bit limited with Unitrack. I've never had any problems with Unitrack and am very content with it so far.

 

European H0:

I don't think I have to tell you a lot about the quality of old Lima/Jouef/etc. they have simply terrible detailing and motors.

Old Fleischmann trains however have fairly good detailing (for the time) and good motors, I had models from the '70s that ran until they broke down some years back.

I only have recent experience with Roco, and they make simply fantastic models: the detailing is amazing and the lights/motors/everything is really good. Overall my favorite European manufacturer, also considering the price isn't too bad at all.

I also have one tram from Halling, the detailing of the model is a bit poor but the print of it is very good. The motor makes a lot of noise, really a lot of noise.

 

European N:

I don't own but regularly play with other's European Minitrix, Fleischmann, Roco and Kato trains. All make good models in terms of detailing and motors, but it really depends on what model you get because the quality of products from the same manufacturer may differ. Of course older models are of poorer quality.

[Minelayer]

For all the same reasons as noted above I keep my purchases down to the top 3 (Tomix, Kato, Micro Ace). I prefer Tomix over any of the other two based on  my overall experience with quality and looks.

 

Also, I completely agree with Toni in regards to to Micro Ace foam that holds the trains. The fit is simply too tight much of the time and I've actually had the pantograph/coupler almost break off trying to take out the train. I also don't particularly care for the grey plasticy look of the undercarriage components. It just seems more prominent in Micro Ace products.

[cteno4]

As folks have already said, with over 100 sets now I've not found a clear winner, they each have their strengths and weaknesses so it really down to exactly what you want and need. I really like the new tomix Shinkansens with all wheel pickup, but got the kato e5/e6 as I got a great deal on them and I can have them now ant they run great even without the all wheel pickup!

 

Some can be rusty runners and need a little lubing, but others have run well for years. Ad ma make some outstanding trains that no one Else ever will!

 

Greenmax Also makes some wonderful niche models. They can be expensive and delicate, but wonderful!

 

So I look it as a wonderful thing that there is no clear winner to say only buy this brand, but to have great options!

 

Cheers,

 

Jeff

Edited April 25, 2013 by cteno4

[E6系]

Kato, Tomix, Micro Ace and Greenmax have all had problems.  Without being specific, all have had to terminate product in the past.  The most recent issue I can recall is the Kato Glacier Express couplers.  The gap between cars is nearly 1.5m at scale.  However, any of these can be considered "best" if one measures volume, popularity, price, and availability.

 

But if you wanted a measure of quality and accuracy in reproduction then surely you must consider Real Line, and

the brass models ofTenshodo and World Kogul as being superior.

 

How to measure "best"?  Is it price?  Accuracy?  Smooth running?  The definition was not supplied.

 

However, Ochanomizu makes an important point if accuracy and smooth running are important.  Real Line, Tenshodo and World Craft have greater respect.  Examine World Craft C57117 in detail with jewellers magnifier.  You will not find better detail.  Appreciate the weight of brass and the smooth running.  Of course, it was more expensive that two Tomix 16-car shinkansen. 

[tantousha]

My first foray into Model Railroading was as a child in the 90s with my grandfather... He was a big Atlas fan and always stayed away from Lifelike as being the cheapest. I still remember going to the hobby shop and having the store owner show us a brand new Kato SD40 and how it ran smoother than anything we'd ever seen before. 

 

I fell out of Modelling until I lived in Japan in 2009 when taking a train to work everyday rekindled my love of trains. I now collect exclusively Japanese trains and I must admit my preference for Kato is probably built on my childhood experiences (even though I now hear in the North American modelling world, Lifelike now outstrips Atlas for quality...).

 

I own 8 Kato sets, 1 Tomix and 2 Micro Ace. I have to admit I've been disappointed with the running of both Micro Ace sets as both now fail to run smoothly despite spending most of their lives safely stored away... The Kato and Tomix sets run perfectly. I plan to do some maintenance on the Micro Ace sets to see if it enhances their performance... but for now, side by side the difference is startling.

 

Unfortunately, having only 1 Tomix set I can't really comment on them... When they start releasing some trains I'm interested in I'll probably build my collection some more.

[marknewton]

It's interesting to compare my experiences as an HO modeller with the N scale members who've posted to this thread.

 

I see that some people are critical of the running qualities of MicroAce models. I'm sorry to hear that, because three of the nicest models I own are made by MA. My Kiha 40 and Kiha 52 models have beautifully smooth and quiet mechanisms, which always run flawlessy. The models are very nicely detailed and finished, and all have interior lighting. I rate them very highly. Makes me wonder why there is such a disparity in quality between their HO and N scale models?

 

As for the rest of my fleet, it's hard to say which would be the best. All of the manufacturers producing non-brass HO scale models have very high standards for performance, detail and finish. The loco I bought most recently was a Zoukei Mura DD54 - a bloody brilliant model!

 

On the subject of DCC, all of the recent HO models I have from Kato, Tenshodo, Tramway and Zoukei Mura have DCC receptacles already installed.  I've put decoders in a couple of my Tomix EMU cars too, and they were very easy conversions.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

Regarding HO, given the prices*, I think the expectations are much higher in terms of running quality as well as detailing.  I think the customers of HO rolling stock in Japan tend to be older and wealthier, and are thus more demanding. 

 

*for example, Kato 's dd51 is more than twice as expensive in HO than their N scale version.  And Kato's HO prices tend to be very reasonable, even cheap for the quality you get.  Many HO scale plastic rolling stock is typically 3X more expensive than equivalent N scale versions.

Edited April 27, 2013 by bikkuri bahn

[westfalen]

I agree with Bill on Bachmann USA, for years I had problems with their trains and then they came out with the Bachmann Spectrum line which they say is superior. I just can't bring myself to purchase one of them because of past problems I had with their regular line. My preference is Kato, not just for the craftsmanship, but also the ease it is for me to install a decoder into their trains.

Bachmann has definately improved in recent years, especially with their steam locos. The 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 are IMHO the best small U.S. steam locos yet produced, having said that though, I wouldn't mind seeing Kato put their expertise gained with the C56 into a similar U.S. prototype. The Bachmann 44 and 70 ton diesel switchers are also top notch models and I'm eagerly awaiting their Alco switcher.

 

I agree with all the comments on Japanese models, the only thing I have against Tomix is the DCC unfriendlyness of some of thier locos.

Edited April 27, 2013 by westfalen

[brill27mcb]

Bachmann has definately improved in recent years, especially with their steam locos. The 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 are IMHO the best small U.S. steam locos yet produced, having said that though, I wouldn't mind seeing Kato put their expertise gained with the C56 into a similar U.S. prototype. The Bachmann 44 and 70 ton diesel switchers are also top notch models and I'm eagerly awaiting their Alco switcher.

 

I agree with all the comments on Japanese models, the only thing I have against Tomix is the DCC unfriendlyness of some of thier locos.

 

"Recent" and "Spectrum" are the important operative words that point to good-running Bachmann locos. I agree with you. The Peter Witt trolley, also Spectrum with DCC, is also a nice-running model in N scale.

 

Rich K.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

In terms of the 'big' manufacturers for European models, Fleishmann would probably the first. Minitrix are good and Roco make good wagons. I have a few models from these manufacturers. Marklin (in my opinion) are overrated...too expensive and in some cases of questionable build quality. Piko produce some good stuff and we are witnessing a renaissance from Arnold now they are owned by Hornby.

 

Of course, we should not forget Kato and Hobbytrain...good stuff, but I was disappointed by their class 66...poor haulage capacity.

 

For UK, Graham Farish have the lead. Dapol have a good range, but seem to have perenial quality assurance issues. PECO make a decent range of track - as we all know - but also wagons and a loco...which is really nice, but again suffers with haulage issues.

[marknewton]

...customers of HO rolling stock in Japan tend to be older and wealthier, and are thus more demanding.

 

Well, I'm older and more demanding - wish I was wealthier as well! :)

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[marknewton]

...I wouldn't mind seeing Kato put their expertise gained with the C56 into a similar U.S. prototype.

 

I bought an HO scale Kato C56 on bikkuri bahn's recommendation, and I'm bloody glad I did. It's a lovely little engine - it's well detailed, a smooth and quiet runner, and surprisingly powerful for its size. Ever since I got it I've been on the lookout for another.

 

(I just missed out on one the other day on eBay - it went for US$100!  )

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

Edited April 28, 2013 by marknewton

[Tyler B]

In the UK, seeing as there is so much interest in railways and steam preservation, I would have thought there would be a bigger market for model trains but you hardly ever find model shops these days except for the big warehouse type stores, in fact there's hardly any decent model shops in the whole of London! There's plenty of exhibitions and online traders though, so it's easy to get stuff if you know where to look.

 

OO gauge is the mainstay of the hobby but as I'm interested in N gauge I'll give you my opinions... Graham Farish is currently the best, in my opinion, not just for range and variety but also for overall quality, although only on current models or ones that have been made over the last 5-6 years since they were taken over by Bachmann, as they had some real technical and quality issues before then. They have improved the mechanisms a lot since then and detail levels and paint schemes are now very good. They have also started bringing out very up-to-date models such as the new Class 70 diesels (due soon) and the Class 350 EMU, which is a very nice model. DCC, or at least easy conversion to DCC seems to be pretty much standard.

 

Dapol is the prime competitor (it's not a big market) They make some nice looking models but, as was stated in an earlier post, they have reliability issues and, more importantly, they have bad customer service in my experience, arguing about whether to take back models that didn't work straight out of the box etc., so I don't really want to deal with them. Mind you, they bring out some interesting varieties so I can get tempted occasionally...

 

Farish make some nice buildings and accessories, Neither manufacturer makes much in the way of track, probably again because of the limited market, so Peco tends to be everyone's choice for track (everyone except me, who uses Kato!)

 

Then there is a whole sub-market of little companies making accessories, kits, mechanisms, buildings etc.