Class J in HO scale

[NW Modeling List]

Thanks Roger honestly I wouldn’t mind a brass one. I habe a sunset water Buffalo K3 4-8-2 that runs very well. However I habe 22inch Ray is curves and don’t think a J could handle my tight curves. I’m looking to get the 611 in service do you habe any recommendations on who makes the best version of that or where I might be able to find a model like that? Thanks for your help I really appreciate it I really hope I can get this figure out 611 is a very special engine to me and I want the best one that I can get I’m trying to model the Norfolk and western in the 50s during the steam era.

Sincerely,
Jeff Mueller

> On Oct 24, 2021, at 1:32 PM, NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> I had a Bachmann from an early run. It was a very nice model and never gave any problems with gears cracking or anything else. Not the best puller but smooth running and reliable. I also had the first run of BLI and it was the same but had better detail and paint. I thought they ran about the same. Never saw the MTH one.
> 
> You asked about the BEST models of the J, well to me I have to say the Sunset brass ones fit that quest. They had 2 different runs that I own. The first in the yellow box was engines 605-610 with the roll top tenders. The 2nd run in the straw colored box had some detail enhancements especially on the round nose details. It came in a 604 version with Laird crossheads and as 611-613 with the flat top tender and Alligator crossheads and also as 611 with her first excursion details. They also brought in the J-1 unstreamlined version. Both runs I have run very smoothly and have never had issues. I have 3 J-1's and 8 J's and they are very smooth and trouble free. They were made by Samhongsa. To my knowledge none of the Sunset models came with factory paint.
> 
> Key and Overland both imported J's. I have not seen them in person but feedback suggests they are excellent and have better detail than the Sunsets. Overland also did the J-1 and all versions were available F/P. I think Overlands were built by Ajin and my experience with Ajin is they are definitely well engineered and assembled and some of the best brass models built. 
> 
> Way back when GEM and PFM imported the J. I had a GEM back in the mid 1970's and it was a great runner. I have seen the PFM but never owned one. Both were built to run and were trouble free items. I believe both were available naked or F/P. I remember discussion about one of them not having the proper nose shape but I can't verify that. they looked fine to me.
> 
> I love my Sunsets and don't need to look at any others to satisfy my J needs. I'm not really into plastic engines and prefer brass. I'm also a custom painter and prefer to paint all my own stuff. I have heard nothing but complaints on the various groups about BLI and others having gear issues, melting and other bad mechanical deficiencies so I just stay with my brass. Everyone has their opinions and everyone has had good luck or terrible luck with the same products. Just a crap shoot. Kind of like with automobiles. I bought a Honda CR-V 4 years ago and it's been one of the most troublesome cars I've ever owned. I based my purchase on all the great reviews and recommendations about the cars. Lemons show up on cherry trees at times!
> 
> My 2¢.
> 
> Roger Huber
> Deer Creek Locomotive Works
> 
> 
> On Sunday, October 24, 2021, 08:16:59 AM CDT, NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> The only options are MTH, BLI, Bachmann, or brass. Unfortunately, I think you have the best of all the compromises of quality for the price. 
> 
> Mike Shockley 
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