Are model power N scale fp7 engines good runners?

Question

I'm just wondering if this type of engine is a worthwhile purchase? Anyone out there own one of these?

Answer 1

The MP FP7 that I saw ran OK from very low speed to decent high speed, but was noisy, and wasn't accurate in the paint scheme. Also, the chassis and mechanism looked like something that would be in a engine from the 1970's or 1980's. The best thing going for it was the price (about $50 if I remember correctly).

If you're buying it to have an engine to run around a train set, or if you're buying it because you specifically want an FP7 engine model, then it's probably worthwhile.

Intermountain is supposed to be coming out with a bunch of FP7s in the next few months. I'd expect their model to be far superior in detail, as well as a better running (quieter) model.

If you don't care about the FP7 model specifically, you can find better detailed and better running models from other manufacturers such as Kato and Atlas on sale for about the same price.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com usually has some pretty good prices on engines, and they usually have Kato or Atlas engines on sale.

Answer 2

Good to see another model railroader out there!

I've been out of the loop for a while but here are a few comments. One, see if all axles are powered or if only one set are powered. I had a Bachmann F-9 with all axles powered (you could see the gears when you turn the locomotive upside down) and it pulled twice as much as a GP-40 with only one truck powered.

By all means, ask the hobby shop or the store if you could test run the engine before you buy it. In some cases, especially if you buy at a discount or retail house, you may not get the support as you would from a hobby shop. If they won't let you test it, I would recommend you politely say "Thank you" and look someplace else.

As far as a worthwhile purchase, that depends on your plans for the engine. Do you plan on running a lot of trains for a long time to come? Or do you plan on just firing it up every once in a while? Or do you just want something to put on your desk? I ask because I have a Life-Like GP-38, painted for CSX, that I've owned for over 3 years but it's never been out of the box.

Anyway, you pretty much get what you pay for. One thing I almost forgot to mention is some of the model railroading magazines have product reviews. Model Railroader puts products to a rather extensive series of tests, as does Railroad Model Craftsman. They may have something about the engine, especially if it's fairly new. Why not see what they have to say?

But it all comes down to this. If it runs on the track okay, and you don't notice a funny or burning smell, and it's in a paint scheme you like, I'd buy it.