Model Train Journal

After having these and Lou repowering three of them and Jay helping with the wheels, I knew I was not going to be fully happy with them, So.. at the March Meet I found an beautiful set repowered by Cockerman, and they run as smooth as silk. Now to sell off the others...

Congrats as those are stunning Dan. Doug's drive may not be as sophisticated as some of the newer modern drives, but I'd put them up against any and all. I just bought back (sold 10-12 years ago) a Cockerham repowered Propane Turbine and I'm happy to have it back.

Sorry, I didn't mean to steal your thunder, but I'm pretty crazy about Doug's drives and have only owned them in turbines.

Over the years I've thought about getting a set of PA's, being one of the most beautiful diesels ever designed. But, the UP didn't operate them all that long and they were never cheap, so I just never went acquired any.

But in my searching/thinking years ago, the Sunset PA's always caught my eye. I have no idea how they scale out or how accurate they are detailed, but I think Sunset knocked the ball out of the park with this model. I like the SS's build better than OMI or KEY models, but can't tell you why. And with Cockerham power, you have the best of the best IMHO.

And, your models look "brand new". What a great find.

The brass Sunset PAs look great. I captured a photo of a nickel plated version off an eBay ad.

Best way to ascertain faithfulness is to buy a current production Lionel body and compare. I don't know how they did it, but the Lionel version comes closest to all the photo evidence we have. MTH and Key are right behind.

Dump those etched CLWs. They are least accurate of all. We were going to fix the nose, but I fear our casting master is now long gone. I did find a way to modify the CLW nose casting, but it really requires heroic effort.

My personal list: Lionel (I don't do plastic), Key, MTH ditto), Sunset brass, all cast CLW, Overland, Right-of-Way, and distant last Etched CLW. I have heard of an "International" import, but I would guess that if it exists, it wouldn't make my list.

I didn't insert Third Rail plastic PA - I bet it ranks well with Lionel/MTH, but I have not seen one, or even photos.

up148 wrote:Sorry, I didn't mean to steal your thunder, but I'm pretty crazy about Doug's drives and have only owned them in turbines.

No worries, these drives are new to me also. Now I have no excuse to not build the passenger cars to go with it...

The transition gearboxes put out a little whine, but with your sound system you won't hear it. And, with my turbines (no sound) the whine was good.