What's the best detailed manufacture that make Ho scale trains?

Question

What's the best detailed manufacture that make Ho scale trains?

Answer 1

Scott's correct... it really depends on what era, and price range.



I'm pretty partial to Athearn and Kato... but then again, I model current era diesel operations:



http://www.athearn.com/Products/HO/Default.aspx

http://www.katousa.com/

Answer 2

I agree with Mariner3. My husband uses Athearn the most. He adds a lot of detail to make them look accurate and realistic.



He has bought a couple of engines that were detailed by others, but his are much more accurate. He follows the D&H and CP rail lines!



He has a huge HO layout that he has been working on for almost 40 years!. It is beautiful.

Answer 3

Any answer to this question will have to consider whether we're talking about locomotives, freight or passenger rolling stock etc. The price you want to pay also needs to be taken into consideration. For example, Athearn Genesis, Kato, Broadway Limited, and Tower 55 all produce very detailed plastic locomotives, but some cost more than others. And some have varying levels of accuracy vs. similar locomotives from another company. Also Overland, the parent company of Tower 55, sells extremely detailed brass locomotives manufatured by Ajin of Korea. However, locomotives from Overland or similar brass vendors can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. In short, any purchase you make should factor in not just level of detail, but also how much you want to spend, and how accurately you want your model to reflect its prototype. Lots to consider!