This hobby is not cheap. There are a number of different types of trains, such as those with wooden tracks, those with plastic tracks, and those that use digital technology to run on self-forming tracks. There are a number of different types of locomotives, from electric to battery-operated to diesel-powered. But if you’re looking for a fun hobby that will also help you get some exercise, consider trying out a train set.
Read on to learn more about different types of hobby trains and the best options available.
Our Editor’s Best Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives Reviews
- Powerful five-pole KATO motor with dual brass flywheels
- Directional Headlight and illuminated, preprinted numberboards
- Kato magnetic knuckle coupler
- DCC Friendly mechanism ready for drop-in decoder installation
- Drop in DCC compatible with the Train Control Systems K1D4 and ESU 58741 LokSound 5 micro DCC Direct Kato USA
- True Blast Plus 16-bit polyphonic sound including prime mover, horn, and bell
- Powered by dual motors with flywheel coasting action
- 6 wheel power trucks with traction tires
- Navigates O-31 curves
- O Scale 1:48- (Trains run on AC power 3-rail track)
- DCC sound-equipped 67202 includes our sound value sound package with prototypical prime mover, 3 air horns, and bell—all in polyphonic 16-bit sound
- For use with all NMRA/ NEM Compliant DCC systems, Compatible with conventional dc-powered Layouts, programing on the main, 128 speed step control
- Operating headlight, die cast chassis, can motor, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
- Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater
- HO scale 1: 87
- Highly Detailed GP 40 Model with Operating directional dimming (Rule 17) headlights
- All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
- Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, Die-cast chassis
- Performs best on 11. 25" radius curves or greater.
- N Scale 1: 160
- DCC-ready with a factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice.
- Die-cast chassis, and all-wheel drive
- E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
- Preforms best on 18" radius curves or greater
- HO Scale 1:87
- Build your Thomas & Friends collection one friend at a time with this highly detailed locomotive
- Metal wheels
- Performs best on 15" radius curves or greater
- Runs on HO Scale Track
- International style hook and loop couplers
- Wilson, Jeff (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 303 Pages - 11/01/2017 (Publication Date) - Kalmbach Pub Co (Publisher)
- Highly Detailed GP 40 Model with Operating directional dimming (Rule 17) headlights
- All-wheel electrical pickup and drive
- Skew wound motor with bronze bearings, Die-cast chassis
- Performs best on 11.25" radius curves or greater.
- N Scale 1:160
- DCC Equipped for speed, direction, and lighting
- Highly Detailed Painted Bodies with Precision Graphics, Operating Headlights, All-wheel Drive, Precision Can Motor, Die-cast Chassis
- Dual, precision-balanced flywheels, finescale handrails
- Blackened metal wheels, with RP25 wheel contours, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
- Performs Best on 18" Radius Curves or Greater, HO Scale: 1:87
- DCC Equipped for speed, direction, and lighting
- Highly Detailed Painted Bodies with Precision Graphics, Operating Headlights, All-wheel Drive, Precision Can Motor, Die-cast Chassis
- Dual, precision-balanced flywheels, finescale handrails
- Blackened metal wheels, with RP25 wheel contours, E-Z Mate Mark II couplers
- Performs Best on 18" Radius Curves or Greater, HO Scale: 1:87
Best Hobby Train Diesel Locomotives Buying Guide
Before choosing the best hobby train diesel locomotive you should consider following options:
1. Scale: The scale of the model determines its accuracy and authenticity. For example, HO scale models are a half-inch to one foot long while N scale models are between one to two feet long.
2. Gauge: The gauge refers to the track width. It indicates the proportion between the model and the real railroad. The most popular gauges are O, S, N, and G.
3. Power: The power of the model indicates its speed and performance. You should buy a model with an engine that matches the scale for realistic operations.
4. Transportation: The mode of transportation of the model determines its ease of use and display.
Models with self-contained power systems are easy to transport and take up less space.
Models with external power sources, on the other hand, are difficult to transport and require more space for display.
5. Maintenance: Models with easy maintenance are convenient for newbies. Maintenance kits with all the parts included are a plus.
What else you should know about hobby train diesel locomotives
1. What are the different types of diesel locomotives?
There are four main types of diesel locomotives: diesel-electric, diesel-hydraulic, diesel-mechanical, and diesel-electric-hydraulic.
2. How do diesel locomotives work?
Diesel locomotives work by using a diesel engine to power an electric generator, which in turn powers electric motors that turn the wheels.
3. What are the benefits of diesel locomotives?
There are several benefits to diesel locomotives, including:
1. They are more fuel efficient than their electric counterparts, resulting in lower operating costs.
2. They emit less pollution, making them more environmentally friendly.
3. They require less maintenance than electric locomotives, further reducing operating costs.
4. They are more versatile than electric locomotives, able to operate in a variety of environments and on a variety of track types.
4. What are the drawbacks of diesel locomotives?
Diesel locomotives are more expensive to maintain than electric locomotives. They also require more fuel, which can be a problem in areas where fuel is scarce.
5. How can I get started with diesel locomotives?
There are a few ways to get started with diesel locomotives. One way is to find a local railroad that offers diesel locomotive rides. Another way is to find a diesel locomotive model that you can operate. Finally, you can find a diesel locomotive simulator game that you can play.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best hobby train diesel locomotives. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best hobby train diesel locomotives will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.