Who's The Best In 1/29
I understand Nick's enthusium over USA products. I own both Aristo and USAT. I have a Big Boy and a Hudson, which I shamefully use to pull my USA Daylight consist when The PA's are Being serviced.
There is something about a Die cast Steam Loco, with the detail and Fidelity that USA delivers which I feel make them the Premier for Steam Models. So for Steam you have to tip your stripped hat to USAT. I think Aristo has capitulated that also and is filling needs at a more cost consciensious approch with thier units. If you look at this approch, it is one of the Hallmarks of this scale which makes it the leader fot Large Scale Mainline. It has even drawn in Accucraft with thier AML line to produce in 1/29.
The plastic Diesel line is a toss up. Both have thier stong points and until the GP-38, GP-40, GP-60 race began we had very liitle crossover. I'll probably buy a GP-60 as I have the 40, But I have three GP-38's because they were out first and at the time the first modern diesel. I don't think Aristo was smart with the GP-40 and ALM is even farther down the same path with a GP-60. The locos just are not different enought to generate additional sales or multiple purchases. The Dash 9 was brilliant in timing and quality upgrade.
Passenger cars, USAT, No Debate! Unless your name is Sproket and you run European prototype!
Freight. USAT is the MFG who raised the bar with thier ultimate series, Aristo answered with roller bearing rotaing caps. USTA made an Alum. Tank Car. USAT has wider range of modern cars. I think USAT has a good lead here.
Who's the best? Well if you look at the the top models of the Scale, this award would go to USAT. Aristo may have the award for value within the scale for it's lower cost offerings. We all who chose to invest in 1/29 have benifited in the competion of these two companies and I thing they have also. It will be intresting to see if Marklin/LGB or Bachmann makes a valid attempt to enter 1/29.
Pete
