If you're looking for a new ho csx locomotive , you've probably noticed how much that iconic blue and gold scheme stands out on a layout. There is just some thing about a long range of freight vehicles being pulled simply by a couple of "Dark Future" GEVOs which makes a model railroad feel true. Whether you're a lifelong fan of the "How Tomorrow Moves" era or you've got a soft spot for the older Chessie Program heritage that nevertheless peeks through on some patches, CSX is one of individuals railroads that provides the ton of range for modelers.
Deciding on the best engine isn't always about simply grabbing the first one you discover within the shelf. You've got to think about the era you're modeling, how much detail you're in fact ready to pay intended for, and whether you want the issue to scream straight down the tracks along with full-blown 16-bit sound or just hum along quietly in the background.
Why CSX Is Such a Popular Selection
Honestly, the main reason many of us end up getting a ho csx locomotive in our collection is the sheer reach associated with the railroad. When you live anywhere in the Eastern United States, you see all of them everywhere. They've got an enormous variety of power, through the sturdy SD70AHs to the perky little GP38-2s that still work the particular local yards.
Another thing is definitely the paint techniques. Most people contact the current look "Dark Future" (YN3), but collectors still go crazy with regard to the "Bright Future" (YN2) look from the 90s using the grey, blue, and yellow. If you're into "patch" jobs, CSX is such as a gold quarry. You will discover engines that were formerly Conrail, Seaboard, or Chessie with just a fast spray-over and a few new numbers. It provides so much character to a layout you should definitely every engine appears to be it just rolled out associated with the wash rack.
Finding the particular Right Brand with regard to Your Budget
When you begin looking for a good ho csx locomotive , you're going in order to run into a few big names. Based on how much you wish to spend, the particular experience could be quite different.
ScaleTrains: The Gold Standard
If you've got this intended for it, the ScaleTrains "Rivet Counter" series is probably mainly because good as this gets right now. Their CSX Tier 4 GEVOs (the ET44AH) are truthfully insane. The fine detail on the top, the transparent grilles, and the particular tiny little printing—even the warning labels—are crisp enough in order to read with a magnifying glass.
They also do a "Museum Quality" line, yet for most of us, the Rivet Counter will be the sweet spot. They weigh a ton, too, which will be perfect for pulling long trains up the grade without the particular wheels slipping. If you want the ho csx locomotive that seems like a superior part of machinery, this is where you look.
Athearn Genesis
Athearn has been in the game forever, and their Genesis line is a staple for a reason. Their SD70ACe models in CSX livery are wonderful. One thing Athearn does really nicely is the lighting. They usually include terrain lights and lighted number boards that will actually look right.
I've always found that will Athearn engines have a certain "heft" and also a very smooth engine. If you're searching for an older ho csx locomotive , such as an SD40-2 or a GP40-2, Athearn's tooling is usually just right for the specific phases and vents that CSX used on their EMD fleet.
Walthers Mainline and Proto
Walthers is a bit of a combined bag, but within an excellent way. Their "Mainline" series is ideal if you desire a solid, dependable ho csx locomotive but don't want to fall $300 on the single unit. They're a bit even more "rugged, " meaning they don't have quite as numerous fragile plastic parts that might crack off if you're actually running your own trains a lot. However, their "Proto" series has incredible detail and will be usually targeted at even more serious collectors.
The Different Liveries and Eras
One of the fun components of collecting an ho csx locomotive is maintaining track of most the different "YN" (Yellow Nose) strategies.
- YN1: This was the original, mostly greyish with blue plus yellow trim. It's pretty rare to see these on the rails now, however they look great if you're modeling the late 80s.
- YN2 (Bright Future): This is the one many people think of when they think of 90s railroading. The particular grey body with the yellow nose and blue best. It's a vintage look.
- YN3 (Dark Future): The existing regular. It's a serious navy blue with yellow accents. It's a very sharp, professional-looking scheme that looks great on modern wide-cab models.
- Traditions Units: Recently, CSX has been releasing heritage units that commemorate the old railroads that formed them, like B& U, C& O, and L& N. Getting a ho csx locomotive in one of such "one-off" plans is a great way to add a "railfan" moment to your own layout.
DCC and Sound: Is definitely it Worthwhile?
Most modern ho csx locomotive models come along with the choice for "DCC Ready" or "DCC with Sound. " If you're nevertheless running DC, a person can save some money, but man, you're missing out.
There is usually nothing quite like hearing the excellent mover of the GENERAL ELECTRIC GEVO notch up as it begins to pull. Most high-end CSX models use ESU Loksound or even Tsunami2 decoders. These types of aren't just common "train noises. " They're recorded in the actual engines. You will get the distinct "whoosh" of the powerful brakes and the particular specific "clang" of the bell that CSX uses. It makes the whole pastime feel much even more immersive.
Suggestions for Weathering Your own CSX Engines
If you need your ho csx locomotive to look like it's actually been working for a living, you're going to want in order to weather it. CSX engines aren't identified for being the cleanest on the rails. They tend to get a lots of "road grime" along the bottom of the particular fuel tanks plus the trucks.
A light clean of grimy dark or raw umber over the trucks can definitely make the molded details take. For the roof, you'll want to add some soot about the exhaust piles. Since a lot of CSX territory involves coal country, a little bit of fossil fuel dust (using powders) on the walkways can go a long way for making the model sense authentic. Just don't go overboard—sometimes a small amount of "road wear" much more convincing than an engine that appears like it sat in a swamp for ten years.
Building the Realistic Consist
When you're running your ho csx locomotive , try to mix up. CSX is famous intended for "motive power mashups. " It's completely normal to discover a brand brand-new ET44AH paired along with a battered older SD40-2 or even a rented unit from CITX or GECX.
Within the model world, this gives you an excuse to purchase different brands and types of motors. You don't require a matched pair of identical models. In fact, getting one unit in the YN3 system and another within the YN2 structure looks way even more realistic. It shows a tale of the railroad that's continuously evolving and taking advantage of every piece of products they've got in order to get the job done.
Final Thoughts
All in all, adding a ho csx locomotive to your roster is of a rite of passing for many modelers. Whether or not you're into the high-tech modern enemies or the traditional EMD workhorses, there's a model out there for you personally. Just remember to verify the detail amounts, consider whether you want sound, and most importantly, have a great time watching that glowing blue and yellow snake its way through your scenery. It's an excellent hobby, and there's no better way to enjoy it as opposed to the way with some solid CSX power leading the way.