I am in N Scale

I am in N Scale and since I model 1900, I have steamers exclusively.

My best runner by far is a Bachmann 2-8-0. Seconded by the Atlas 2-6-0 and Bachmann 4-6-0.

The Model Power 4-4-0 and 2-6-0 are not bad, but true to the prototype, they do not pull alot. LOL

I have some of the old Bachmann 4-4-0 and while they may look good, only 2 of 5 still run and they never ran that well to begin with.

As for rolling stock, Micro-Trains and Atlas seem to be the best, with old Roundhouse stock coming in second.

Thanks Will,  I've picked up

Thanks Will,  I've picked up a couple of different brands off ebay so I can compare but there's nothing better then the vioce of experience.

Brands

I think you won't get too much argument that Atlas and Kato are top brands as far as performance and quality for locos.  Bowser, Bachmann Spectrum and Athearn Genesis are generally pretty good, too.  The regular Bachmann has improved, though some still don't like them.  Current regular Athearn, Walthers and Intermountain are generally decent running locos, but with less detail.  Atlas Trainman is a line of the same quality of run but with fewer details.  Model Power is generally the lowest end.  Trueline Trains and Rapido have some Canadian prototype locos that are excellent as well.  MTH looks good, but I've never run one so I can't really say what they are like.  I'm sure others will chime in.  

My advice (from experience) is do some visual comparisons and then compare prices at different shops and online.  Some shops sell at MSRP or higher and have dead stock, so make sure you're getting good bang for your buck (ie. do your research).  

You can get a Bachmann, Atlas Trainman, Athearn or Walthers for $50-70, all the way up to over $300 for some DCC/sound equipped locos (or even more for steam locos).  Its quite likely if you aren't picky about details, you're better off with the Atlas Trainman, Athearn, Bachmann or Walthers.  You haven't mentioned DC or DCC, so I'm assuming DC as well.

Hope that gives you a starting point to ask some more questions.  Never be afraid to ask questions.

Thanks, Dave... I'm gonna

Thanks, Dave...

I'm gonna look into the atlas line.  What is your opinion on Kadee?

Buying local here in NY city is almost out of the question.  I really only buy local if I need something right away.  Everything is so much more then what i can find on-line.

I'm narrowing down on a firm plan as to what I want to do.  I've been doing a lot of research and I think I'm going to do something with the NYC line.  I want to model the 1950's to 1960's, end of steam, start of diesel era.  I want to freelance it and not zone in on any particular area.  My main goal her is to entertain my grandsons interest in trains.

I see NYC used Niagaras, Hudsons and Mohawk (Mountain) steam locos.  From what I'm reading though they were used mostly for passenger service but i wanted to do more of an industrial layout.  I also read that they used class H loco;s  and 0-8-0 switchers so I may look into that.

A lot to learn and a lot of decisions ahead lol.,

Become a mechanic

While learning about the different brands will make a huge difference, in the end nothing help mote than learning how to make your models run well.  With some fairly simple skills, tools and parts, you can make almost any car look good and run well.  Plus, you'll get a lot more satisfaction knowing that you've done the work yourself.

I agree, Ken and that is in

I agree, Ken and that is in my agenda and in fact, in progress.  Just waiting for the parts and tools to get here

I always do this...  when i got my first Harley I spent as much time working/modifying it as i did riding, lol.  Still do, too, lol.

On the question of making the

On the question of making the cars look good...

I see a lot of freight/work cars that to my untrained eye look exactly alike or with very little difference other then maybe the wrong number or line name.  Would it be considered over the top to modify these cars by changing numbers or line name to make it fit my era and line preference?

Since you are in NYC

Have you tried visiting Trainworld?  I was in LI (Farmingdale) for a while on business, and stopped by there now and then, found a few clearance-priced goodies, even some Proto steamers. 

Model Power happens to be based in Farmingdale, but no bargains on their items in the in-office outlet, and aside from their metal ore cars, sold nothing I was otherwise interested in.  Their earlier efforts were often of questionable quality and authenticity.