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I'm toying with the idea of buying a new locomotive in N gauge, mostly because I'm interested in seeing whether and, if so, how they have improved in the last few years.
I have all sorts of things in mind, but rather fancy something Swiss, to make a change from my largely German collection. For some time, I have had in mind Kato's Re460, based on rave reviews I read some years ago. Unfortunately, I don't believe they can still be obtained in UK, although still available in USA, at a small premium. Since then, of course Fleischmann has also started to install flywheels in most of its locos and now I am in something of a quandary as to which maker to favour with my lolly!
The only Swiss Kato I can readily locate in UK at the moment are variations on the Re 6/6, which Fleischmann doesn't make, so Fleischmann options for me would be an Re4/4 or an Re 481, assuming I can actually find them in stock and at a sensible price, that is!
Kato Re 460 - acknowledgements Eurolokshop
Kato Re 6/6 - acknowledgements Eurolokshop
Fleischmann Re 4/4 - acknowledgements Fleischmann
Fleischmann Re 481 - acknowledgements Fleischmann
Both manufacturers have a really excellent reputation for performance and quality. But does anyone here have any direct experience of their latest products or, even without hands-on experience, any comments to make or opinon to share?
Any experience with Fleischmann flywheel locos of any description?
Perhaps even alternatives to suggest?
I have all sorts of things in mind, but rather fancy something Swiss, to make a change from my largely German collection. For some time, I have had in mind Kato's Re460, based on rave reviews I read some years ago. Unfortunately, I don't believe they can still be obtained in UK, although still available in USA, at a small premium. Since then, of course Fleischmann has also started to install flywheels in most of its locos and now I am in something of a quandary as to which maker to favour with my lolly!
The only Swiss Kato I can readily locate in UK at the moment are variations on the Re 6/6, which Fleischmann doesn't make, so Fleischmann options for me would be an Re4/4 or an Re 481, assuming I can actually find them in stock and at a sensible price, that is!
Kato Re 460 - acknowledgements Eurolokshop

Kato Re 6/6 - acknowledgements Eurolokshop

Fleischmann Re 4/4 - acknowledgements Fleischmann

Fleischmann Re 481 - acknowledgements Fleischmann

Both manufacturers have a really excellent reputation for performance and quality. But does anyone here have any direct experience of their latest products or, even without hands-on experience, any comments to make or opinon to share?
Any experience with Fleischmann flywheel locos of any description?
Perhaps even alternatives to suggest?