Ragleth or Leader?

D

davecar

Registered
Hi all,

About to take the plunge into live steam. I have R1 Pico curves on my track and unable (and probably unwilling) to replace them, so I am limited in the choice of model.
Now torn between the Aristocraft Ragleth and the Leader, the remote control version. Both models have a waiting list and this loco is a present for me to mark my retirement from work. The Leader is approximately £200 dearer and the Ragleth for the price is a very nice looking loco and both I understand can cope with R1 curves.
Any helpful hints to help me decide?

Kind regards,

Dave
 
I saw a Leader running at a garden meeting a week or so back.
It was manual, and impressively smooth, steady running.
Looked good too!
 
I have a Ragleth (RC) which is my first live steamer (now fully converted to the dark side). I have found it a joy to run and easy to operate. That said im just about to order a Leader:thumbup:. The only problem with either loco is what colour to choose.
 
They are both good running locos and good value, I wouldn't put anyone off either of them.

One thing to remember is beacuse Leader is a prototypical scale model the boiler is a little smaller than Ragleth and thus requires the water to be topped up at least once during a running session. Leader is fitted with a water gauge so you can see where your are. This isn't a problem but is one extra vital task for a novice to remember to do.

Ragleth is more simple to operate in that one boiler full of water will outlast one tank of gas and therefore you can't get this vital aspect of running wrong.

Happy steamings,

John
 
Do you want radio control? Ragleth is very easy to fit single channel radio to, and with the assistance of this 'ere forum not too difficult to fit twin channel to either. Leader is much harder so I am led to believe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top