Recommendations for a Two-Motor O-Gauge Diesel Locomotive

[Gulf Oil]

I have a modest O-gauge layout consisting of two loops, one loop running CW, the other loop running CCW. One is a freight train, the other a work train. All rolling stock is Lionel-issue. Each train is powered by its own transformer (conventional transformer control mode). 

The freight train is hauled by a Pennsylvania RR GG1 electric locomotive (Lionel 2340), which because it has two motors, is able to pull a long line of cars. The work train has fewer cars, and is hauled by my boyhood Lionel steam locomotive (Lionel 2026).

I wish to obtain a diesel locomotive with the same pulling power as the GG1 (viz., two motors) so that I can switch it off with the GG1.

I really like the profile of The Virginian (Lionel 2331), which I believe is modeled after the H-24-66 (aka, The Trainmaster), but I am not wedded to any particular line.

I welcome recommendations as to which engines to seek out (including Lionel, as well as non-Lionel sourced manufacturers). Please offer your suggestions and I will determine what is in my price range.

Thank you.

Gulf Oil

 

[lionelsoni]

O31 or O27?

[Flintlock76]

deleted 

[Flintlock76]

Higher-end Lionel diesels are all two motor, so are all the MTH and Williams by Bachmann diesels, although the Williams line is pretty thin at this point.  You might have some luck looking for "New Old Stock" Williams products which are conventional control only, but good value for the money.  

All I've mentioned are 031 radius curve engines, but some may handle 027 curves, check with the manufacturer's specs.  The specs should also tell you whether they're twin or single motor.

 

If you don't have any hobby shops locally try these folks, they've still got a pretty good stock of Williams on hand, if that's the way you want to go.  

http://www.trainworld.com  

[stuartmit]

You can run the 2343 series diesels through 027 curves and all  (or almost all) #1122 027 switches made thorugh the 50's. I just checked Olsens, and they have a reproduction of 1122 instructions which state that "larger" locos wil go through, and I know my 2344 will. Further,  I believe my Lackawanna Trainmaster does gio through as well. So for traditional lionel diesel twin motor models, size doesnt matter. There are some 1600 number steamers  are troubled by the guard rails, according to Lionel's 1122 literature, but you are not raising the issue of steamers. I have had trouble with my 736, but NOT my 773  or 2046.

[stuartmit]

You can run the 2343 series diesels through 027 curves and all  (or almost all) #1122 027 switches made thorugh the 50's. I just checked Olsens, and they have a reproduction of 1122 instructions which state that "larger" locos wil go through, and I know my 2344 will. Further,  I believe my Lackawanna Trainmaster does gio through as well. So for traditional lionel diesel twin motor models, size doesnt matter. There are some 1600 number steamers  are troubled by the guard rails, according to Lionel's 1122 literature, but you are not raising the issue of steamers. I have had trouble with my 736, but NOT my 773  or 2046.