I recommend the new Baldwin 4-6-0 from Williams by Bachmann. They had one running on their dealer display, at York. It's handling a train up a grade is what impressed me most.
A Williams engine will be a good choice if you don't want very much smoke.
A better choice, but more expensive would be a Lionchief Plus engine. Good smoke, whistle and a remote.
"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks
Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC) - Detroit3railers- Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS
plenty of good priced locomotives out there, what is your idea of reasonably priced? Good amount of Postwar for good prices.
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Around $200? I'd have to echo what LL675 said and recommend going post-war. For example, about a week ago I picked up a nice Lionel 2055 Hudson (circa 1953-1955) for $185, cleaned up and restored with smoke and the old-fashioned air whistle. Runs great too!
Keep in mind with all the things the current generation locomotives can do the prices on post-war units are starting to drop, there's less demand for them. OK, the "mint-in-the-box" stuff can still command heavy prices, but the "used-but-not-abused" units are getting pretty reasonable. The only thing you won't get are bell sounds but if Lionel ever decides to reissue the "Steam Sounds" tender you can have those too.
The other option is to visit train shows and look for used current generation locomotives. I've gotten some pretty good deals in the $200 range, more-or-less. Quite honestly, I have a problem paying close to $400 for a new steamer. I COULD, but that's a lot of money for a toy, if you know what I mean.
One last thing: Fifedog mentioned the Williams 4-6-0. I've seen them, they're nice engines. Williams also makes a semi-scale Hudson that's a nice-looking engine as well and has the whistle and bell, plus smoke, although Williams engines don't smoke as much as the fan-driven units on other makes and models. I don't own a Williams Hudson but I've got two of their Berkshires (no longer available) and they're good runners. Check CTT's advertisers selling Williams and I'm sure you'll find they're quite reasonable as far as prices are concerned.
I should add I've got a 4x8 layout and run conventional. With a small layout I don't see the need for exotic features like TMCC or DCS, so those features aren't a factor in my purchase decision making.
Last year, I bought a Lionel GN 0-8-0 at Nassau Hobby for $99. Loved it, still one of my favorite engines to run. Great sound (not too loud, just right), whistle and bell and a nice running engine. The non-scale size ones tend to go for cheaper and some can be had in full sets for under $100. I bought a #2054 small Hudson last year, I forget exactly how much I paid for it, under $150, probably $125. Easily one of my favorite engines to run. The classic 2-6-4 of the postwar era, I have one, great runner. Got it in a complete set for $99. The 2-6-4 #221, the Baby Dreyfuss is another one, love it, so cute and sleek at the same time. Paid around $100-125 for it. If you can find one with an intact NYC decal on the tender, grab it! You might want to look at some of the higher end MPC era steamers. The first small hudson I ever bought was an MPC engine, once I finally disabled the sound of steam (which was difficult, even unplugging the tender, it would still go on...I just never found the sound itself very pleasing to the ear), it seemed like a post war engine. My new loco is a D&H prairie that uses the post war 2-6-4 shell. Might be too "low end" for you, and honestly I don't like the whistle that much, but I do like the Lionel docksiders.
At $200 Williams/Bachman is about all your going to get. However, older TMCC locomotives from Lionel can be had close to that amount. Try an eBay search for "Lionel TMCC" There are many really nice older but modern locomotives reasonably close to your price range. A TMCC Hudson like new in the box can be had for around $250.
Mike, lately at train meets, I've been seeing a lot of brand new Lionel steam engines from set break-ups. This past show you could have bought 2 new engines for $200.
" I have about 10 lower end locos and am looking to get a few more. "
I can't afford any of the new O gauge stuff either. I'm partial to Marx for low-end locos. A smoking 666 or 1666 are some of the best deals around. $200 will bag you about 5 or 6 more engines for your collection!
Great! And good hunting!
PS: The thrill of the hunt is half the fun!
I love my postwar Lionel and American Flyer engines, and most can be had, in great condition, for $100.-$200. The Lionels smoke better than the few newer ones I own. At this point, in my old age, I could afford any engine I chose, but I could not cope with a expensive engine going to H on me...and no, I don't like to fix stuff.
You know Joe in the past year I've aquired two post-war Lionel steamers, a 2018 2-6-4 and a 2055 4-6-4 Hudson, and you know for some reason I'm having more fun with those old-timers than with the new stuff I've got.
Why? Who knows? Nostalgia? Memories of Christmas past? Beats me, but who cares? I'm havin' FUN!
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