Best Plastic Steam Engine Manufacturer

[Anonymous]

I've been dying to buy a steam engine for my layout. To date, I only have bought diesels engines and I feel pretty comfortable picking a quality engine out of the current manufacturers. I own Atlas, Kato and Stewart engines.

I've never bought a steam engine, so I could use some advice on which of the current plastic manufacturers builds the best steam engine. I see the Like Like, Athearn, and Bachman all make moderately priced engines. The reason I specify plastic is for cost purposes, brass is definitely out of my price range.

Any suggestions, with what you paid for them would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Steam can be tricky & expensive.

What's your budget? What's your radius? The Bachmann Spectrum line has been improving up to $ two something for the 2-6-6-2.

Athearn has a few genesis, the light pacific & mikado but they have traction imbalance problems up to $90.00

P2K ($300.00)has a good reputation and Rivarossi has great improvements on the Allegheny ($350.00)and new FEF-3($150.00) versus the older releases.

Not up to speed on the broadway.

[Anonymous]

Spectrum and Rivarossi are good ways to go. P2K is good, too.

I own a Bachmann 0-6-0: Surprisingly quiet but lacks detail.

A Spectrum Light Mountain 4-8-2: quiet and a good puller. Detailed, too.

And a Rivarossi FEF-3: By far the best steamer out there. Detailed, smooth, quiet, pulls like a Semi truck, and for $150.00, it's the best steamer out there by far. Takes 18" curves as well as 22"s with ease.

[Anonymous]

For price comparisons take a look at the Trainworld ad in ModelRailroader.

They should be 20% to 30% higher at LHS, depending upon how much if any they discount.

When you zero in on a particular model come on back and post before you buy.
We have a wealth of experience, knowledge & wisdom.

[Anonymous]

I would be willing to spend up to $150. My minimum layout radius is 22". I would consider spending more money if there was truely a quality difference between a $150 and $300 plastic.

[AggroJones]

A really hard steamer at $150 is the Rivarossi FEF-3. If you like massive, long steam, this is for you. Awesome in every way. Plently powerful, smooth running, silent, and can take well laid 22" radius. Its alot of bang for your buck. Check Trainworld or FirstHobby.

[Anonymous]

Bachmann I got a couple of 4-8-4s and they are the best

[orsonroy]

The three best manufacturers for high quality plastic steam are P2K, BLI and Bachmann Spectrum. Where those three manufacturers are placed in ranking is all up to your own personal preferences. My observations on each manufacturer's products (I own some of each):

Bachmann Spectrum: the best steam on a budget. If you look hard enough you can find their 2-8-0 for something like $55, and it's one of the best plastic steamers on the market. They pull well, are DCC-ready, and have seperately-applied details. They also make the largest steam line (BLI is catching up fast though). The only problem I have with Bachmann Spectrum engines is in the fact that they are "generic" engines: they're all either stock USRA or catalog engines. Because of this, they actually don't match any one real prototype, or at best do for only a short period of time that virtually no one models. But since they're plastic, it's very easy to superdetail and kitba***hem.

Life Like P2K: These are extremely well done engines. The first three releases (2-8-8-2, 0-8-0 and 0-6-0) are VERY nice. The USRA switchers are the best models of these engines ever produced, brass included. Their newest engine, the AMC 2-8-4, has had some teething issues, but is still a very nice, prototype-specific model. You can't really go wrong with a P2K steamer.

BLI: if you have DCC and ANY interest in steam with sound, these are the engines to buy. Every BLI steam release, with the exception of the USRA heavy mike, is specific to a single road's engine. Their prototype fidelity is the best on the market. They also run very well. And, they have a sound system that runs on both DC and DCC. They are the most expensive of the three manufacturers, but you can find the USRA heavy 2-8-2 for about $175.

I'm a steam nut. I also model based on the prototype. Therefore, I buy engines based on my "needs". That's why I have engines from all three of these manufacturers (and others). If you only want ONE steamer, I'd suggest buying a BLI USRA 2-8-2. I've found that steam without sound is pretty dull, and if you only want one steamer, it might as well have all the "bells and whistles". If it's a bit rich for your blood, I'd spring for the Bachmann 2-8-0. It can be found for as little as $55 (Ebay or Trainworld), will run superbly, and will easily negotiate bad trackwork or tight curves.

[Anonymous]

I own the Spectrum HW Mountain, Two Riv FEFs and one Riv Allegheny.

I do not own the P2K 2-8-8-2 but understand it enjoys a great reputation.

Master modeler Nigel from this forum stands behind this model and I
believe he has a few of them.


N I G E L, chime in here please and join Ray in his evaluation

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy

The three best manufacturers for high quality plastic steam are P2K, BLI and Bachmann Spectrum. Where those three manufacturers are placed in ranking is all up to your own personal preferences. My observations on each manufacturer's products (I own some of each):

Bachmann Spectrum: the best steam on a budget. If you look hard enough you can find their 2-8-0 for something like $55, and it's one of the best plastic steamers on the market. They pull well. I'd spring for the Bachmann 2-8-0. It can be found for as little as $55 (Ebay or Trainworld), will run superbly, and will easily negotiate bad trackwork or tight curves.

Nice review in June 98 MR and in all these years have never seen one complaint.

[Anonymous]

The June 04 MR edition reviews the Bachmann 2-6-6-2

[Anonymous]

I've posted about buying the Proto 2000 steam switchers, and have heard nothing but nice things about them. If you are just looking for a "regular" (read: General Service)steamer, I'd go with the BLI Mikado 2-8-2 or the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation.

[nfmisso]

Hi Chuck;

I really like my seven P2K 2-8-8-2; and Trainworld has some version under $200. My Spectrum 2-6-6-2 is great too, and about the same price.

I have "plastic" steam from the following importers: BLI, Spectrum, P2K, and Rivarossi. With Rivarossi's current business situation, I would be very hesitant to recommend one to anyone not comfortable with no manufacturer support.

Like Ray, on a budget, first steamer, the Spectrum 2-8-0 is unbeatable. The Spectrum 2-10-0, and 4-6-0 are close behind. These three are $100 and less at Trainworld.

For a bit more, add the Spectrum 4-8-2 and three truck Shay, P2K 0-6-0 and 0-8-0.

At the $200 level, the Spectrum 2-6-6-2, P2K 2-8-8-2 and BLI Heavy USRA 2-8-2.

Going higher, there are other BLI locomotives. I have heard nothing but good things about the Trix locomotives, but they are $$$$$.

If you are good with your hands, and want to try a kit, one of the smaller Bowser models are great.

[Anonymous]

Guys,

I agree with most of what has been said already. I would say of all the locos that I own BLI, P2K and Spectrum, the P2k 2-8-8-2 is the smoothest of them all. It really does run great and at around $200.00, it's an excellent deal.

I think another consideration is what railroad and era are you modeling??? Maybe you might want double headed 2-8-0's instead of an articulated?? If you are modeling West coast, then you might want to consider the vandy tenders for the 2-8-0's or the oil burning shay...more bucks would be the BLI cab forward or wait for the BLI ATSF.

My 2 cents,

Guy

[Anonymous]

All you steam fence sitters, it doesn't get any better than this. All hands on experience modelers. Hit the print key.

[Eriediamond]

dgoodlander, Cannot add much more than has already been said, except to hit on two things. Steam era engines were like modern diesels, in that they were designed and built for more or less specific jobs and this should be kept in mind. I agree the 4-8-4's and those huge articulateds are a sight but would not be used as locals on branch lines as a rule. I have several steam locos, but I try to purchase for my Erie layout and have examples from Bachmann, Rivarossi and others. I do not operate with DCC, so I can't give an opion on that end of it, however would like to say that my experience with Rivarossi, is that they do put out a good quality engine, but some work must be done to convert them to knuckle type couplers. Not to scare you, but steam engines do require a little more work on the maintainance end of things but not hard once you learn it. Hope this helps you, Ken

[Anonymous]

Um, Eriediamond, don't Rivarossi's come with knuckles? My FEF-3 came with EZ mates attached.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

Um, Eriediamond, don't Rivarossi's come with knuckles? My FEF-3 came with EZ mates attached.

Not always, they used to come with horn-hooks, but they recently started to come with E-Z's. unfortunatly, you'd best buy all the Rivarossi's you can afford now, since what's out there is the last of the line. Rivarossi went bancrupt several months ago and Hornby is attempting to buy the Rivarossi line from the Italian governement, and that endeavor could take years.

Stick to BLI, PK2, and bachmann Spectrum, in that order. if you want a truely good looking steam engine, then I'd throw MDC/Roundhouse and IHC in the mix, although not the best runners but they do look better than Spectrum or PK2's.

Jay

[Fergmiester]

For me I would rate Rivarossi No1 (New Allegheny & FEF-3) P2K Heritage 2nd (2-8-4) Athearn Genisis 3rd (2-8-2). As far as I'm concerned the jury is still out on the Bachmann Spectrum line as I have two (2-8-0 and a 4-6-2 K4) and though they are highly detailed the gear is starting to wear and thwe other has several loose rods, which detract from the operation of the model.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NTDN

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

Um, Eriediamond, don't Rivarossi's come with knuckles? My FEF-3 came with EZ mates attached.

Rivarossi went bancrupt several months ago and Hornby is attempting to buy the Rivarossi line from the Italian governement, and that endeavor could take years.


Jay

Lima, the parent company went into liquidation during the summer 2003.

According to one of our modelers in Berkshire UK,"Hornby plc in the UK has made an offer for all the lima assets, including the Rivarossi, Arnold and Pocher brands.

Subject to approval of Lima's creditors, the court and no other offers being accepted, the process of approval may take up to nine months from 5 March 04.

[Anonymous]

why not buy a used metal steam engine
-anima [?]

[joseph2]

Older Bachmann Spectums and Athearns have a dummy coupler on the pilot,might not have standard coupler boxes.

[orsonroy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by anima

why not buy a used metal steam engine
-anima [?]

Lots of reasons. Older metal engines aren't as finely detailed as new plastic, don't have very good slow speed control, and might need extensive repair/cleaning/painting to get them to run and look nice. While the POTENTIAL for metal steamers is about the same for the newer plastic engines, it takes a whole lot more work to get them to the same levels.

About the only thing metal steam does better than new plastic is pull, but we're talking about 20 cars versus 70. Since most layouts can't support trains longer than the 20-30 cars plastic steam can pull, you don't need the metal dinosaurs roaming around unless you really like 'em!