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I think Bachmann have a good product in their cheap 8-wheel drive diesels - the GP40/GP50 and FT, for example. These are actually very good locos despite the prejudice some hold against Bachmann. They're a fraction of the cost of even Athearn BB locos, they have a good can motor (the same type as fitted to their UK diesel locos, which is felt by the model press to be one of the finest motors out there) and run smoothly and quietly despite the lack of flywheels. Body detailing is good if a little basic (nice handrails - fine and correctly-shaped), but you can add the other details for a little more time and outlay, the fact that the mechanism and body shape are good makes them an excellent first detailing project. For a little more you can have them with a DCC decoder factory fitted, the extra cost is less than the price of a decoder alone. I'd have been very happy with one of these as a first loco, I'm not sure how robust they are but at that low price they can be replaced in the event of a mauling from a pet or younger sibling. If you've not seen one of these in action, give one a chance. They're a lot better than the cheap and nasty trainset locos.
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