Dominion Atlantic Railway Thank-you for all the replies and thoughts.What kind of a reputation do the IHC steam locos have? From the looks of things I may have to find more cash to get a loco with the fictures I want.A front Kadee coupler is mandatory.Not sure many, if any of the locos spoken of so far are capable of that.Perhaps the Bachmann 2-8-0,spoken of above has this feature.
Thank-you for all the replies and thoughts.What kind of a reputation do the IHC steam locos have?
From the looks of things I may have to find more cash to get a loco with the fictures I want.A front Kadee coupler is mandatory.Not sure many, if any of the locos spoken of so far are capable of that.Perhaps the Bachmann 2-8-0,spoken of above has this feature.
The Bachmann ALCO 2-6-0 has a working front coupler. It is a plastic "Kadee Clone" that can be replaced with a #5 or #148. The Athearn 2-8-2 can be converted to have a working Kadee on the front. The 2-8-0 has a working front coupler.
If you install a metal coupler in some steam locomotives, you need to check for continuity between the coupler and the rails. I think BLI steam has this issue (the part of the frame where the coupler attaches is hot to one rail. This will only manifest itself as a problem (short circuit) if you were to couple two locomtives together front to front (accidentally or intentionally).
Recently found a Bachmann Spectrum Decapod at a train show for $85. Found a Light 4-8-2 at a different train show for $115. Both were in somewhat poor condition. The 2-10-0 requires a new main drive gear (bachmann had a set of drivers in stock for $18. The 4-8-2 had quite a bit of corrosion/dirt on the wheels, axles side rods, the bell, etc. I have been able to get it running satisfactorily.
If you happen to be in the northeast part of the US, or within driving distance, you might consider checking out the Amherst Railway Society Train show in Springfield Massachusetts in 2 weeks. If you cant find it there it probably doesnt exist (this is where I picked up the Light 4-8-2).
I agree about the Bachmann spectrum engines. I have a 4-8-0 and a 4-4-0 that are great. The IHC run great but are a bit light on their feet. I also don't care much for the molded details.
For what it's worth, I'm pretty happy with my Bachmann Spectrum engines. They aren't CN, but they run well and sound and look terriffic. I've taken one steam engine and re-badged it to the Milwaukee just with decals. Close enough for me.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
ACY (Tom), my comment was addressed to the first statement posed by the poster just before me, above. He asked about IHC, not the Bachmann steamers of any description. However, I wasn't clear about that. By the time you read this, I'll have edited my comment to reflect my orientation. Thanks for pointing it out to me.
-Crandell
gmpullman I'll update if I find them, they make a big difference in giving your engine the C-N Family "Look".
Miniatures By Eric...
http://miniatures-by-eric.myshopify.com/products/n3-cnr-steam-number-board
Happy Modeling! Ed.
selector Their price, despite their increasing rarity, is a reflection of their generic nature, few details, almost certainly no correct details and characteristics, unless you are highly adept at cut and paste...with styrene or metal detail parts. I had one labeled for the White Pass & Yukon Route. It ran very well, although I didn't put a lot of 'miles' on it before it tumbled off newly made spline roadbed and damaged the valve gear. It ran after a local man repaired it as best he could, but eventually his repair failed and I removed its Tsunami decoder. In summary, they are low cost because they are basic, must appeal to a broad range of not-very-picky sticklers for detail, but they do run well.
Their price, despite their increasing rarity, is a reflection of their generic nature, few details, almost certainly no correct details and characteristics, unless you are highly adept at cut and paste...with styrene or metal detail parts.
I had one labeled for the White Pass & Yukon Route. It ran very well, although I didn't put a lot of 'miles' on it before it tumbled off newly made spline roadbed and damaged the valve gear. It ran after a local man repaired it as best he could, but eventually his repair failed and I removed its Tsunami decoder.
In summary, they are low cost because they are basic, must appeal to a broad range of not-very-picky sticklers for detail, but they do run well.
I assume you're talking about the most recent Bachmann 2-8-0. There was an earlier one, based on a Reading prototype. The model is based on drawings for an IC 2-8-0, published in the MR Cyclopedia and published earlier in an issue of MR. The square IC sandbox was changed to something generic to make it more universally appealing. The revised sandbox looks something like a Russian Decapod sandbox to my eyes. The tender is pretty much USRA, which is close to the IC prototype. The details are otherwise pretty close to IC practice. Two prototype examples exist, one at Steamtown and one at Kirkwood, MO. I've never understood why I've never seen one of these models modified to correct IC appearance. It wouldn't be hard at all.
No, it's not quite CN, but it would probably be a good choice, and details can be changed to bring it closer if you wish. You might find one in or near your price range if you shop around. Chances are, you would need to reletter it from some other road name. Paint and decals are cheap.
Tom
[Edited to provide context]
The price of the IHC steamers, despite their increasing rarity, is a reflection of their generic nature, few details, almost certainly no correct details and characteristics, unless you are highly adept at cut and paste...with styrene or metal detail parts.
If you are not picky about prototypical appearance, do an ebay search for:
HO IHC Canadian
You may find something there that suits you.
A USRA-style Mikado can be made into a CNR loco without too much difficulty, as they owned quite a few originals and copies, too. Many got CNR-specific details, and a lot got various feedwater heaters and other appliances specific to CN practice. The one mostly likely available for around a hundred bucks would be the Athearn one.Many folks don't care for it: some had a problem with cracked gears (NWSL has good quality replacements), and all of them were not very good pullers, as they're poorly balanced.They are smooth runners, though, and can be made into decent pullers with some work. None of the six which I have had any problems with the gears.Here's one which I detailed and painted for a friend...
While the real 3736 didn't have an Elesco feedwater heater (he requested it, with full knowledge that it wasn't strictly prototype), many locos of the same class did, while others used Worthington BL heaters and some locos had none.To give any loco...well, not any....a CN appearance, that triangular number board and the drop-down-to-the-pilot handrails, plus a proper lettering job can go a long way.
The Bachmann Consolidation is similar in many ways, especially size, to a lot of classes of CNR 2-8-0s, and I have three that will be re-done as such. They are, however, pretty major make-overs. This one, done for another friend, is a stand-in, but not too far off the real one, an N-3-d. I moved the bell, made the triangular number board and added the handrails. If the air pump were lowered a bit, and the walkway over it removed, and a built-up coal bunker added to the tender, it would be a pretty acceptable stand-in to all but the fussiest rivet-counters...
The Bachmann Consolidations are smooth runners and good pullers, too. If you want to create a CNR locomotive, you'd be well-advised to look for photos of the prototypes. There are lots on-line, and paper ones and illustrated CNR books can be found at many train shows. From such photographs you can determine which affordable model steamers would provide the best starting point.
Wayne
IRONROOSTER If you go to model train stuff you can search on Canadian National. Among other things it will turn up a Bachmann 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 in your price range. Not sure if these are what you want or if they are even close to an actual CN locomotive. If you're not overly concerned about correctness, you could use any painted unlettered locomotive and put CN decals on it. In your price range, that may be your only option. Good luck Paul
If you go to model train stuff you can search on Canadian National. Among other things it will turn up a Bachmann 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 in your price range. Not sure if these are what you want or if they are even close to an actual CN locomotive.
If you're not overly concerned about correctness, you could use any painted unlettered locomotive and put CN decals on it. In your price range, that may be your only option.
Good luck
Paul
I second the 2-6-0 suggestion. CN did not have a 2-6-2. The 2-6-0 also got good reviews... The Mantua 4-6-2 is a good solid runner as well, you might be able to find one on Ebay...
Good luck and enjoy the shopping!
Simon
Dominion Atlantic Railway Up to now all my HO locos have been diesel.Been thinking of getting a steam Ho for Canadian National.Was thinking of spending $100.00 on one. Would like one with a front coupled that could use Kaydee couplers,in any wheel arrangement except 0,any number 0. Any one have an opinion on one or am I not in the real world?:) Any
Up to now all my HO locos have been diesel.Been thinking of getting a steam Ho for Canadian National.Was thinking of spending $100.00 on one.
Would like one with a front coupled that could use Kaydee couplers,in any wheel arrangement except 0,any number 0.
Any one have an opinion on one or am I not in the real world?:)
Any
If you thinking about spending about 100 for steam locomotive that Canadian national i would suggest looking for the old President choice train set locomotives the best ones would be the CNR set with the 2-10-2. They were going around for a 100 dollars back then when Loblaws was selling them. You can still find them around if you look on Ebay or Kijji. I ran into one not too long ago at a local hobby store that was a use CNR 6060 bullet nose betty they were asking for 120 for it.
http://www.kijiji.ca/b-ontario/presidents-choice-train-sets/k0l9004
As dknelson said,I shgould have given more information.
Does not have to be a perfect match.Most important is kaydee couplers use on front of loco and on the tender,no 0,any number,0 wheel arrangement and Canadian National markings.
Are the Bachmann and Manuta steam locos any good?Seems I have seen them in Canadian National .The Mantua was a Mikado ,I believe.Not sure if it could use a kaydee coupler on the front though.
Edit
Just wanted to add, could bump price range into the $150.00 area.:)
CNCharlieActually BLI's Pacific and mike are fine if you go for GTW livery as that road had both and as it was owned by CN
I agree with CN Charlie. Here's a photo of my Mikado 3734 which was renumbered 4070 in 1959 (see my avatar).
Those white-wall tires look sharp! I bought a couple brass "wedge" number boards but I can not find the site where I found them. Something like "Details By Mike"? I'll update if I find them, they make a big difference in giving your engine the C-N Family "Look".
Have Fun, Ed
If you want a 'correct' for CN loco then your options are brass or brass. The only CN correct loco done in plastic that I am aware of was the U2g Northern that True Line Trains produced a few years ago. The lowest price on those was about $400 but I expect examples are more now. As far as $100 goes, I think you need to up your budget.
I have a 'stand-in' locos that I pretend are correct. Actually BLI's Pacific and mike are fine if you go for GTW livery as that road had both and as it was owned by CN, they are under lease to CN on my road. CN had a few light mikes they bought from a US road but they were heavily modified with all weather cabs, etc. so the ones from BLI aren't correct but the GTW ones are fine.
The Bachmann mogul is all wrong, even the paint. CN never painted smokeboxes silver. They didn't even bother to get the numbering correct.
Good luck,
CN Charlie
You might not be in the real world. And in any event, more information is needed. I assume you want an accurate model of an actual CN steam locomotive, not just CN painted on any old steam loco model?
Pickings are slim for any model steam available for $100 or less, except for used and for things like 0-6-0s and 0-4-0s.
I did find a 2-6-2 Prarie available in CN paint and lettering, but I have no reason to think it is an accurate model of a CN prototype
http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/PROD/160-51524?gclid=CPv0kfGRu9ECFQeEaQoduLoN1A
I also found a similar Bachmann 2-6-0 in CN paint for just over your $100 max.
They both seem like nice looking models. Only you can decide if they are "close enough" to what you seek.
And the Manuta 4-6-2 (actually a Baltimore & Ohio prototype) has been issued in CN, but again I am not sure it can be had for $100.
You MIGHT actually find a very old CN brass steamer, likely not in the best of shape, for that price if you are a relentless shopper at large swap meets. I have seen smaller brass selling for $100 but it is rare to be frank, and usually there is something wrong with it like a horrible paint job or damage or something missing (such as a motor).
Dave Nelson
Are there actually any low cost plastic steam engines that are correct for Canadian steam?
If you want a steam engine which is truly Canaiian, you probably have 2 choices:
1) Brass
2) Or plastic - Rapdio is going to be offering plastic accurate Canadian steam engines starting in 2017. The first to be released is the HO Scale Royal Hudson – Canada Classes H1-c, H1-d, H1-e - prices will be about $600 ea for DC versions and about $700 for DCC/Sound versions. Not sure if that is CAN dollars or US dollars.
http://rapidotrains.com/iocs-future-releases/
If by some luck there is a low cost plastic steam engine that is correct for Canadian, hopefully someone will know.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983