Jason
Modeling the Fort Worth & Denver of the early 1970's in N scale
The Bachmann 2-6-2 is just their standard line 0-6-0 with extra wheels. The Mantua/Tyco is also a 0-6-0 that has had extra wheels added. I would not consider either a 'great runner'. The MDC(now Athearn) 2-6-2 is based on a ATSF 2-6-2. Not sure if they are available right now. Have you looked at the Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0? I have one of them and it is a sweet runner.....they can be had for about $100 or less. The 4-6-0 'Ten Wheeler' was a general purpose frt/passenger engine. The Bachmann Spectrum Baldwin 2-8-0 is another fine running steamer that will take 18" radius curves with ease.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
Does anybody other than Bachmann make Prairies? I searched Walthers and only found Bachmann stuff. Google was absolutely no help.
My layout isn't big enough for big steam--the Mikado is probably pushing it size wise.
I'm planning on a small fleet of Prairies (2-3 locos) and am having no luck finding ones that will be easily converted to DCC. I also need operating front couplers and the Bachmann products don't have that.
Any ideas?