Steam locomotive recommendations

[Anonymous]

I have a Rivarossi 2 truck Heisler and so far I think it is great. Excellent low speed control (DCC) and has yet to derail, although it does not have a lot of pulling power. IMHO Bachmann Shays are good, I just received an IHC Camelback and I agree with a previous post, the detailing is not the greatest, but it runs very smoothly (I wish my Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0 ran half this good).

[Anonymous]

My faves are Proto 2000, Bachmann Spectrum and Broadway limited.

I have the Bachmann shays - Excellent, 2-8-0 (Consolidation) not quite as good (hey for $50.00, great loco)

Have the proto 2000 2-8-8-2 - Excellent, the 0-8-0 - excellent.

Have run the Broadway Hudson, great loco, (DCC and sound for $220.00???, a deal)

I think now is the golden age of steam as far as model railroading is concerned. These locos have great detail and excellent slow speed running characteristics.

Guy

[Anonymous]

My faves are Proto 2000, Bachmann Spectrum and Broadway limited.

I have the Bachmann shays - Excellent, 2-8-0 (Consolidation) not quite as good (hey for $50.00, great loco)

Have the proto 2000 2-8-8-2 - Excellent, the 0-8-0 - excellent.

Have run the Broadway Hudson, great loco, (DCC and sound for $220.00???, a deal)

I think now is the golden age of steam as far as model railroading is concerned. These locos have great detail and excellent slow speed running characteristics.

Guy

[Anonymous]

The Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0 is about the nicest I have. Pulls pretty good, and the detailing is great. The drive has a cogged belt between the motor and the worm gear, to provide clear space under the boiler, no worm gear hanging out. And it has a working front coupler, and the tender has power pickups. The Athearn engines "can" be retrofitted with a front coupler, but it is a pain in the @$$, and the tender is just along for the ride, no pickups. The IHC 2-8-0 also runs nice, front coupler, tender pickups, pulls better than the Spectrum, but isn't as nicely detailed. IHC 4-8-2 also runs nice, but the detailing isn't as fine. But you could always add it... The newer Rivarossi seems to be getting better with each new one they come out with.

[Anonymous]

The Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0 is about the nicest I have. Pulls pretty good, and the detailing is great. The drive has a cogged belt between the motor and the worm gear, to provide clear space under the boiler, no worm gear hanging out. And it has a working front coupler, and the tender has power pickups. The Athearn engines "can" be retrofitted with a front coupler, but it is a pain in the @$$, and the tender is just along for the ride, no pickups. The IHC 2-8-0 also runs nice, front coupler, tender pickups, pulls better than the Spectrum, but isn't as nicely detailed. IHC 4-8-2 also runs nice, but the detailing isn't as fine. But you could always add it... The newer Rivarossi seems to be getting better with each new one they come out with.

[Anonymous]

What about Rivarossi-they have some very attractive steam locomotives?

[Anonymous]

What about Rivarossi-they have some very attractive steam locomotives?

[joseph2]

I agree with ndbprr.My two worst runners are Mantua products.My best is a 11year old Spectrum 2-8-0,is good at low speeds,doesn't stall or derail much.New ones have chain drive not gears.I think Bachmann still repairs or replaces bad running locomotives,hey have a forum at www.bachmanntrains.com My Athearn 2-8-2 runs as good as a Athearn diesel,like most HO steam locomotives has a dummy front coupler,used to derail a lot but was easy to fix the derailing problem.IHC Premier types could also be considered.

[joseph2]

I agree with ndbprr.My two worst runners are Mantua products.My best is a 11year old Spectrum 2-8-0,is good at low speeds,doesn't stall or derail much.New ones have chain drive not gears.I think Bachmann still repairs or replaces bad running locomotives,hey have a forum at www.bachmanntrains.com My Athearn 2-8-2 runs as good as a Athearn diesel,like most HO steam locomotives has a dummy front coupler,used to derail a lot but was easy to fix the derailing problem.IHC Premier types could also be considered.

[ndbprr]

frist rule avoid 3 pole motors unless it is an engine you must have. Next rule always - always have it checked before leaving the hobby shop for running abilities. quality does differ even between the expensive ones. If at all possible have someone tell you about it's pulling capability. Bachman makes a very good looking PRR K4 that can baerey pull itself let alone cars. People are split regaridng traction tires (plastic or rubber tires on one or more wheels). They definitely pull more than non tired engines unless the non tired engines weigh alot. Bowser PRR engines will make you benchwork sag if supports ar too far apart they weigh so much. very dated kits that you could use to move a house.

[ndbprr]

frist rule avoid 3 pole motors unless it is an engine you must have. Next rule always - always have it checked before leaving the hobby shop for running abilities. quality does differ even between the expensive ones. If at all possible have someone tell you about it's pulling capability. Bachman makes a very good looking PRR K4 that can baerey pull itself let alone cars. People are split regaridng traction tires (plastic or rubber tires on one or more wheels). They definitely pull more than non tired engines unless the non tired engines weigh alot. Bowser PRR engines will make you benchwork sag if supports ar too far apart they weigh so much. very dated kits that you could use to move a house.

[Anonymous]

I have a Proto2000 Heritage 0-6-0 switcher that I am very happy with.

On my wish list is a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0... and a 4-6-0....

These two manufacturers I have had experience with, and the engines perform well. I drove a 2-8-0 with sound at a local meet, and that's what put it on the wish list for me!

I also have a Mehano/IHC 4-6-2 that I got used. Probably paid a little too much, but it pulls like crazy, even if it is not the quietest or most prototypically correct engine.

I would say that whatever you choose, try to see it in person and run it on a test track at a store if possible. Despite the reputations of Bachmann Spectrum, P2K, and others like Braodway Limited, it seems that quality control is still a bit of a problem.

Steam rules...!

Andrew

[Anonymous]

I have a Proto2000 Heritage 0-6-0 switcher that I am very happy with.

On my wish list is a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0... and a 4-6-0....

These two manufacturers I have had experience with, and the engines perform well. I drove a 2-8-0 with sound at a local meet, and that's what put it on the wish list for me!

I also have a Mehano/IHC 4-6-2 that I got used. Probably paid a little too much, but it pulls like crazy, even if it is not the quietest or most prototypically correct engine.

I would say that whatever you choose, try to see it in person and run it on a test track at a store if possible. Despite the reputations of Bachmann Spectrum, P2K, and others like Braodway Limited, it seems that quality control is still a bit of a problem.

Steam rules...!

Andrew

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of building my HO scale train "empire" and would like some advice regarding engines. I am primarily looking for steam engines and there is a wide variety of choices. I see Bachmann, Rivarossi, Atlas etc and am at a loss for what qualities to look for. Any help regarding which brands to go for, or avoid, would be very much appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I am in the process of building my HO scale train "empire" and would like some advice regarding engines. I am primarily looking for steam engines and there is a wide variety of choices. I see Bachmann, Rivarossi, Atlas etc and am at a loss for what qualities to look for. Any help regarding which brands to go for, or avoid, would be very much appreciated.