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Cheap is a totally relative term. Compared to HO prices, nearly anything in 'G' scale is big bucks. If you are into small scale live steam as I am, the average electrically powered locomotive can be purchased for the price of a set of live steam cylinders and valve gear. (one reason I own few locomotives). I bought a Bachman Spectrum Climax for $300.00, and promptly proceded to convert it to battery power and R/C. It was repainted, weathered and fitted with a few additional detail parts. All the plastic decking on the loco was replaced with stained basswood. For about a $425.00 investment, I got a well detailed, beautifully proportioned logging locomotive. It is a wonderful runner on the mainline and responds so well to control that it can easily do switching operations. Pulling power is more than enough for what I have it do on my railroad. The geared dual motor drive is so powerful that the locomotive easilty slips its drivers when restrained, yet so efficient that it can run 1 1/2 hours on a battery charge pulling an 'average' six car train. It takes less than that time to recharge. The performance, detailing and appearance are great. It has been said in published reviews that this may be the most detailed model of a Climax offered in ANY scale. This locomotive has a lot to live up to on my railroad. It is the only electrically powered locomotive I own, all the rest are scratchbuilt live steam. It seems that this Climax knows it is 'second best' when it comes to 'method of propulsion', and is doing its best to win my heart. It is succeeding. Although the published scale it 1:20.3, it is a model of a small enough locomotive to fit into my otherwise 1:22.5 scale roster. The Spectrum Climax gets high marks from me on performance, looks, and quite importantly, the ability to 'bash' or customize it to my wants. I am so impressed I have been considering adding a second electrically powered Spectrum locomotive to my otherwise all live steam roster, but the decision process is a long one. I would consider the new Heisler, but this is too large a locomoive for a railroad locked into 1:22.5 scaling, ironically because of 'Big Hauler' rolling stock available when I sarted in the hobby.
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