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Something that hasn't been considered here yet is there is a distinct difference between steam and deisel models. For diesels I'd go along with Atlas and Kato being pretty difficult to beat (my Atlas Classic RS-3s are as smooth as silk), but they don't make steamers (at least not in HO scale). Proto 2K seem a bit more variable with some good models and some less so (like others I rate the E series very highly). Bachman's deisels without exception in my experience are poor runners. Unfortunately, steam locos seem to vary much more between individual models. Of the models that are currently available Bachman seem to be the pick of the crop - their 2-8-0 is an excellent performer and very reliable right out the box , so is their Shay. However, I don't rate their Ten-wheeler (no pulling power), or 0-6-0T (gear housing fouls Kadee magnets and some pointwork) and I had reliability problems with the USRA Heavy Mountain. Broadway Limited (or my J1e at any rate) are not 100% relaible in terms of electronics and it doesn't appreciate even slightly poor trackwork. I've not tried any of their more recent articulateds like the N&W A class or SP cab forward. Unlike some others here I don't rate MDC as very reliable; I have one ten-wheeler which runs OK - but took some work to get it that way. I've had no end of problems with the HOn3 2-8-0s and Shays (of various descripitions) - the most common fault it the nylon gears shredding or splitting. At least they are reasonably cheap. The Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 is however probably the most disappointing loco I've ever owned. It looks pretty good but is expensive, can't pull hardly anything and runs appallingly[:(]. James
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