SHOULD I?

[countershot]

I am 13years old and I have a small layout what it lacks is a good locomotive to spice it up. Know I am considering buying the heritage berkshire from life like...do you think this is a good choice or not.. if not any idea's?
i do not have much in money so i am looking for a cheap but nice looking steam loco woth all the rods....[|)]

[Anonymous]

I own two Berks at approx $250.00 a piece. Smooth running, weighs in at 16 ounces Lifetime warranty.
See MR March 2004 for the first run review.

You can go a little cheaper.
$150.00 for the Rivarossi FEF-3. See MR Jan 2004 for review.
One year exchange warranty if unit fails through Walthers.

The Spectrum Light Mountain & Heavy Mountain for around $112.00 is also worthly of consideration.
See MR Oct 2003 for the Heavy review.

And then there are the cheaper IHCs

[prompter]

If you're thinking in the $250 price range, consider the Broadway Limited light USRA 2-8-2. Has sound under DC, works on DCC if you go that way, takes 18" radius with no problem (You said you have a small layout), and it is a GREAT running steam locomotive. (I have one). Available on the Web for around $250 from several sources.

Prompter

[CP5415]

Sure you should!

If you can afford it.

If you don't have a lot of money & detailing isn't important yet, I'd go with an IHC or Mehano steam locomotive.
These are decent runners, quiet & relatively inexpensive.
I have one & I haven't been disappointed yet.
BLI & Rivarossi offerings are nice, I have several older Rivarossi's from the 60's & they still run great but they are more expensive.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I think the BLI Heavy or Light Mikado with sound 2-8-2 will b pretty neat for you. If I was your age looking at all the wonderful steam, the BLI Mike would be my choice for the money.

I am not sure about 18" radius but then again the smallest I have gone is 22": And also would provide you with the ability to run on a nearby club layout with DCC.

All I had were the Riverossis which were too expensive and brass (whoa...) The rest were non-spectrum and trainset everything. Yep... 2005 is a very good year for HO steam.

I would use the internet and read Broadway Limited's .pdf files about lubericating and maintaining the locos. A Labelle plastic compatible lube set will go a long way towards keeping your engine (Any engine) happy.

Good Luck!