Do you have a Class A? They are really nice, I love the whistle.
I'm loving my new paragon 2 Y6b. There's also a rivarosi big boy that is pre-weathered with sound and dcc. The weathering needs a good touch up but it's at least started.
Springfield PA
Ken, I have a feeling one of the main HO suppliers of steam is thinking hard about a Yellowstone.
Don't forget the factory refurbished deals at BLI. They have some Y's today and all last week. Good deals.
I don't know about the H-8 by Rivarossi, but it seems Internet Hobbies should be able to send you one?
http://www.internethobbies.com/rihost2apoch.html
Lionel made a very nice HO Challenger, but they go for brass prices on ebay. Otherwise, you are looking at Athearn...or MTH.
The Bachmann 2-6-6-2 is a nice engine, just released. No reports of dissatisfaction out there yet. Maybe in time, but not yet...
Finally, don't forget the very handsome Walthers P2K Heritage Y3 2-8-8-2. I think modeltrainstuff would be the best place for price, but look around. (M. B. Klein's), or perhaps trainworld.com.
-Crandell
It has been 3 years sines I bought a steam engine and think it is time for a new one. I am DCC and modeling HO. I want sound and there is one section left that has a 18 inch turn. It may or may not be replaced depending on a few things.
I have been thinking about another Big Boy or Y6-b. I have one of each (they our PCM's) and love there Loksound 3.5 decoders. I have 3 BLI's steamers with QSI decoders and the PCM sound way better.
My first pick would be a Allegheny 2-6-6-2 by Rivarossi (did I spell that right?) But I have not been able to find one on the web. Any links to where I can get one?
Second pick would be a Bachmann USRA 2-6-6-2. Does any one have one here at the site? I have heard they are not great pullers but some snot would fix that. Main thing is sound quality and decoder speed control.
Third would be a Challenger. If I where to buy a Challenger I would want a gray one with smoke lifters so it would not look as much like a Big Boy. I have forgot who made them, was it Athearn?
Fourth would be a Proto 2000 USRA. My LHS has one and it looks plain. Does the Bachmann have better detail, looks like it in the photos I have seen.
I would love a Yellow Stone (Thanks Tom) but as far as I know they only came in Brass.
You should have a idea of the look I like. Prices range is $300 to $500 and might go $600.00 for the perfect articulated. Road name is not important but sound and motor control is so.
Any ideas and links?
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust