N scale steam loco choice

[mechanic]

Hi all.
We are in the process of expanding my daughters N scale layout in the basement.
She really wants a steam locomotive.
In our price range I was looking at either
the Life Like 2-8-4 Berkshire or
the Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2 articulated.
Does anyone have any experiences or comments about either
of these loco's?
I would like the best runner of the 2.
The layout is going to end up being 13' x 2' shelf style
with minimum 11.25 r curves.
Thanks for any input people.
We appreciate it!
Eric

[Anonymous]

Good question. I am building my layout with nice big (for N scale) curves for the express reason that I want some nice big steam running. So far all I have is early diesel but I am looking for suggestions.

bump

[Anonymous]

I have a LL Mallet, similar to the bachmann, I havent run it yet, but for looks, its a big winner.

[Anonymous]

I would still pick the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado. You can find always find these on Ebay, among other places, for under $100. Also make sure to buy a retro-fit rear driver with the traction tire for them (also usually on Ebay for about $8). I have two of these engines, and they are the best out-of-the-box stream locomotive in N-Scale that I have ever seen (and I have Kato/Concor 4-6-4 Hudsons that run superbly, and one of the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 that also runs well).
I think the 2-6-6-2 on 11.25" curves would really be pushing it, and the Berkshire, while it looks nice, has been reviewed many times as having lousy pull, especially uphill.

(You'll find that the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado has lousy uphill pull as well, until you put the replacement driver on it with that traction tire).

[Jacktal]

With 11.25 in. curves,I'd say articulateds won't be "at home".While they may be capable of handling it,they won't really shine as they would on let's say 18 in.+ curves.I own a dozen N scale steamers,most purchased on Ebay.Most steamers will need traction tires if you expect them to pull prototypically looking convoys,but if somewhat smaller trains suit you,they look awsome.

I've kept away from the two models you stated as both don't fare too well in reviews.The Bachmann 2-6-6-2 is an outstanding looks loco,but is stated to be either really good or very bad...a "try before buy" is a common statement amongst reviewers.As far as the LL 2-8-4,all comments I've read were most disappointing.

From my own experience though,I can say the LL 2-8-8-2 Mallet is a very nice buy.Not a gigantic puller I'd say but still fair in that matter.Very nice looking,silent,smooth and reliable.The Model Power 2-8-2 Mikado is also a great steamer with nice details,smooth and reliable running.It's sister,the MP 4-6-2 Pacific is also nice and reliable,though noisier.Retrofitting this one to DCC is a snap.I also have Minitrix's 2-10-0 Decapod and 4-6-2 Pacific which are great but are only available in meets or on Ebay.I have a Con-Cor/Kato Hudson that runs great too but my jewel is a Rivarossi 4-6-6-4 challenger,but these are hard (and expensive) to get.

I've read excellent comments on the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado and the Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation,and have come to believe these two are probably the best N scale steamers one can get for reasonable costs,but I still have to get either one.Well...may be some day......

[Wdlgln005]

The best "new" steamers on the market today may be the 2-8-0 Athearn/MDC Consolidations, pulling a string of Overton cars. A second choice may be the 2-6-0 Atlas Mogul. Very small, high on the cute factor & a good replacement for the 4-4-0 Bachmann American. You may find old MDC product at firesale prices. You may want to check several dealers from the pages of MR or MRC.

It's time for the Model Power locos to be returned from the factory in Korea. THe first run had bad wiring problems. You may want to check the steamheads on the Atlas or TrainBoard Forums.

Bachmann's Spectrum line are supposed to be very good, but you need to try before you buy to get a good one. The 2-6-6-2 has had problems with out of gague wheels. Their 2-8-0 is a good bet. These problems may have been corrected on the second run. Have your dealer check before you buy. Better yet, test run the loco & test yourself. You have to be even more careful with Bachmann's Standard line, but you may be able to find good buys there.

Lifelike's steamers need traction tires to get them to pull anything. THis is dissapointing for them. I don't know how he purchase by Walthers will affect them. I hope Walthers has set up a good parts supply & customer service department. Bachmann's customer service may be the best. Unfortunately, with some locos you may need it.

[Tracklayer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by magliaro

I would still pick the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado. You can find always find these on Ebay, among other places, for under $100. Also make sure to buy a retro-fit rear driver with the traction tire for them (also usually on Ebay for about $8). I have two of these engines, and they are the best out-of-the-box stream locomotive in N-Scale that I have ever seen (and I have Kato/Concor 4-6-4 Hudsons that run superbly, and one of the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 that also runs well).
I think the 2-6-6-2 on 11.25" curves would really be pushing it, and the Berkshire, while it looks nice, has been reviewed many times as having lousy pull, especially uphill.

(You'll find that the Kato 2-8-2 Mikado has lousy uphill pull as well, until you put the replacement driver on it with that traction tire).

I've got one of these little 2-8-2 Mikado's (Western Pacific), and you're right, they are great little locos...

Tracklayer

[Anonymous]

I own two of the Bachmann 2-6-6-2s and one Life Like Berkshire. Probably the best all around steam engine easily available today would be the Athearn/MDC 2-8-0 Consolidation. I own two. It is a model of 19th century steam so they may not appeal to everyone. I have to agree that the Kato Mikado is excellent. It may be hard to find as it has not been made for several years. The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation is a superb running little engine with magnificent detail. It comes with Rapido couplers but is not too hard to change to knuckle couplers. The LifeLike Heritage Berkshire runs like a Swiss watch. It pulls only a few cars which is disappointing. The Bachmann 2-6-6-2, IF YOU GET A GOOD ONE, is a neat engine. The problem is that the quality control on this model is not consistent. I have two but had to test run several to find a decent one. From my limited experience, there are more defective or poor running ones than there are good runners. Again, this is my limited experience. It kind of angers me to pay $200 + and have to convert the couplers over to knuckle couplers. So I guess my top three recomendations would be the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation, the Athearn/MDC 2-8-0 and the Kato Mikado. Avoid standard Bachmann steam. It is junk! The cute little Atlas 2-6-0 is so tiny and so light that it doesn't make good electrical contact on some track. Two final thoughts. The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation and the Athearn/MDC 2-8-0 Consolidation both have traction tires and are good pullers. Also, if you can, as with all Nscale steam, try before you buy.