Changing Focus

[Anonymous]

Ok, the steam bug has caught me (blasted new models), so I've decided to switch focus from modern diesel/electric Passenger service to Steam Passenger service.

In looking at the Steam models out there, I've decided I like the following:

Rivarossi's 2-6-6-6 "Allegheny"
Rivarossi's 4-8-8-4 "Big Boy"
Rivarossi's 4-8-4 "Northern"
Lionel's 4-6-6-4 "Challenger"

there may be others, but these are the ones to catch my eye the most. using those as a basis, i'm guessing the era would be 1935-1955. But that is what i'm trying to decide, can someone with steam Knowledge let me know if 1935-1955 is right for those 4 engines and if so, what other engines cfall in that catagory.

I plan on getting at least 2 of them in either January or Febuary, so along with them, I would also like to get a cheap steamer (aka one that's not a problem if it get's ruined) that i can practice repainting and weathering on, any suggestions for that?

Thanks in advance,
Jay.

[AggroJones]

If the size doesn't matter, I say get a Spectrum Russian 2-10-0. They run $94 from Trainworld. They run quiet, running gear looks fantastic, and the detailing is marvelous. Got it in Frisco.
If the steamer has to be large, go with the Spectrum USRA heavy 4-8-2. Pretty impressive pulling power, okay detailing, electrical pick up is suffcient, and they run smoother than any other Bachmann steam engine. They cost $110. I have the Espee version.

[Jetrock]

The nice thing about 1935-1955 is that if you get distracted back to the diesel world you've still got some lovely models to choose from in the world of E and F units, with an SW1 or two to shuttle cars around in the passenger yard.

Big steam seems to have an appeal, and while I agree they're impressive I must admit my fondness for the little guys. My passenger equipment right now is a 20' long Birney trolley, about as small as revenue passenger equipment gets...

[Anonymous]

Jay:

All the locomotives you name fall within the 20 year time-frame you mention. Rather than getting the heaviest of heavy iron think about this instead: Decide what you want your layout to represent. Unless you have the space and the large radius curves to handle such large locomotives ask yourself what what these locomotives will be moving? Freight or passengers? What sort of each? Once you decide those and related questions you can match your power to your and your line's need.

A decapod (2-10-0) was mentioned. It would look great with a string of mixed freight behind it on most any medium size layout. The engine has heft but doesnt require 48" inch radius curves to look good. If you really like steam at its climax think about some of the smaller state of the art steamers. Then work up to the truly gigantic power units once you have the space and IF you still want them.

I do agree with you about one thing. REAL LOCOMOTIVES have visible moving parts;)

Randy

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I would also like to get a cheap steamer (aka one that's not a problem if it get's ruined) that i can practice repainting and weathering on, any suggestions for that?

After you decide which one you're going to buy you may try contacting the manufacture and see if you can buy a unpainted "replacement" body.

[Anonymous]

Ah Thanks guys, yea chose '35-55 for the diesel aspect, don't want to fully abandon it. I'm thinking mixed passenger-frieght combo's. yes I know certain engines never pulled passengers, or standard frieght. the "Allegheny" was a coal runner, but grossly misused, for it's abilities. So I'm thinking slap it in front of a long haul passenger train with some Frieght attached.

Lionel says theitr challenger will pull 80 cars, Rivarossi says the "Allegheny" will pull 100 cars. not bad numbers, but doubt i'll ever get that long, as long as it can handle around 12 cars on a2-3% grade, i'm fine.

now to add to the mix, what about Broadway Limited engines? reading they're good, but want input. Then there's Trix, It's by Marklin, so I'm assuming they're AC engines?

So many choices, so many decisions.

Jay

[Anonymous]

Well if you're going to run long wheel base locos, (every one tells me this, lol) do you have a big enough layout. I'll bet you do, though. And now I just want to say, thanks Jay![:)] You're advice about corners for my big boy and my layout have been very helpful.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy
do you have a big enough layout.

Well let's see, have a strange te,porary area that'll fit a 5x24' in it, but that's up gainst a wall, so backside wouldn't be manageable. but I do have a 14x14' area that as soon as it's cleaned out and fixed up will do for it. (yes I'm in the planning stages yet again, old layouts are gone, new layouts are in style [8D] )

QUOTE:
And now I just want to say, thanks Jay![:)] You're advice about corners for my big boy and my layout have been very helpful.

Thank you, Hopefully soon we'll both have Big Boy's to run. BTW, seems Rivarossi's Big Boy is discontinued, and the only other one i see is a Trix. Hopefully Rivarossi discontinued them to rebuild them like they did the FEF-3's and the Allegheny.

Jay.

[Anonymous]

Man! http://www.broadway-limited.com/ what great work! Sound included as well! Ok, let's see, the FEF-3 isn't available till fall of 2004, seems most aren't available till 2004, only a couple are in stock now....hmm....I can see what's in store for next XMas :)

Jay.