Who makes the best HO Steam Engine?

[randybc2003]

I voted for Riv.: I have a preference for little woodburning American Standards.
I have more of theirs than any others. Still have a little AHM Pocher 4-4-0 from late '60s. Have & like Bachman's Spectrum Consolidation. IHC-Mehano not too bad either. Have an 30+ year brass unit from Japan - still runs like a top.

[Anonymous]

The two I would nominate are Brawa and Roco. Their attention to detail is outstanding.

[Hawks05]

i voted Life Like for the Proto 2000 line. nothing can beat these locomotives. they are easy to assemble for the most part and they run and look great.

[AggroJones]

Lifelike's Proto Heritage Series. The detailing is just as high as any Spectrum or BLI steamer, but they run much quieter and smoother than them. No wobble. No whining at higher speeds. Every one a jem, especially that Berk.

[Anonymous]

I waited ten months before I bot the Allegheny. On sale plus additional 15% off. Haven't
seen one cheaper.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CP5415

I

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

And that's taxable !

I waited ten months before I bot the Allegheny. On sale plus additional 15% off. Haven't
seen one cheaper.

Have an IHC 4-8-2 light mountain that I double head with the new bachmann spectrum 4-8-2
heavy mountain both of which I'm happy with.

I can't stretch any more bucks for the New Athearn, Broadway, Lifelife or Trix(OUCH)

[Anonymous]

I love Rivarossi, but the Trix big boy just catches my eye. I've seen one in action and was truly impressed.

[CP5415]

I agree with locomotive3.
I can't afford brass, new Rivarossi or even Athearn's Steam locomotives.
I have several Rivarossi, an AHM 4-4-0 & an IHC 4-6-2.
The Rivarossi & the AHM are nice looking models, considering that they were bought by my dad over 30 years ago.
The IHC isn't detaled like some would like them to be, but they are within my price range & they are quiet running.

Just my 2 cents

Gordon

[Anonymous]

I can't vote for just one. There are several excellent manufacturers.
Bachmann Spectrum, Life Like Proto 2000, Broadway Limited Imports are just a few I recommend.

Dale B.

[Anonymous]

Depends upon your tax bracket

[michaelstevens]

I clicked on Bachmann because of their Limited Edition A4 Pacific ("Dwight D Eisenhower") which beats Branchline, Lima and Hornby "hands down" for detail, smooth performance, power etc.
But I had overlooked my one and only US steam engine -- a Bowser GS4 -- I should have clicked on Bowser.

[Anonymous]

BLI, easily. Brass-level quality.

[Anonymous]

This is a hard one as quality has improved exponentially over the past five years.
I'm impressed with the new Rivarossi engines