Curious as to how these locomotives perform, especially at slower speeds. I have heard good things about the 2-8-0, but not so much information about the smaller units.
And wondered if the smoke mechanisms on these smaller interfere with performance. I don’t really care about smoke.
I’m still a DC guy, so whether you’ve run a newer dual mode version or an older version DC unit, it makes no difference to me. But I would also be interested in knowing if there is a difference between the the newer and older versions as well as far as DC running.
I can’t comment on the two locos in question, but locos with dual-mode decoders will run better on DC without the decoder. I’ve removed all of the DCC-related stuff from my locos and they not only run better, but those pesky plugs can be replaced by a pair of wires. The photo shows an Athearn loco (with added tender pick-up), but the set-up is the same for Bachmann.
The Baldwin 2-8-0 came out about 15 years ago in the Bachmann Spectrum line. A great looking and performing model(I have a pair of them). That model is now part of the ‘Regular’ line and is available with DCC & Sound as well. IIRC, you can get the model with DCC or not as well.
The 2-6-0 was never part of the higher end line and the ones I have seen are not great performers. The 2-6-2 engines I have seen appear to be a re-hash of their 0-6-0 with pilot/trailing wheels. Again, it does not appear to be an upgrade. I would invest in the Baldwin 2-8-0 engine - a proven performer. Bachmann many years ago produced a 2-8-0 based on a Reading engine - another poor performer to be avoided.
Good point Wayne. The dual mode decoder equipped locomotives that I do have run better on DC when the decoder is replaced with a standard light board or wiring.
I don’t know what you’re showing in that second picture.
Thanks Jim. That’s what I feared. Sounds like the smaller units don’t have the same mechanism design. If I get a small steamer, I’ll probably go with the 2-8-0, unless someone responds with other information or opinions.
I believe Mantua and Model Power also offer(ed) a 2-6-0, but I didn’t bother asking about them relative to the Bachmann 2-8-0.
I think Mantua did have a 2-6-0 for a while. If so, it was probably as smooth and reliable as the rest of their steam engines. If you find one, it’ll last you a long time.
The Model Power 2-6-0 is probably the worst steam engine ever made in HO scale. It’s made entirely out of plastic and has little weight, the wheels and siderods are extremely sloppy, it runs at warp speeds, and at least with the older ones, the axle gears would almost always split. It also has very large flanges, toy-like siderods, and a very cheap look overall.
IHC’s 2-6-0 is a very good model for the price. The traction and detail aren’t up to the standards of high-end steam engines, but they’re smooth and reliable runners that look pretty good.
Few very good 2-6-0 steam engines have been made in HO. I think MDC also has one or two, but there aren’t any outside of brass that I know of that have really good quality detail, but there are at least some good runners out there.
I have a Bachmann 2-6-2 that my sons gave me for Christmas 3 years ago. It has been sitting on my shelf as a display unit for about 30 months now. Why? Because the tie rods got all bent, and the plastic guide for the drive piston snapped off after only 3 months of use. It wasn’t a bad loco while it was running, but…
My advice would be to steer clear of the base Bachmann models. Spectrum locos, on the other hand, are good mid-range units.
As per “Darth Santa Fe’s” advice you would be well advised to pass on the Bachmann 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 and go for the IHC 2-6-0. As he stated they aren’t heavy pullers but they are excellent runners and can sometimes be picked up very cheap as well. As for the pulling, how much did a 2-6-0 really ever pull though, and I mean realistically. 2 or 3 passenger cars or 8-10 freight cars?
If you have a small layout they are just the ticket…
For my layout, which has both a main line and secondary line, I use large steam engines, such as the 4-8-2 as my main motive power on the mainline,
For the secondary line for power I use a Spectrum 4-6-0 and a Spectrum 4-4-0. These engines are both excellent runners, decent pulling power and excellent slow speed control.
I agree. I have several IHC Command XXV models that I got at fire sale prices when IHC decided to close it’s doors. They are superb locos, especially considering what I paid for them ($50 or so each). Not up to the standards of $250+ models, but very nice for the mid-range stuff.
