I am interested in obtaining an inexpensive diesel locomotive for my small O-31 layout. I am running a table-top layout of approximately 96" x 40". Nothing larger than O-31 curves. Does anyone have any recommendations about inexpensive diesels that I can purchase. I tend toward the smaller Lionel “traditional” size rolling stock, such as that which comes with the starter sets. I am open to any manufacturer, not just Lionel. Thanks.
K-Line’s Alco FA or SW1500 Lionel’s RS-3 (find a nice 2-motored one) or a Williams Geep or NW2 (EMD Switcher)
Try a Beep from Ready Made Toys. I don’t own one yet but from what everyoen else on this board is saying they are the greatest thing next to sliced bread.
A Williams GP-9 is a good choice. It has vertical can motors with flywheels.
A Kline Geep, mp-15, and 1998 ar good choces too.
Okay, this is my area of expertise. I take it Teamlo that you are looking for something that not only negotiates the tight curves, but “looks” right with the smaller less than scale “traditional” sized rolling stock. This is exactly where I am at, and it has been the first consideration when I have bought engines.
The Lionel or K-Line Alco FA diesels are practically the same height as the 6464-type box cars and look very much at home with them. If you dislike DC can motors, there were a number made by Lionel MPC with the open frame Pulmor motor. I personally prefer the K-Line Alco FA (dual DC can motors instead of the typical single can motor with Lionel) as it is a little more detailed. But I have often repainted them to Norfolk Southern, CSX and Conrail - and in that case prefer the earlier versions.
The K-Line S-2 hasn’t been made in a while. K-Line has said they’ll never make it again. But it is a short sparce detailed loco (a great candidate for a fix up project as far as adding some details) with dual can motors. The cab height is almost 1/2 inch higher than the 6464 box cars, but the short length and overall loco appearance makes it look right at home with the smaller cars.
The K-Line MP-15 and Lionel (and the new Williams) NW-2 are near-scale proportioned diesels. Both again have cab heights towering over the 6464 box cars, but with the long engine hoods, the appearance isn’t as out of place. I have shortened the height of shells on both models and find they look even better on a smaller layout. The MP-15 diesel model is a more recent style of diesel switcher built by GM. The Williams engine is a darn fine runner for the money today and available in nearly road name you might want without having to repaint.
Williams also makes a Centercab Switcher based on the Lionel version. These both are out of scale versions of an actual prototype that is much much smaller. But I have seen other real models of centercab switchers that were bigger and longer, so just
If you run conventional I would look on Ebay and purchase MTH proto 1 stuff. Most run on O31 curves,and they are better detailed than Williams engines. Just make sure you replace the battery and keep it charged.They normally sell for around half original MSRP. Also Justrains of Delaware has closeouts on K-Line and Williams engines. Just go to their websight and click on the clearance section.
Dale Hz
I’d like to thank everyone who responded to my posting. I think I am going to try a RMT Beep and see how that works out. If only it had a diesel horn. That’s all I can see (from postings and web pages) that it lacks for my purposes. Thanks again.
My recommendations (diesel only, since that’s what you specified): Williams GEEP or NW2; MTH EMD switcher; Lionel EMD or Baldwin switcher; Atlas EMD switcher; K-Line Plymouth; RMT BEEP.
Of these, I must admit that I like the K-Line Plymouth and those homely little BEEPs best–great values for the dollar, and great runners.