I have decided to thin out my steam [N Y C } fleet. I have 32 locos,all with decoders,and most with sound.I would like to know which engines are the best operating…0-6-0s, 0-8-0, 4-6-0, 2-8-0,4-6-2,4-6-4,4-8-2 & 4-8-4s
including good running brass up to $600.00
Well, who makes them[?]
I’m sorry… What I want to know IS who makes the best running 0-6-0,& who makes the best running 4-6-2,etc., etc.
Ohhhhhhhhh, ok. I’ll do my best…
0-6-0… Bachmann Spectrum
2-8-0… Bachmann Spectrum
2-8-2… Athearn Genesis, Trix and BLI
4-6-2… Athearn Genesis [ I Think]
4-8-2… Bachmann Spectrum and BLI
2-8-4… Proto 2000
4-8-4… Rivarossi and BLI
2-8-8-2… Proto 2000
4-8-8-2… BLI
2-6-6-2… Bachmann Spectrum
4-6-6-4… Athearn Genesis, Lionel, or Rivarossi
4-8-8-4… Trix and Rivarossi
That’s just HO.
If your question is “what are the best running of _______ wheel arrangment in HO” and assuming the prototypes don’t matter, then it goes somthing like this…
0-6-0 P2k Hertiage, of the USRA family. Brass like detaling.
0-8-0 P2k Heritage, also from the USRA family. Run smooth as silk.
4-6-0 Bachmann Spectrum. A generic Baldwin early 20th century ten wheeler. (the only 4-6-0 that counts)
2-8-0 Bahcmann Spectrum. A generic Harriman consolidation similar to WM, SP, and ATSF, IC prototypes.
4-6-2 Athearn Genesis of the USRA family. Model severly lacks pulling power.
4-6-4 BLI’s class J1e. A NYC prototype. Has pre-installed sound system.
4-8-2 Bachmann Spectrum. A USRA heavy with a metal boiler. Runs the best of all Spectrum units.
4-8-4 BLI’s SF 3751. A Santa Fe steamer. May run better than any other scale Northern. Comes with sound and DCC.
Thank YOU,AGGO & BIGBOY
It,s a big help.I have been buying brass and having them repowered & sound installed but in many cases I,ve been disappointed with the results.They look great but dont run as well as my bachmann 2-8-0’s.Price wise, BLI seemes to be the way to go with the decoder and sound included.