I’m just returning to the hobby after about a 20 year break. All I can is WOW !!!, the availability of accurate prototype HO sclae models is mind boggling, but in a very good way. Anyway, I modeling the late steam era on the Southern Pacific in the Northern California area. I’m looking for a RTR HO scale S.P., small, road/switcher steam locomotive (22" radius curve on my starter layout). Does anyone know of the availability of an accurate HO sxale model of an S.P. steam locomotive that would suit my needs, I would love to find an accuarte model that is a good performer with DCC. Something along the lines of a Spectrum series. Are theer any out there ???
The Spectrum 2-8-0 is based on the Harriman 2-8-0’s but is more or less free-lanced. However, it’s a good starting point for creating an SP C-26 or C-28/29.
Other than that, there really isn’t anything out there.
The Bachman 4-8-2 with square tender and minor re-detailing makes for a good non casing applied MT2, I suspect other MT classes could also be modeled. I model light SP steam cira 1926 in S scale, forget about any commercial models, ingunity is the order of the day!! Welcome back.
Welcome back, and congratulations on choosing SP, my 2nd favorite steam railroad (after Rio Grande). Commercially in HO RTR, there really isn’t much available except for brass. BLI has a nice AC4-5 4-8-8-2, IHC has a Mogul that is based on an SP 2-6-0 class, and if you can find them, Roundhouse has an 0-6-0 that is based on an SP prototype (but not very detailed). But for the most part, SP steam (like Rio Grande) is pretty much relegated to brass imports. You might check BRASSTRAINS.COM, however, and click on SP and see what IS available–sometimes you can find some pretty good bargains in used brass. I do know that both BLI and Intermountain are coming out with an AC-12 4-8-8-2 sometime later this year, but I don’t know of anyone who is releasing non-articulated SP steam. West Coast S is right in that the Spectrum Heavy 4-8-2 can be converted to a relatively close representation of the SP (ex El Paso & Southwestern) MT-2, minus the Skyline casing, in fact I’m planning a conversion of that loco as a future project, with some PSC detail castings.
But for a railroad that everyone seems to miss a lot, there’s not a lot of RTR SP steam out there, I’m afraid.
Tom
Thanks everyone, all the advice is wonderful…and some of the new models that are available are absolutely incredible !!! , Although I have experienced a few instances of “sticker shock” upon noticing the prices of some of great models. But I truly beleive we are now enjoying the true “Golden Age” of model railroading, and of course, the most significant (in my humble opinion) development I have discovered upon my return to the hobby ??? The internet !!! and forums such as this where people are so willing to share their time and expertise.
I keep hoping one of the manufacturers will make avaialble in HO, an S.P. 2400 class Pacific, just small anough to run on my as yet unbuilt layout, and large enough to have a feel of big time S.P. mainline operations…
Craig, first of all, Welcome back!! Just my two cents worth, but for your power needs, I’d go with the Bachman Spectrum steamer. I have one. It’s used for steam excursions on my pike. Great performer, reasonably priced. I have nothing against brass, just can’t go with the prices. Good to have you back in the hobby.