I’m starting into the hobby. I’ve settled on HO Steam Locomotive. If I don’t start DCC , I’ll be switching to it later. Any favorite brands/models, or any to avoid? What should I look for?
Do you have a favorite real life steam engine? Perhaps one that fits your favorite road? As cash poor as I am, I am a BLI man when steam is concerned. They have proven to be good performers for me.
Boy, that’s a good one, John, because the market these days is rife with really GOOD steamers. I’d say it’s what you’re looking for–smaller steam, or the big giants. For smaller steam (2-8-0, etc) Bachmann Spectrum puts out a really nice Consolidation and a pretty little Ten-Wheeler. All the newer steamers are DCC ready. Medium sized–either the Genesis Pacific or light Mikado are smooth runners, though you might need to add weight as they’re kind of light in the pulling department. BLI makes a heavy Mikado that is just a honey of a loco–and with sound. BLI also makes a dandy 4-8-2 (Pennsy style), as does Spectrum (USRA). And if you want rail-specific big power, BLI has a 2-10-4 in both C&O and Pennsy, a 2-6-6-4 in N&W, a 4-8-8-2 Cab-Forward (SP) and is coming out with an NYC 4-8-4 and a Santa Fe 2-10-2. If you can find one–and they’re out there–Rivarossi’s Allegheny 2-6-6-6 is a beautiful hauler. Genesis just came out with a 4-6-6-4 in either UP, Rio Grande or Clinchfield that is really fine. P2k has a nice Berkshire 2-8-4 and a cute little USRA switcher in both 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 wheel arrangements. They also put out a USRA 2-8-8-2 in both N&W and Rio Grande versions. And Bachmann has a 2-6-6-2 USRA mallet that’s a real honey! With most of the manufactureres currently producing steam, it’s more of what wheel arrangement you want. These are all medium to high end in plastic, but if you want something less expensive and less detailed that also runs pretty well, you might look at the IHC 2-8-0, 4-6-2 and 4-8-2. I’ve heard good comments on these, as well (I’ve got an IHC 4-8-2 and it’s a nice runner. As far as super-detailing–well, there’s always PSC and Cal-Scale for parts).
Tom
BIGGER engines need bigger curves. Smaller (4 X 8 for example) do better with smaller engines.
SPECTRUM 2-8-0 's for example.-
I like 2-8-2’s for an all around engine. Larger requires more layout.
John;
I suggest a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, 4-6-0 or 2-10-0. These there are realitively small, working okay on 18" radius track, and are DCC ready - meaning that it is fairly straight forward to install a DCC decoder.
John,
I have mostly Bachmann steamers. A 4-8-4 Niagara, 2-6-2 Prairie, a couple of 2-6-0s, and two 0-6-0s. I even have a Harry Potter 4-6-0 and a Thomas the Tank Engine 0-6-0. I buy the Bachmann’s primarily because of cost and because many of my locos get har***reatment by my grandson. The Bachmann’s hold up pretty well.
I do however, have a BLI 2-8-2 Mikado. It is a sweet little engine. Smooth running and a strong puller. It has sound as well. If you can afford it I would recommend BLI engines. You said nothing about the size of layout you are contemplating, but a 2-8-2 or a 4-6-4 should give no problem on 18-22-inch radius track. You said you would probably start with DC and move up to DCC later. One advantage of the BLI sound system is that it can operate on DC (analog) or on DCC. Of coarse with DCC the operation is more seamless and the sound menu more extensive, but they will work both ways.
The Spectrum’s, Rivarossi’s and even IHC are all functional. Its really a personal choice. Go to your LHS look at what is offered, ask to see them run. If your LHS won’t, or can’t, accommodate you, attend a train show or two. You will find something that strikes your fancy, I’m sure.
Good luck. Remember its your railroad.