As a modern era modeller my locos are SD70MAC, SD40-2, AC4400 etc by Kato and Atlas. Now I like steam engines but most I have seen have poor running qualities. So if I was to buy one steamer what would be a good choice balancing accuracy, appearance, performance, DCC operation and cost? Another consideration might be that an operating prototype still exists.
Suggestions invited please.
Bill
I´m gonna stick my head out a little here and come with my suggestions; I have some US steamers, and the most reliable is actually the Bachmann Spectrum series. They look nice, kind on your wallet and requires very little maintenance. I buy them DCC ready and install ESU Loksound decoders in them.
I have a BLI USRA Light Mikado which is a smooth runner, excellent sound. As I run on DCC I just “dropped” a Digitrax decoder into it and voila, ready to go!
Bill,
Here’s a few:
Trix 2-8-2 Mike (hard to find - comes with sound)
Proto 2000 0-8-0 switcher (2nd run)
Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidated
Tom
My recommendations would be either the newer Bachmann Specturm with sound/dcc or the BLI Blueline engines.
now that having been said both have had QC issues since they are made in china that’s where BLI service really shines IMO
If you wish to have a 2-10-2, I see Walthers has a very low price on the Proto 2000 Heritage model. It is undecorated or Colorado and Southern. It is in their monthly advertising flyer for about $139.98 for a DC version. I have one of these locomotives lettered for Burlington, and it is an outstanding model regarding performance and details.
I have to second the Bachmann Spectrum series. I have had two GS-4 and never had a lick of a problem with them. Mine where DC only and would be to much work to make DCC, so off to E-Bay they went.
When my BLI / PCM work right they are art in motion and love there QSI sound. For some reason I have a lot of problems with them. There repair center is a big plus with needed parts and free repairs, so I keep buy them.
Cuda Ken
Some of the different Proto models had some problems when the first came out, so if you go that route be sure to get a newer version of the engine you choose.
If you go for modern diesels, I’d try to find a model of a steam engine still running today, so you can use it on the layout realistically pulling a fantrip. UP 3985 or Southern Pacific “Daylight” 4449 for example.
My best running RTR steamer is the Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation. Well detailed, smooth running. Decent price. Their three truck Shay is very good too, although you should understand that it is geared very low, like the prototype, and won’t go fast enough for main line operations. This is a feature, not a bug. I’d expect all the other Bachmann Spectrum steamers to be as satisfactory. Also be aware that Bachmann steamers WITHOUT the “Spectrum” brand mark on the box are lower quality train set locomotives. The “Spectrum” steamers are much nicer and longer lasting models.
I have a pair of IHC Moguls that also run very well. IHC detailing is not as rich as the Bachmann Spectrum, but they are still nice locomotives with good mechanisms. Also the Mantua steamers run well, and are available used at train shows for very little money.
I have a few of the Proto Heritage Steam loco’s and they are incredibly detailed, very smooth running and very easy to convert to DCC. The 0-8-0’s don’t pull a lot of cars, the 2-10-2 is a tank and my 2-8-8-2’s are beasts. The Mallets are probably my favorite loco’s I own. I have a couple IHC and Spectrum steam loco’s as well, the Spectrum looks nice but it doesn’t perform as well as the Proto’s. My Rivarrossi Big Boy is a shelf queen.
I’ll let you sort out the suggestions above as to what to get.
You asked about prototypes still existing. I think the UP is the only one with steam on their active roster a 4-8-4 and a Challenger (I think those are right) used primarily for excursions. However, there are many scenic/excursion trains these days, still decorated in their Fallen Flag colors or in new scenic rr names. The cars they pull can be a mix of all the types of cars that have been used in the area (not necessarily that road) or of one type, sort of a what’s available to use. An excursion train could have one or several local runs daily, or they could be a longer haul, week long event traveling on a number of different roads. Nostalgia seems to overlook some things as long as they are old and still work well.
One concideration I had at one time was a more modern railroad with a rr museum where I could keep old steam from many roads (what appealed to me at the LHS), and to run excursion trains.
Have fun,
Accuracy is going to be the hardest element in your list. Steam locomotives were much more customized to specific railroads than diesels are. That is why there are so many USRA models one the market, they are about as close to a generic as one gets. So you would have to specify which prototype to be accurate to before that could be answered for your situation.
Both the performance and appearance of steam models today are wonderful compared to just 20 years ago. I would think you could not go wrong with Trix, Bachmann Spectrum, Proto Heritage, BLI, Athearn Genesis (except the electronics), even the IHCs are nothing to scoff at.
Athearn Genesis - electronics issue
BLI - limited availability
Trix - limited availability
Bachmann Spectrum - quality control issues one unit will be wonderful and the next can have problems.
Proto Heritage - poor pullers without traction tires and traction tires are an issue in themselves.
IHC - poor details & unprototypical detail
Since the NS purposely ruined it’s two working steamers the number of operating steamers that I know which have non-brass models are the:
UP 844 (Athearn Genesis EFE),
UP 3985 (Athearn Genesis Challenger),
SF 3751 (BLI 4-8-4),
SP 4449 (I believe at least two companies have “announced” this model, BLI & ?, the Bachmann is NOT a Spectrum series and I don’t recommend it).
At least I don’t think there are any models for the Frisco 1522, SP&S 700, Soo 1003, MIlwalkee 261, or the GTW 6325. I suppose one could cobble together a model of the Grand Canyon 4960 from something ou
I have a BLI Hudson from a few years back, and a Proto 0-6-0. I’ve been very happy with both engines. They are nicely detailed, sound good and run beautifully. Like the 0-8-0, the 0-6-0 does not pull well, but mine came with traction tires which I can install when and if I get around to it.
Both of these engines will handle 18-inch radius curves, incidentally. That can be an issue with many steamers if your layout has tight curves.
And, like most steamers, they are fussy about your trackwork. They will boldly derail in places where no engine has derailed before. Even so, the issue is still the track, not the engine, and once it’s cleaned up everything will run better.
Of the non-brass steamers I have, I rather like the Bachmann Spectrum series. I have two, a 2-8-0 and a 4-8-2, and I’ve had them both for several years now, with no running problems whatsoever (I’m DC, BTW, so I couldn’t answer any decoder problem questions for you). The 2-8-0 is surprisingly smooth and a very decent puller, and the 4-8-2 is a real work-horse.
They’re very nicely detailed, and will take a small minimum radius (18" for the 2-8-0, 20" for the 4-8-2) with ease.
I do have some BLI steamers, which I like, but because of their dual mode DC/DCC configuration, I can’t run them in tandem with my ‘pure’ DC locos, as they take up so much power getting going. However, when I do run them, I’ve had no issues except a loose tender plug on one of them–easy fix.
Tom [:)]
I also have the Spectrum 2-8-0 and LOVE it. The factory installed Tsunami is fantastic. I have a Roundhouse 4-4-0 that is a fine runner, but the MRC decoder is junk. I need to replace that. I have several IHC moguls and like them very much. A little digging around online and these can be had for under $30 ( dc only )
I am not surprised that a number of members of this forum have indicated that they would recommend the Spectrum 2-8-0. This is a superb little engine, what surprises me is that Bachmann has discontined production of these engines and is only offering a sound version of this engine. They have done the same with their Spectrum 4-6-0 another magnificant little engine. Adding the sound module more than doubles their street price.
Really, it depends on you track radius… while the 4-8-4 (e.g. from Athearn or Rivarossi) run well, they need larger radiuses to look good and run well (especially the Rivarossi!). My favorite is my Lionel Challenger which runs like a swiss watch…'cept on my 24" radius it is a bit tricky…
If you have 18-22" radiuses, I would recommend either a Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0 OR the Proto 2000 0-8-0, 0-6-0 or such. I have all of these and I love them… 
A Hudson or Light Mik is not a bad idea…many producers here, but I cannot recommend since I don’t have any of these beaut’s…
On a separate note, don’t be afraid of brass… I have gotten some GREAT brass for less than $250 (0-6-0, 0-8-0, etc.) that run SWEET and need just a bit of elbow grease lubing, etc. Conversion to DCC is a bit more complicated, but worth the effort… you should see how slow I can get my Westside GN A9 to run… Good luck…
Brian
I agree with the Bachmann Spectrum group. I have a 4-6-0, 2-10-2, and a Bachmann Plus GS-4. They all run and look great. I also have a Proto 2000 Heritage 0-8-0. Everyone is right about it not pulling a lot of cars but I run a small layout with shorter trains so it’s not a big deal.
I also have a couple of Mehano 4-6-4 Hudsons and an IHC Mikado. They don’t have the detailing of the Bachmanns or Proto 2000’s, but with a little TLC when you first get them they are surprisingly good runners.
Funny you would mention that. I was looking up some information on their website the other day and to me it looks like they are moving toward totally abandoning DC powered trains. As near as I can tell one can no longer buy their Spectrum Magnus DC train controller as a separate item except in G-scale size. ?!? They seem to still be provided in some of the sets, but all the newly announced sets are DCC. Maybe I was just interperting what I found wrongly? Anyone else have obervations, thoughts, or even better knowledge about this?
If Bachmann did abandon DC only engines I assume there would be an easy fix, remove the DCC unit.
I had a converstaion with another model railroader about this very subject and he is of the opinion that Bachmann Spectrum will be DCC and Sound and the Standard line will become the DC engine source.