On my layout I run modern-ish diesels and dont have any steam locos but I am thinking of adding one the roster for “excursion trips” . So I am looking for some recommendations for a loco. My ideal requirements are:
Handle 18 inch turns … Most of my curves are 22 inches or more but I do have one 18 inch curve that is about about a quarter circle.
DCC equiped or DCC ready. Sound I can do without
if DCC ready under $100 if possible but I am flexible if it is a loco that screams take me home
I was l looking online at the Bachmann 0-6-0 or the 2-6-0 could not find if they are DCC ready when doing a quick search.
You may want to consider what passenger cars you will be getting. They can determine the era of the steamer. For realistic performance on your radiuses you will need to run older cars imo but it’s your coice.
Bachman makes some nice stamers with DCC & Sound.
There are a lot of on line vendors selling them but here are two:
Considering your parameters, I would go for the Spectrum (Bachmann) locos. They are usually of good quality, excellent runners, and their DCC decoder is good - although a number of us tend to replace them. I have a couple of the 2-8-0s, which was probably the most prolific steamer on US railroads in the 20th century. You can’t go wrong with that, or the 0-6-0 - assuming its a Spectrum.
Not to put down anything or anybody, but I would urge you to get a Spectrum instead of the regular Bachmann. Some may say there is no difference, but I don’t subscribe to that.
If you are wanting to go the Bachmann route, look at the Spectrum line because they will be better quality. With that in mind, the Spectrum 2-8-0 would be a good choice for you. With steamers it’s not worth skimping on quality because it will only lead to frustration.
Although it’s a bit light on pulling, you can find an Athearn 2-8-2 Mikado on places like eBay. It’s a good size locomotive and would look good pulling passenger cars.
Lastly, I was able to find 2nd run DC versions of the Proto 2000 0-8-0 switchers for under $100 on eBay. (MSRP: $250) They are beautifully detailed and run like a swiss watch. All three will be DCC-ready.
I would also recommend any of the Bachmann Spectrum steam engines and the 2-8-0 engine that was previously part of the Spectrum line.
You will not find a better warranty anywhere. As you mentioned you have one section of your layout that is 18" radius track any of the engines. You will be ok with any of the engines from the 2-10-0 down to the 4-4-0, any engines larger than the 2-10-0 will likely require track larger than the 18" radius you have. I have some Spectrum engines larger than the 2-10-2 and while my engines did run on 18" radius track others had problems.
Another engine that I would recommend is any of the Model Power’s re-released Mantua engines. These engines are DCC ready and are excellent runners. I have a couple of these steamers and they run great. There is a 2-6-6-2 Mantua (with tender) that is an excellent runner and handles 18" radius curves well.
Note that the early Athearn Genesis 2-8-2 and 4-6-0 steam engines were prone to failed gears.
As was mentioned if you are thinking of acquiring any passenger cars note than many will not run on 18" radius track.
If you can replace that one section it would be well worth it.
OK how about the MTH 4-12-2 9000 w/sound. How is that one? It looks really nice. I don’t know anything about steamers. I was looking at the MTH Challengers, but they don’t seem to be available, at least at a decent price.
Would it be prototypical with the Streamliner City Cars?
Looking at things from the prototype point of view, the Grand Canyon Railway (before it was sold to the Greenie Weenies) ran ex-LS&I 2-8-0s, doubleheaded with a couple of covered wagons. The Clinchfield ran a truly ancient 2-6-0 with a pair of pullman green B-units masquerading as baggage cars.
As for a model, add me to the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 camp. Since you specified, “excursion service,” you can run a motley collection of almost anything for passenger cars, even re-trucked troop sleepers and drop-end gondolas with longitudinal seats and a roof suitable for a carport. (Check out the Niles Canyon Railway for the prototypes.)
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - with really serious passenger service)
I also have Bachmann Spectrum engines; 3 of the 2-8-0, a 4-6-0 and a 2-10-2. All are excellent engines, both in the detail and the runnning qualities. I just got the 2-10-2 for under $100 with DCC on board. You can’t go wrong with them. I don’t think you can find much with sound without going well over $100. Good luck on your selection.