I know its little early to start thinking about Christmass, but I want to
get a head start this year [:D]
I’m planing to build a small 4x8x2 L shape layout with upto 3 main lines.
I need some new engines for my layout this year, since I only plan to run
this durring Christmass time, dont want to spend a lot…looking for
something around 2-6-0, 4-6-0, 2-8-0, 4-4-2.
How are the new model power and new bachman ( non spectrum) loco’s?
any other brands I should also look at???
The announced Bachmann 4-4-2 should be out. Avoid Non spectrum’s and Xmas 'toy’s.
IHC’s probably best bet.
Avoid Bachmann non-Spectrum steam locos like the plague. Model Power is not much better. This includes Mantua, since they are part of Model Power. I agree with Don. Check out IHC. They had problems in the past, but I think they’re a good bet now.
Jeff
Also look into the MDC kits,their small steamers are pretty good for the money.
And unfortunately long out of production
I hope you are talking about N gauge. You are really going to have a tough time trying to get 3 mainlines on a 4x8 The inside Radius would be under 18". Also wouldn’t be able to have any sidings on the outside track. I suggest that you sit down & draw the layout to scale using 18" radius as the absolute minimum. Or better yet Get one of the many layout books that have many proven layouts for a 4x8. There are many small steam Locos out there, but you only get what you pay for. Get one good engine as opposed to 2 or3 borderline ones. Spectrum are good & reasonably priced. I have had good luck with IHC also & have installed decoders in them. The one drawback to most small engines is lack of pulling power, but you wouldn’t want very long trains on a 4x8. Happy Railroading. Jerry
c-burke9,
The Bachmann “Spectrum” 2-8-0 is both a VERY nice looking and running steamer.
Tom
You can’t do much better than a Heritage 0-6-0 or 0-8-0
http://www.railimages.com/gallery/album508/aab
Not the cheapest, but the best, IMHO,
Jon
The best small steam out there, in terms of small size, reliable performance, and cost-effectiveness, are the Spectrum line of Bachmann engines. Head over to Trainworld and you’ll find the 2-8-0s for $70!
The only other cheap engines available are all garbage; stay away.
but fortunatly horizon/atheran is re-relaesing some of these as ready-to-run models including the 4-4-0 http://www.roundhousetrains.com/Search/Default.aspx?SearchTerm=4-4-0&CatID=THLS still no photos on the website , but they have dcc and sound !
so is their 4-6-0
my spec 2-8-0 was noisy, and wouldn’t run very slow.
IHC makes a 2-6-0 and I just bought one but haven’t received it yet. IHCs 2-8-0s look good. I’d buy IHC. They’re very good runners, but a bit weak on detail. Not a problem for me, tho[:D]
Maybe he’s doing a straight layout with few to no curves, kind of like what Pelle Soeberg (did I spell that right?) did in the October '02 MR. Then it might work. Remember, he’s only using it at Christmas.[:D]
If you’re looking for inexpensive small steam in HO, then the Spectrum 2-8-0 can be had on eBay for less then $70, which isn’t bad at all.[:D]
IHC has some pretty good small steam too, including: 2 different 2-6-0s, a 2-8-0, 2 4-4-0s, an 0-8-0 and a couple others. All should be nice runners.
With a little work, AHM/Rivarossi steam engines can be nice runners, and some of the smaller ones can be had for less than $40.[:D] I have an 0-6-0, and once I added tender electrical pickups, it became one of my smoothest runners.[:D]
If you like kits, Bowser makes a few small steam engine kits for under $120. The steam engines are: the “Old Lady” 2-8-0, the “Casey Jones” 4-6-0, the A-5 0-4-0 and the K-11 4-6-2. The “Old Lady” and “Casey Jones” have a lot more cast on detail than the A-5 and K-11, so you don’t have to spend extra on a Super Detail kit.[:D] Bowser steam engines are very smooth and powerful runners when they’re built right.[:D]
Keep an eye on this guy, I got an MDC 2-8-0 from him within the last month.
http://www.jaystrains.com/HO-HOn3/Locomotives/hosteam.htm
Very smooth, very pro, very quick delivery. Per our conversation at the time, the SP shown on the site is the last one he has.
Some 2-6-0’s though, both in kit and RTR.
I have four of the Spectrum ten wheelers, had to jump through a lot of hoops to find four worth having. Non-running, no headlight, bad paint, sidewinding junk on several of them. Test any Spectrum before you buy, their quality control is non-existent.
The ones that do run, run well, quiet and smooth, and look pretty too.
The Model Power 2-8-0’s should be avoided at all cost. I have two, they are tender drive, derail at every opportunity due to resistence from the running gear, and the motor doesn’t run until over half throttle, where it jumps into gear at about 200 scale miles per hour. I’ve had these down to screws and individual parts, cleaned everything, re-lubed, everything short of total re-design, no joy.
They also aren’t pretty enough for display only purposes. I’m not anti-MP, we have three F2 diesels in military livery that run smooth and reasonably quietly. Normally I’m a never say die kind of guy, but I can find no reeeming features in these 2-8-0s. My advice is to save your money here.
We’re all looking for small HO steam power in the Spectrum and P2K quality range but the manufactures keep producing the bigger stuff, atriculateds and the like.
We need some MODERN 2-6-0s, 4-6-0 and smallish 2-8-0s (The Spectrum on is a bit big).
ok, so the non spectrum is junk, and looks like the model power is junk???going to have to look at the IHC some more, they look like nice engines.
Will have to give the spectrum a second look at again, they were just
a tat out my price range, the 30-40 dollar range was looking good,
but I dont want to end up buying junk.
This is just a holiday layout, My main layout is O-gauge.
I’m planing on 3 lines in a loop (if space permets)
Can the IHC steamers be fitted for dcc and sound?
What did Model Power do to the old Mantua line? I heard they were going to release them pretty much the same way they were made years ago in New Jersey.
I have the Bachman 4-6-0. nice.
now I know about whos what about mthrules
what do you think of the other brands out there, eh?
MTH only has the K4, not out yet as far as I know.
You can have 15 inch radius on the smallest curves but really only the smaller engines and cars are best on 15 inch.
But I repaired a Rivarrossi Big Boy once, without tender it took 15 inch radius…
Just for a Christmas thing? Not a serious layout that kiddies may want to play with? you better hit the cheapo train sets that are easily replaceable inexpensive.
The Better Spectrums higher quality plastic you might not want to be a hazard for the youngsters. Evaluate your goals and desires and go from there.
I thought Model Power was improving the old Mantua line - making them DCC ready etc.?? I think the only ones currently out are the 2-6-6-2 logging saddletank mallets. I think the old Mantuas with can motors weren’t bad, I have an 0-8-0 that I converted to DCC, like it better than my LL 0-8-0 which cost about three times more.