As I have been out of the loop for the last century, I need advice on purchasing a steam switcher, saddle-tank, or dockside etc. etc. type locomotive. Where do I start? magazines: they seem only to advertise their newest products even though they still carry past products but don’t show them. walthers: I don’t own their newest catalogue and do they advertise ALL manufacturers?. internet: do I have to hunt down every maker hoping they show all their lines, I don’t even know half the names of companies now (most have gone out of business) internet again: is there a site that I can peruse and see all these manufacturers and their products at one time? (gee,isn’t that a novel idea ! ) local hobby shop: I would assume they do not carry every model made. ebay: been there and great for old stuff, but I assume the newer engines are less trouble free and pull more(notice I said assume) I hope you can shed some light on this subject. I have a feeling I’m missing something very obvious, thanks in advance.
http://www.walthers.com/
http://www.trainworld1.com/
http://www.internettrains.com/
http://www.horizonhobby.com/
This is the address for walthers online store. Internet trains, Trainworld, and Horrizon Hobbies are some other stores that I have delt with. As for ebay I do more selling than buying, but I have picked up newer locos cheaper than other stores!
Spectrum makes an HO 0-6-0T. Bachmann makes an HO 0-6-0. Life Like makes an HO 0-4-0. Rivarossi makes an HO 0-8-0. P2K makes an HO 0-6-0. There’s lots more.
The best HO steam switcher is the P2K Heritage USRA 0-8-0. A little power house. Runs smooth as silk. Check www.1stplacehobbies.com or www.trainworld.com
I have the Spectrum 0-6-0 tank switcher and it runs really well.
i agree. The P2K Heritage series 0-8-0 is superb. It’s very smooth, has excellent low speed performance, pulls very well, and is beautifully detailed.
have Fun,
Tom Watkins
I third the Proto 0-8-0. Absolutely Beautiful, gorgeous, and runs like a good Swiss watch.
I agree with the others that the Proto 2000 0-8-0 is a great locomotive. I have 7 or 8 of them on my roster. BUT The Proto 2000 0-6-0 is better because the tender has electrical pickup on all eight wheels. If I could only have one locomotive for a small layout I would choose the 0-6-0. One other reason is because it could negotiate 18" curves better.
If you really prefer the 0-8-0, ideally the tender could be rebuilt with electric parts from the 0-6-0. I am in the process of reworking mine now.
I agree that the P2K 0-6-0 runs smoothly and looks great but it can’t pull. I find that its 10 cars max on level track isn’t adequate.
Agree completely about the 0-8-0 tender. I tried to get the spare parts to convert the 0-8-0 tender as it has all the right gaps etc for the pick-ups as supplied on 0-6-0. No joy in USA with Lifelike who were not desparately helpful but eventually I got a spare 0-6-0 tender from Lifelike Canada and it makes a massive difference. For the price I’m surprised the 0-8-0 does not have the tender pick-ups
Chris
UK
I have a BLI Hudson 4-6-4, not much of a switcher, but very good loco. Try Broadway Limited’s website to see if they have a switcher. BLI’s are expensive, but high detail and come with an installed QSI sound decoder. Don’t worry, it will work fine and make sound on a DC layout.
Hit it right on the head there you will look long and hard to find a better running better detailed 0-8-0 than the P2K Heritage.You might want to check out the auctions on e-bay seen a few of them go for under $100.that is an exceptional price for that loco.