Hey Guys,
I want to thank you for the past advice it has helped quite a bit! I do have one question that I asked in a different forum with no answer. Im about to add a steam loco to my layout. Is there any specific manufacturer I should be looking at, and staying away from? I usually use Kato for Deisel, but I dont think they make many steam.
Love to hear any suggestions!
Marc
I’m assuming you’re in N scale? (Your profile doesn’t give that info).
In part it depends on the era you’re modeling. There are several decent N scale steam locos on the market today.
Kato does make a 2-8-2 that is very smooth. Known to be a bit light on pulling power unless you get it with traction tires installed. The little parts (handrails, bell, etc) have to be installed by you, be sure you have a good pair of glasses.
The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 is generally considered as a very good locomotive.
The MDC/Roundhouse (now Athearn) 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 are good performers but are late 1800’s/early 1900’s vintage locos.
The Model Power Pacific’s and Mikado’s have had some problems reported, especially with the first releases. Supposedly they corrected some of this on later shipments. I don’t have these so I can’t offer my opinion.
There are also some larger units that I’m not familiar with personally, including the Bachmann Spectrum Mountain and 2-6-6-2.
If you have access to a hobby shop, you might want to get your loco there where the owner can run it on his test track (assuming he has one) and check out it’s performance before you take it home.
Just as a suggestion, I think you’d stand a better chance of getting a good response if you change the title of the post to something more specific, like maybe “Need recommendation on N scale steam”. jmho
Regards
Ed
Sorry about that Yes it would be N Scale