I’m posting this thread to get some feedback on a new train. I haven’t bought my new train yet because I’m still looking for one that just reaches out to me. My layout is an HO scale layout on a 9X5 sheet of plywood. I have 22" curves on both the inside and the outside mainlines. I’m looking for a steam engine that will run on this layout without derailing.
The largest engine that I currently have is the Bachmann 2-8-4 Berkshire. The tender has 3 axles in front and 3 in back. This engine runs with no problems at all (ie, it doesn’t derail, doesn’t get stuck on curves, etc). I’m looking for a new engine that is no smaller than my Berkshire. I’ve looked at several 4-6-2 engines, but none of them stand out to me (and some of them are smaller than I would like).
I would like to know (before going into the purchase) that the engine will run on the 22" curves that I use. Seeing as how the Berkshire can run with no problems, I am hoping that any other train its size will run with no problems as well.
Having said all of this, I’d like to know what engines you guys would suggest. If you have an engine that I’m looking for and you can give a good review on it, that would be much appreciated as well. I’d also like to add that the engine I buy needs to be able to pull a consist of no less than 5 passenger cars (the size of ATH 7805 or larger). Once again, any input and/or suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!
Well you have a couple of things going on. First is that a Berkshire is a fairly large locomotive. So using it as the no-smaller -than measure greatly reduces the choices almost into the BIG steam category.
Second thing here is that Bachmann purposely makes their locomotives with loosey-goosey axles in order to go around 18" curves. Other brands of the same type of loco, a Berkshire in this case, might not go around those 22" curves so nicely.
So given those two considerations, you might want to consider a Bachmann Northern 4-8-4. The BLI Northern would be a much better model but it is not designed with sloppy axles and would not like the 22" curves at all.
A second big locomotive you might want to consider is the IHC or Bachmann 2-10-2. Once again a sloppy design to allow the tight curves, but supposedly a good runner.
On the other hand I think a good project might be to get a smaller locomotive and make it into a “HEAVY”. What I am saying is a light 4-6-2 Pacific is way different from a heavy pacific. Details such as the feed water heater, compressors, pumps, six axle trucks on the tender can really change the look of a loco. A smaller locomotive will look better on a small layout. A Pacific should easily pull the 5 afore mentioned cars.
I have a BLI 4-6-4 Hudson and an IHC 2-8-2 Mikado. Both of these handle my 18-inch radius curves just fine. I bought the Hudson with sound several years ago and it’s been a fine engine. I installed a Tsunami in the Mikado, turning a nice engine into a great engine. IHC is no longer producing / importing engines, to my knowledge, but if you can find one of these at a show (like I did) it’s a nice option.
@Texas Zepher: Are you sure that the Northern 4-8-4 would go around my 22" curves? I saw a video where a similar engine (the 4-8-4 Niagara) couldn’t make the 22" curves without derailing. I’m assuming that the Bachmann Northern that you are talking about is the Northern Santa Fe. I REALLY like this engine.
Also, the 2-10-2 you mentioned is really nice, but I really doubt that 10 wheels in the middle can handle 22" curves. I’d be interested in that one as well if I knew for sure that it could take the curves.
As for the 4-6-2, I can’t seem to find one that I like. For me to get a 4-6-2, I have to like how it looks and runs over the 4-8-4(s).
Thanks for your suggestions. I’m currently researching the locos that you have mentioned.
@ Misterbeasley: Thanks for your input! I’ll go look at the 4-6-4 Hudson in a few minutes. I’ve never had a BLI enginge, but I’ve only heard amazing things about them!
Along with the Hudson, a USRA 2-8-2 Mike would make a nice addition and definitely handle those R22" curves. BLI makes a number of them. (I would look for one with the Paragon2 decoder.) The Trix Mike is the creme de la creme but hard to find.
Pretty sure. They are designed for 18" radius. Was the Niagra you mentioned a Bachmann or a BLI? I guarantee the BLI won’t make it.
I’ve got one that I would get out and test for you, but unfortunately I just moved. It is in a box somewhere at the new place. No idea where. And I’m in the old place.
The MR review (August 2006) of the 2-10-2 says it will run on 18" curves.
I just looked at the challenger by MTH (and another by Athern) today. Is there any chance that a 4-6-6-4 would run on 22" curves without derailing? I’m still probably going to get the BLI Paragon2 USRA Heavy Mikado, but it would still be nice to know for future reference. Thanks
Yes, once again the Athearn Challenger was designed to go around 18" curves. This is because they unprototypically articulated both the front and rear set of drivers. The problem isn’t in the running but the looks. The boiler swing makes the locomotive look ludicrous on sharp curves. As said in Jurassic Park, “they were so worried about if they could, they never stopped to ask if they should.”
I’m more leaning towards picking one of the BLI engines simply because of the great reviews that I’ve read about them. (the only reason the non-BLI engine is listed on here is simply because of the price) I think my biggest concern is how well they take my 22" curves. I really don’t want to have to replace my entire layout’s curves just so one engine can go around them. It’s such a hard decision…all 3 of these locos would make me really happy
I have some of the Bachmann 2-10-2 engines, they run on 22" curves with no problems, will also run on my 18: test track oval without any difficulty as well.
Another engine I would recommend is the Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain engines, these engines have steel diecast boilers and can pull exceptionally well. You can usually find these ar train shows or on e-bay
Thanks for this input. I tried running my Bachmann Berkshire (2-8-4) on my 18" curves and it had a hard time with them. It kept on making this grinding sound as it tried to round them. That’s the only reason I keep bringing up the radius of the curves. But I’m glad to know that a 2-10-2 can make it around the smaller ones.
As for the 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain engines, are you talking about the ones that Broadway Limited produces? Or is there another manufacturer of them that might be a little less expensive?
