Hello folks, im sure you get plenty of people who pop in here just to ask one question and leave, but im dedicated to this new hobby so I hope you wouldnt mind if I asked one.
Heres my problem. Im very very confused on which engine to buy…probably because im too particular on what I would like. Here is what im looking for, hopefully someone can help.
Steam era (Pre-war preferably)
HO Scale
Medium sized (around a 4-6-2)
In a union pacific
DCC ready (not equipped)
Must be able to handle 22" curves…possibly 18 (ive noticed many sites do not list this)
IF anyone could help me out (with a link) it would be very much apprecieated. many of the links I have found to items such have this have been dead.
I look forward to getting to know you folks, thank you.
You would have to kitbash an existing Pacific type, or buy in brass, or use the Rivarossi FEF 4-8-4 (I am unsure about 22" radius for that one, but the BLI 4-8-4’s can use them). I believe that UP also had Mountain types (4-8-2), but I am unsure of who makes those readily available…maybe Spectrum has one that is close enough to kitbash if not already of the type?
That is as far as I can go…not much…since I am more into eastern roads. Hopefully you will get some more meaningful replies.
Use Google or look in the adds in Model Railroader. Have a look at ‘Broadway Limited’ Stealth series of locos that come without sound or ‘Bachmann trains’ produce several mid size locos and some are available in UP colours. The Bachmann ones aren’t neccessarily authentic UP engines but are similar to some UP prototypes, they do a 2-8-0, 2-10-0 and a 2-8-2 these are probably the best option for quality and price. If you do want to add DCC later you can just plug in a decoder in the tender.
hope this helps
Looking for something in a USRA design like a 2-8-2 or 4-8-2 would be a good place to start. During WW1 the government took over the railroads and only allowed engines designed by the USRA (United States Railroad Administration) to be built. Because of that, many railroads bought these engines, and many later built copies of the designs, so even railroads that had their own unique designs for steam engines usually had a few ‘generic’ USRA engines on the roster.
How about the Bachman Spectrum 4 6 0 it is a super looking engine and it comes in high and low boiler version(drivers are a different height) and it is DCC ready Just have to buy the chip, The 2 8 0 Consolidation is another candidate same company.Go on ebay and you can get them for pretty good price, i have 3 and combined i think i paid about 150 (with exchange). I am still fairly new to the hobby too so i am learning as i go too
If you have a hobby shop near you, some will actually run some engines for you. I have 18 in curves and it limits some. I have a BLI mikado, a Spectrum Mountain, two old brass 2-6-6-2s, a shay and a climax all that run my 18" curves OK(Not good, just OK).
The BLI does not like kinks in the track and the moutain does not like some turnouts, but they all run ok. Be careful with Ebay. I have bought some great stuff, and been burned a couple of times. Know what you want, don’t expect the ebay seller to know or even describe their engine properly.
Yes, sorry should have mentioned that Ebay can be a bit of a shark pit, be sure to ask questions and don’t buy on impulse(don’t make snap decisions in that last minute) Thats were you will get burned for sure, talking from experience i am. Same for this forum here, ask questions, someone will always answer [:D]
Look up events on this site and go to a club. Ask as many questions as you like. most clubs are very helpfull and love to talk and help new guys like yourself get up to speed. They will help you set a standard of quality and focus your efforts on the correct equipment. Don’t take the family the first few times as they may get borred and try to pull you away. This was very helpfull for me. You dont have to join just visit. This is why they have open houses, to gain new members and educate.
THanks for the info folks. I went to the hobby store here in town and sadly they didnt treat me very good. I asked them about the 4-8-4 mountain and they told me it would run on a 22" curve…and then they ran it and it derailed! Then they proceeded to try to sell it to me anyway. After I turned them down they again tried to sell me an engine I didnt even want. To answer your above question, I am running BOTH a small passenger line and medium freight line. I am looking at a mehano 4-6-2…Does anyone know what kind of quality mehanos are? I dont want to buy crap.
Also about that 4-6-0…was that used for passenger and freight?
