Wolf359
The best 2-8-0 that was mass produced that I own is the Bachmann/Spectrum Baldwin Consolidation.
Mine is now inoperative, but it was my workhorse for years on my previous two layouts. It died when a truck mounting screw in the train it was pulling worked loose, caught on a crossing, and stopped the train dead. Ever since then, this locomotive has made a clicking noise when going forward. It works fine in reverse.
Mine is about 20 years old, and was straight DC when it was made. I understand the newer versions of this locomotive are even better.
I have modest layout aspirations and do not own massive fleets of locomotives, so I can only tell you I was very happy with the one I own.
All of my fleet steamlocomotives are brass except for two, this 2-8-0 and my Bachmann/Spectrum 2-8-8-4. I might add a Bachmann/Spectrum J 4-8-4 at some point, or maybe not. These Bachmann locomotives all run like fine precision instruments.
-Kevin
Thank you for that information. I’ve acutally been hunting for an unlettered version of one for a little while, as it’s a pretty good match for Midland Terminal engine 61. https://digital.denverlibrary.org/digital/collection/p15330coll22/id/53573/rec/2
Have you ever tried taking your loco apart and seeing if something inside is broken or out of alignment? It almost sounds like the sudden stop may have damage a gear or knocked one out of proper align