Hey Ya’ll
Are there lot of engines in O gauge for under $200.
I know of the K-line Geep, Alcos, and 4-6-2 steamer. Also the Lionel $99 Tank Engine and the $99 4-4-2 Starter set atlantic.
Are there anymore?
Look at the Williams offerings. Several of their engines are available for under $200 and are excellent, durable locomotives.
K-Line’s new Porter is under $200, although the proportions are a bit big for a Porter IMHO.
MTH has a great little 0-4-0 Docksider that is also under $200.
Don’t forget the Ready Made Toys “Beep” ( a “sawed off” GP something) that is around $60 and a great little runner.
There are a lot of locomotives that can be purchased, new-in-box, for under $200–too many to list here, unless someone wants to take the time to compile such a list. Each of the “Big Three” manufacturers–MTH, Lionel, and K-Line–offer a variety of motive power in that under-$200 price range. And, there’s also the RMT “BEEPs” at less than $50, and likely a few others that I’m overlooking.
This can be a very expensive hobby if you want it to be or let it be, but it sure doesn’t have to be expensive if you’re just looking to have fun playing with toy trains (my personal preference) and are not consumed with counting rivets and having all of the latest electronic bells gizmos.
I bought a K-Line B&O F-something or other powered A&B units from JusTrains a few months ago for $149. Great looking, runs well, a bit noisey, horn could wake the dead…but I love it. Joe
The basic K-line Collector’s Club engines are all well under $200, although the TMCC versions are a few bucks over.
The K-line Plymouth is $100.
Virtually all of the MTH Bantam engines are $200 or a few bucks under, or at least they were the last time I checked.
WE pick up this engine, new in the box, with full command (PS2) for $200.00
There are lots of them out there, you just have to look for them.
There’s a distinct differential in this hobby between what the actual market is allowing and what the various manufacturers’ are allowing. Although there are a number of locos in the $200 or under MSRP area, you will usually pay the MSRP price at a local hobby shop because of the antiquated, outdated and unfair distribution/wholsale systems most the companies use which unfortunately favor large retail venues.
And of course, there are the unexpected blowouts that usually go to a few select dealers… pays to watch the magazine advertisements, though that does nothing to help keep local dealers in business. I find it more than ironic that many of the companies say they want local smaller dealers, yet do scant little to actually help them be in business. Talk is cheap. Better wholesale levels and fewer rigid, uncompromising dealer requirements do more.
If you chose to trust manufacturer specs and catalog illustrations (which unfortunately as recent reality has shown - cannot always be trusted as accurate), your selection of locomotives becomes much better on the mail order level. In this aspect, Williams is without question the safest company to deal with as far as getting what you expect and having it work correctly out of the box - and having the guaranteed repairs if by chance it doesn’t. Their warranty is the best.
Certainly by going to the aftermarket, such as eBay (where unfortunately it is a buyer beware situation where it pays to ask questions and not bid if you have the slightest hesitation or if the seller states the item is “Rare” and there are several others listed at the same time… that seller wants to rip you off) you can find better prices with patience and a little luck. There are plenty of Lionel MPC era locos as well as basic K-Line locos well under $200. Plus many retailers (esp. the larger ones) are utilizing eBay as a stock reduction tool.
In addition to what’s been stated by others, there are a few Rugged Rails MTH locos under the $200 MSRP.
I second Dr John with Williams. They are very good quality for not too much money. The rectifier I bought last week was 150 euro’s (about 200 dollars) new, and it’s a great machine, well built and good runner.
Geez! How could I possibly have overlooked Williams in my previous post! They are one of my favorites–affordable, great variety of roadnames, highly dependable, and backed by the best warranty in the business. I just shipped off five Williams locomotives to a buyer today (two rather hefty boxes), but I’m sure not abandoning Williams–just changing roadnames.
Go to ePay and bid on a Lionel 2035 (2-6-4). Many there at $100 or less (just saw one go for $60), great pullers and runners. Also consider the 2026, 2018 type 2-6-4 cheaper, smaller good runners with less power.
Charlie
The new Atlas O Trainman engines will be available in conventional for under $200.00. I’m sure the quality will be typical for Atlas.
Well said brianel027