Having an 027 layout, I am looking to add an 8 wheel (driver) steam engine to my empire. I suspect many of you O27 folks have some recommendations on this… it must be able to run through 027 switches without problems. I am inclined to stay with Lionel offerings, but wish to avoid the Pennsy turbine. Postwar or Modern era (MPC / LTI) is a preference. What are the choices for the best operation?
Hi! Not sure this is what you mean…I have the 2-8-4 Polar Express (Berkshire)engine and am very pleased with its performance.
I would second the PE Berkshire although it’s not PW or MPC era. However it does do alright on 027 track and switches.
The Post War Berks 726/736 (Pictured below) may also be good choices although I cannot attest to their compatability with 027 switches and track.
Roland
The PE Berk does not run well on O-27.
The postwar & MPC/LTI berks are better, I’ve never had a problem with any… some say the eccentric crank might hit the switch motors but I’ve never noticed it.
Rob
I would go with the PW 736. Has magnatraction and pulls like a mule. Here’s a pic of mine
Rob I guess you’re right I did have problems with arcing and stalling at first with my PE Berk but here’s how I fixed this.
Refer to this thread for complete story. http://www.trains.com/TRC/CS/forums/1053983/ShowPost.aspx
Roland
FOLLOW-UP: I guess, in my “older” age, I don’t read very well. I missed the switch part of the question. My PE engine runs on a O27 - 42" line without a switch. SORRY [:I]
The problem with true O-27 operation is much simpler than that here. The PE/Baby Berks drive wheels bind in the 13" radius curves. Wider radius curves(O-34 & up) in O-27 profile track works great for me.
The postwar big Berks have no problems with O-27 curves.
Rob
I have this TMCC berk (6-11101 ) runs and smokes well. you can search this number on the lionel site for the specifics.
I have Lionel tube track. 1024 & 1121 switches. My 736 Berk runs great on these. I also have a 671, and a MTH RK PRRM1a that runs fine n this layout.
never had problems with my 2020 or 681 on O-27 tubes…
Thanks for the info… looks like I should research the 736. If it pullls like a mule, it would be a fine addition to my collection.
Hmmm,
For Postwar, I’d say go with a 736 berkshire. For MPC, the only Mike that would be fit for an 0-27 layout that I know of was the Southern 4501 from the Southern F.A.R.R. set, which was essentially a 736 as a 2-8-2.
Now for a really modern engine, I have heard great things about Lionel’s new traditional 2-8-2’s. I’d go with one of them.
Cheese
Does the MTH 2-8-0 fit the qualifications? It has 8 driving wheels, is modern, and will run on 0-31.
Wes
Missed that… my 681 has the Pennsy tender, but the 2020 is Lionel Lines… so that doesn’t make it a Pennsy… [;)]
The 736 Berk is my next PW engine.
Found a 726 Berk, and it appears that all is well running on O27. Any of you out there that can tell me if the 726 is a good puller, runner? Am about to purchase it after a test run on my home layout. This one is a '47, without a tender - what would be a fair price? It is in good condition from what I can tell, never had an engine of that age. Looking for good advise from you Postwar steam operators. Thanks.
I wouldn’t pay more than $150 - $200 tops for a 726 without a matching tender. The 2426 tenders that came with the 726 were the top of the line for it’s time, and add quite a bit to the price of the 726.
The 726 has better looking drive wheels, and is a smooth runner, but doesn’t have the benefit of Magnatraction. The 736 does have magnatraction. My 736 pulls very well. You really can’t go wrong with either post war Berk. But try to find a matching tender for the 726.
Jim
I’ll second Jumijo’s opinion of the two as well as his assessment of the price point. My 736 can pull a ton. If you are so inclined, good luck finding a 2426 to go with the 726. I’ve seen them sell for almost the same price as the 726 itself.
Just my two cents.
Mike
Yes, unfortunately there is no tender, however I do have the diecast Railsounds Tender issued back in the mid 90’s - which is a twelve wheeler, and it indeed looks fantastic behind this 726. I had this but with no larger steamer, used it behind a pacific, the tender looked tool long. Matching this to the 726, at least operationally looks pretty. I was thinking $200 tops, so it looks like I’m not too far out on a limb…Thanks for the tips…Jumijo and Mike.