Steam engine for layout

Hey Everyone

What is a good loco steam engine for a Mining Layout.It must be a Black Steam Engine in N Scale

I was thinking a Iron Duke (Bachmann)

Many thanks

Pavariangoo[8D]

Well the regular Bachmann line of steam locos isn’t known for great operation, not that you couldn’t use it. Now their Spectrum line seems to be considerably better. They make a 2-8-0 in the Spectrum line that is generally considered to be one of the best steam locos currently available in N scale. The loco is typical of what would have been produced around 1920. So it would be suitable for use through the end of the steam era. That might be a good choice.

Also MDC/Roundhouse (now owned and marketed by Athearn) has a 2-6-0 and a 2-8-0 that are very good operating steam locos. The prototype for these was a bit earlier, about 1890, but they could easily be used on a layout in the mid-20th century.

Just a couple of suggestions.

Regards

Ed

The only steam engine in N scale that I have ever seen that actually runs is the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, and even it is not that great, when compared to the HO scale version. I think Kato made an N-scale steam engine of some type a few years ago, and it would probably run okay, considering the quality of Kato products. Check the Kato USA Web site and see if they have anything currently available.