Unfortunately, my Dad can’t make it to the National Train Show tomorrow, so I’ve gotta make his purchases for him. He asked me to pick up a steam engine in the $200 - $300 range. Does anyone have a recommendation? He’s got a Lionel layout with 0-31 curves. We haven’t upgraded to any command control, so that’s not a concern. I think smoke and lights are a definate must, and sound is always good. The majority of his engines are older Lionel, and the newer MTH. Any help is appreciated!
Lionel just came out with an 0-8-0 switcher engine that has puffing smoke, but no sounds other than an air whistle in the tender. It costs less than 200 dollars, and should be able to go around 0-31 curves with no problem. Another good candidate would be a Lionel Jr. Mikado steam engine without TMCC. They usually come with Railsounds. A Lionel 1666 steam engine is another good candidate. I think one in decent good running shape can be had in the $100-$150 range.
I can recommend the Lionel K-4 esque 2025. The earliest can be found with an unfinished aluminum smoke stack. Great running engine, and easy to work on.
Also, if you’re looking for diesels, the GP-7 2338 Milwaukee Road is very popular, and a great runner.
If tmcc is not a must then you should have a nice selection in the price range you mentioned. I would ask your dad what he likes or if he knows how to navigate the net call him on the phone with your finds and let him look up the engine that you are looking at so he could make the final desceision. Have fun and good luck!
I have to back up Berk 765, on the Lionel Mikado jr Locomotives, I know that they did Union Pacific and B&O in the non-TMCC versions, the New MSRP on these was about $259.99, as I recall. These are an Excellent Locomotive for the money. They are very smooth runners, Pull like the Budwiser Clydsdales, and are very good looking as well, with excellent detail, rarely found on this price level. You wont go wrong with one of these.
If you have about $100 left over, the Docksider by lionel is a nice steam engine. While basic, it does look great and can be upgraded to TMCC at a later date if desired. While the whistle is a bit bland, it makes up for it by it’s looks and reliable function.
Look, you are doing everyone a favor by having your “most wanted” list, takes the guesswork out of gift giving for others. You are so thoughtful! [:)]
And it beats the perfunctory stuff you could go out and get for yourself. My daughter and wife are ebay maniacs and have set up their watch lists accordingly. And I have asked that they not go overboard, learn the correct pricing, and go in together if an item is pricey. And double up on occasions, combo b-day and Christmas, etc, when the item is expensive. I’ll let you know how this plan works out at Christmas.
I didn’t like this thread because I couldn’t narrow the list of my personal preferences to less than a half dozen or so. [:D]
Yes these are Traditional size, coupler to coupler(OK, they front coupler BLOB) they measure 19" long. They are traditional size, but much more detailed than is normal for a traditional Locomotive. These WILL operate on O-27 curves (according to the catalog, I HAVE run on O-31 though personally) These are very good looking and running Locomotives, I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed with one of these, mine have been Excellent Locomotives.