The Spin on Switchers

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

Any recommendations for a good switcher? I’d like a brand/model that has good pulling power at low speed. I had a bad experience buying a used one (it had a single engine, was not very heavy, and rocked side to side a bit while running…made me sea-sick just watching it go around the track). Fortunately I was able to return the unit. Not wanting to repeat my mistake; as the saying goes, “nothing is learned from being kicked a second time by a mule.”…or something like that.

Thanks.

Paul

2

I’ve got a K-Line Porter and a Plymouth and also one of the cheap Lionel 0-6-0’s and all are good runners and don’t break the bank. The porter and the plymouth both have the same motor block and are slow runners while the 0-6-0 runs faster but is strong. The porter is also too big so if you are running scale, you might not want it because it’s about as tall as my 736 berkshire.

3

Paul, You didn’t mention the brandeee name, so hopefully it isn’t the brandeee name which I’m going to mention. I have a Lionel 0-6-0 U.S. Army switcher, similar to what SanteFe158 has and I say the same about the unit. It’s powerful and the price was right. I believe, it’s slightly bigger than scale size, but still close enough and not be able to notice much of a difference. Ralph

4

Paul,

I have the same 0-6-0 Switcher that Ralph has mentioned, in Strassberg RR colors. No complaints. Surprised how well it functions and the price is right. My favorite switcher is my K-Line Pennsy A5, with TMCC. Except for a coupler issue, it performs well.

John

5

The lionel docksiders are fun and great running little engines, if you want an affordable new diesel it would be Williams. Just one thing about them if they have no cars coupled on they will jump start till you get use to them, but very smooth runners.

6

I like the the Lionel docksider also.Also like my K Line Plymouth.

7

I have the Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider, well, actually we have three of them. Great pullers and good little engines - I highly recommend them.

8

I have the Lionel 0-6-0 and think its flawless. for the price, its really good looking and is pretty strong. if your looking for a diesel, I have the k-line MP15DC in Long Island paint. its a great puller and decently smooth. my only complaint is that it starts up fast and dosent have a low enough minimum speed to be used as a switcher. thats not what they were used for on the LIRR anyway [(-D]