i would like to buy a steam loco soon, but as a high school student, my job and other intrests do not leave much money left for my trains so…
what is the best HO steam loco for under $150
Under $150, I would recommend IHC.
I have one of their Premier 4-6-2 Pacifics.
It’s a great locomotive for the price.
Gordon
Although I don’t have any yet, I’ve heard a lot of good about Bachmann Spectrum, but I’ve heard some negative as well. It seems to be that if you get a good one, it’s great, but the chance of doing so only runs about 85%. If you get one and fall into the other 15%, though, I’ve heard Bachmann is pretty good about customer service and replacement of the unit.
There are others in that price range that are pretty decent, too. I’ve recently acquired two Rivarossi FEF 3’s that were each priced in the ballpark of $150. They are the newer ones and seem pretty decent, but from what I’ve heard, you want to stay away from the older ones.
The Life-Like Heritage units have also had a lot good said about them in what I’ve read. I’m not sure which ones would fall into your price range, though.
Good luck in making your selection.
I recommend the Spectrum Heavy 4-8-2. Lovely details, smooth drive system. Can move 30 cars easily.
Me too!
This one was $35 (with details already added) from an Ebay auction. Weathering courtesy of a few dusty, grime filled trips thru the Platte Canyon Sub. [:D]
I have a Spectrum 4-6-2 Heavy Mountain. I paid right around $150 for it and it’s a
great loco. This is the first Spectrum I purchased and I’m glad I did. I have seen them cheaper online… look around. Good luck, Dave
Here is a list of some good steam engines for under $150:
IHC:
All IHC steamers
Bachmann:
4-8-4 Niagara
4-8-4 GS4
Spectrum 0-6-0T
Spectrum K4 4-6-2 Pacific
Spectrum 2-8-0
Rivarossi:
0-8-0
2-8-2
Bowser (if you’re into builing kits):
A-5 0-4-0
Casey Jones 4-6-0
Old Lady 2-8-0
H-9 2-8-0
L-1 2-8-2
K-4 4-6-2
K-11 4-6-2
E-6 4-4-2
G-5 2-6-0
0-4-0 Dockside (ready to run)
NOTE: Most Bowser kits have super detail kits that are sold seperately. If you can afford one, make sure you get it.
A BLI 2-8-2 on ebay for anywhere between $129 and $149.
Ask anyone with a Bachmann spectrum Shay locomotive. I have one, and love it. So does everyone I’ve talked with so far.
I just purchased an IHC 4-6-4 Hudson two months ago. A great looking locomotive (DC) that gets lots of comments. Pulling power is not the best, but boy it sure looks nice. $99.00 Look for the IHC ad in MR (any edition). [:D]
I think Trainworld has an awesome deal on BLI 4-6-4 Hudsons (DCC and sound) for $129. I paid considerably more for mine. [:(] Of course, at that price, they may have already run out of them.
I second this! For under $150.00 from most high volume online dealers (or ebay) you get a model that will work on virtually any layout, and has a great sound and control system built in. Make sure you pick up the “Light” version, as there are some detail differences and the model comes with two axels, one with traction tires and one without. My traction tire equipped Mikado is a wonderful puller and is my goto locomotive for 20-30 mixed car trains… [:D]
Good luck!
Jeff
I was going to suggest the BLI’s as well.
I have a Bachman Sectrum 2-8-0 with a Soundtrax card in it. They go for about $60 on eBay and they are sweet. Right now you can pick up a SoundTrax decoder for for $49–but you have to have DCC. And you have enough for left over for a Bachman Spectrum 0-6-0.
I’m really surprised the New Rivarossi FEF-3 failed here to make the grade but then on the other hand perhaps there’s a lack of hands on experience on this forum. Should still come with a one year free exchange in the event of a failure. See MR review January 2004. Liked one so much, bot a second.
Bachmann Spectrum, heavy 4-8-2 Mountain, see MR review Oct 2004. Also had owned one.
Experienced owner.
We are experienced. We have OUR experience. That was the whole purpose. To chime in, not to degrade other’s experience. Because some have been in the hobby longer, doesn’t make the opinions of those of us who have not worth any less than yours, just different.
Maybe see if you can find a Bachmann Light Mountain (4-8-2) they seem to go for slightly less than the heavy 4-8-2 (either one is quite fine), although I think Bachmann has stopped making the Light Mountain. IHC makes a respectable 2-8-2 Mikado in thier PREMIER SERIES that might be in your price range also. I live in Canada so pretty well any steam engine starts at or over $150.00 up here. Ebay might be the place to check for a bit more selection if you don’t mind taking a chance on pre-owned or “bargain” prices.
I don’t know what you want, but here’s a list.
Any P2K Heritage you can find under $150. I got one 2-8-8-2 for $139.
Spectrum 2-8-0 or 4-8-2. (Trainworld $99 and $109 for hvy and lgt mountains)
BLI 2-8-2
Newer (motor in the boiler not the cab) Rivarossi
Athearn Genesis 4-6-2 or 2-8-2… watch it run to make sure it doesn’t have a gear problem.
IHC Premier series - but, these don’t have the detail of the others but you can add a lot yourself. Good mechanism.
I suggest the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 and Light 4-8-2. I have both and are extremely pleased with them, and I got both for under $100.00. I also suggest the new run of Rivarossi Union Pacific FEF-3 4-8-4s. Great performers and at Walthers right now they’re $129.99.
I did mention the Riv. FEF in my earlier post (I also have two and am pleased with them):
I own quite a few Rivarossi 2-8-2’s and 4-6-2’s. Most are the older version and almost everyone of them are at least 25years old. However they still run great and pull my 12 car athearn heavyweight passenger train with ease (I still have the below average stock wheels on the cars). The new Rivarossis are better but I saw one pacific go for just under $400 and I got a New In Box Heavy Pacific from the earlier run that works excellently (however the guy selling it didnt know what he had and I got it for cheap; about $55). I like the IHC premeir series but I would recommend a Rivarossi over them anyday, new or old. Ive also have a couple bachmann spectrums and both are good but they werent worth more than a used Rivarossi on ebay, so I’d have to say that I like Rivarossi the best because they are easy to mess with, simple yet detailed, and run forever.