First mainline steam purchase - suggestions

[Bob Bufkin]

Yeah, I meant to say 4-6-0.  Also think a 2-8-2 makes a great excurion engine.  Of course, I'm prejudice because of all those trips I worked as a car host on the Southern many years ago behind 4501.

[MichaelWinicki]

I second Dave V's choice– a 2-8-0.

If I had to choose 1 locomotive that represented the entire steam era it would be that locomotive.

It's not too big, it's not too small.  It's just right. 

It could be found on just about every road in the country.   Many hanging on till the end of the steam era because of their versatility.