First mainline steam purchase - suggestions

[Ian MacMillan]

I am making my first N steam purchase, a mainline loco to be used for excursions, etc.

I'm not really too picky on the prototype other than it is to be:
- a good runner
- typical of East/Northeast roads.
- roadname does not matter.

I was looking at the Bachmann Light mountain. (revised DCC ready one)

Opinions? Suggestions

[Bendtracker1]

The Life-Like Berkshire might be a good choice.

[Ian MacMillan]

The Life-Like Berkshire might be a good choice.

I was thinking that, but then again I would most likely want to B&Mize it...which would require a crap ton of mods and a coffin water heater!

[Chris333]

The Berk runs great, but doesn't pull much. I don't own a mountain so I will guess it will pull much more, but with Bachmann you could get a dud. Run before you buy if you can.

[Ian MacMillan]

Ok. Not looking to pull much. Perhaps 4-6 passenger cars.

[reinhardtjh]

The Bachmann Mountains are pretty good runners.  I don't remember if you are DCC or not, but the heavies come with a passable DCC decoder installed and if you intend to do some mods anyway, then Trainworld has one on sale cheap (Illinois Central for ~$80). I bought 3 from them earlier this spring.  You could also easily pull 4-6 passenger cars with the ten-wheeler which is also DCC equipped and very few of those have been clunkers after the initial run.  If Ebay doesn't scare you off then check out "The Favorite Spot", a seller from TX that sells tons of Bachmann steamers at decent prices.  Otherwise TrainWord or MBKlein have good prices if the items are in stock.

  John H. Reinhardt

[Chris333]

http://www.thefavoritespot.com/c-1383-steam-locomotives.aspx?section=-2094-

[rogergperkins]

The engines mentioned are all in my roster, but light Mountain is not transformed to DCC at this time.
I have 3 of the Kato GS-4 engines; one I had custom painted in a simple B&O blue scheme, the other 2 were purchased as the black SP version and tender repainted and Baltimore and Ohio lettering added.
These are very nice running engines.   I have the standard KOBO decoder installed, but not DCC sound or light control.
Another thought for the 4 to 6 cars is the B'mann 2-8-0 with dual mode DC and DCC.
Klein also have some Kato 2-8-2's listed with KOBO DCC conversion.  No experience with them in DCC, but have 5 that are DC.
 

[muktown128]

Ian,

I have a Kato 2-8-2.  It runs great.
I have 2 Bachmann 2-8-0's.  They both run great.
I have Bachmann light 4-8-2.  It runs OK.
I have 2 Bachmann heavy 4-8-2's.  They both run OK.

Based on this, I would steer towards the 2-8-2 or 2-8-0. 

I have purchased stuff from thefavoritespot and would buy from them again.  They have tons of Bachmann stuff for auction.  Their prices are pretty consistent for the items I was watching and/or purchased and much cheaper than their "Buy It Now" listings.

Scott

[sizemore]

Go with the Bachmann Consolidation or a Model Power Pacific with 3/4 passenger cars. Heavier steam, means bigger facilities, and bukoo dinero to keep it moving, higher insurance policies. Take a note from Strasburg, Cumberland Scenic, and Georges Creek...all lighter steam.

The S.

[Ian MacMillan]

Go with the Bachmann Consolidation or a Model Power Pacific with 3/4 passenger cars. Heavier steam, means bigger facilities, and bukoo dinero to keep it moving, higher insurance policies. Take a note from Strasburg, Cumberland Scenic, and Georges Creek...all lighter steam.

The S.

But its not a tourist line, it has to be heavy steam to keep up on the main line. Think Chessie, SP 4449 or MILW 261 steam excursions. I'd live some of the 2-8-0 Consolidation as they were B&M fave's. Those may work as they were popular commuter engines up here.

The GS4 is out because of its styling making it not northeast worthy. Its a nice runner but will distract. I do like the Mike as well as the Berks. I just picked up a DCC ready 2nd run mountain for the cheap from MBK so I will give that and possibly a Berk a try.

[mcjaco]

I'd go with the Berk or the Heavy Mountain.  Stay away from the Light Mountain.  It's too much of a crap shoot on getting a good runner. 

[elnscale]

I have an Erie-badged Kato Mikado. Excellent for pulling passenger excusions - which is its main job on my railroad (circa 1967-8):

[wcfn100]

If you decide on the Bachmann 2-8-0, I have an undecorated one w/DCC that I don't need. 


Jason

[Big4Man]

I vote for the Connie!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/western_maryland_scenic_railroad/3625849620/in/photostream

deco with the WM fireball or B&M late version

Great looking all aound reliable steamer and room for sound 

disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Bachmann or Lee Weldon....