Smaller engines

[Marlin39]

Being in Canada, my cost after shipping would be $270 US (well over $300 Cdn) plus any duties customs might throw on.

Ok, Rapido then. They have a great SW9 and the 44 ton center cab is in production. You could probably find one of their SW1200 on the used market also.

https://rapidotrains.com/media/pdf/27%20SW9%202023%20WEB2.pdf

44-Tonner - Diesel Locomotives - HO scale - Rapido Trains Inc.

Rapido Trains Inc. is a high-end manufacturer of model trains and accessories in HO, OO and N (North American 1:160 and British 1:148) scales.

rapidotrains.com

 

[Bigboy57]

Like others have said , I am a steam guy also but model to the mid ‘50s which allows for Gp7/9’s and Rs3’s or earlier. I have 24” minimum on the main line and 18” min on the secondaries but really like the smaller steams and diesel electrics. They are the work horses. Me personally, I will run a train with the big boy or challenger on the main and then use the smaller locos to run ops, sometimes in the opposite direction. With a single main on half my layout and double on the other half, the moons must be aligned to pull it off correctly. I stay away from 10 wheeled cluster steams or 6 wheeled diesels. Just too many problems on my layout.

 

[Toolbelt]

I will run a train with the big boy or challenger on the main and then use the smaller locos to run ops

That's kinda my plan too. The mainline will just be the background to my switching set up.

 

[migalyto]

Dang this hobby can be expensive.

Never has truer words been spoken!