steam locos?

[Cobra GT]

I am fixing to get into steam logos as I have never had one. Can anyone help me to go in the right direction. I like the big ones 4884 big boy and I like the shady just don't know what direction to in first thanks

 

[Railrunner130]

Are you new to model railroading? If so, I'd recommend going with something small and inexpensive. The smaller engines will work better on smaller, more basic tracks. As for the $$ aspect, if you get into it and decide you don't like it, that's less you've spent.

Read about the Whyte notation on Wikipedia. That will help you understand the wheel arrangement.

I'd recommend starting with a used 0-4-0, 0-6-0 or 0-8-0. The less wheels, the more likely it'll work as advertised and the more enjoyment you'll get out of it. Once you get into it, enjoy it and make a larger layout, then gradually move up to the larger locomotives. The Big Boys are nice, but they need to be used on long, straight tracks with gentle curves.

 

[HOexplorer]

Good tips from RR130. These big locos don't really look good on 4x8 ovals for example. They look kinda silly hauling 5 or 6 cars around. Anymore on a small layout and it looks like they're chasing there tail. To get more good advice you should tell us your plan for a layout and what size it will be. Best of luck.

 

[Cjcrescent]

For a first time steamer, I'd recommend the Bachmann 2-8-0. It will go around 18" curves, and is a high quality model. It used to be in the Spectrum line, but is now in their regular line. Also, if you can find one, any IHC, 2-6-0, 2-8-0, loco would be a very good start.

 

[Cobra GT]

Thanks guys I do have a 4x8 layout but that lasted all but about a month I am in the process of building a larger layout that should have about 200' of mainline so size shouldn't be a problem. I am a little leary about buying Bachmann I like to buy the best I can, except I'm not going brass, I'm not that hard core yet and hope I won't be. I'm looking for a good plastic steamer I like the big boy and I also like the shady. Give me some input, thanks. Peace

 

[wombat457]

Not wishing to rekindle another post here BUT, the size of loco you run will be determined by what radius curves you will be using. If you are only going to have 18" radius curves then your choice of engines is going to be restricted and I am fairly sure that a Big Boy will not handle such small curves.

As HO Explorer recommended:

"...To get more good advice you should tell us your plan for a layout and what size it will be..."

That way. people like HO Explorer and Carey can make realistic suggestions that wont waste your money.

For my own thoughts though, I would start with an 2-6-0 or the Consolidation 2-8-0.

 

[Motley]

Take a look at the new Athearn Genesis locos. They recently came out with Big Boys and Challengers. I have the Challenger and its simply fantastic. Great details, paint, it sounds great and runs like silk. Very happy with it.

 

[Cjcrescent]

CobraGT

The length of mainline isn't what's important. Its the radius of the curves that are. I could have a layout that has 400' of mainline, but if all I have for curves are 18" radius curves, I will still be very limited on what I could run. Michael just showed his Challenger on his layout, but I doubt it will go around an 18" radius curve.

What we're asking is what will be the minimum radius on the mainline. Then we can give you a more informed recommendation for a steamer.

 

[Cobra GT]

The new layout is going to be roughly 14' x 6'

 

[Selector]

Hi, Cobra. A six foot width, if you can use that width fully for your curves, will offer a U-turn, or a loop, with a radius of about 34" with about 2" outside of the curve at the edges for a safety platform to catch tumbling rolling stock. Just about any locomotive made in HO, barring a brass 2-10-2, 2-10-4, 4-10-2, and on up...will accept 34" curves, and even then my Sunset Canadian Pacific 2-10-4 negotiates my 30" curves at a crawl...as it is advertised to be able to do. Non-brass locos of any size will be able to zip around 30+" curves at warp speed if they are laid carefully. The trouble comes with concentric curves, the type where we use twinned main lines and long engines or cars can make contact if the track centers are set too closely together. An outer curve with a radius of 34" will need at a minimum a 2.5" separation from an inner twin for some steam locomotives to clear and some passenger cars, as examples.

 

[trailrider]

I know the Big Boy (4-8-8-4) looks neat, but, as was stated by others, the question is what will your minimum radius curves be? I'm not so concerned with a locomotive "chasing its tail" around a small layout, but whether the loco will successfully negotiate its way around the curves and through #6 turnouts. A number of the larger HO scale model locos are listed for 22" radius minimum. If you must go tighter than that, but want an articulated locomotive (that is one with two sets of drivers under one boiler, you might want to look for a Mantua logging articulated, a 2-6-6-2. Mantua 4-6-2 Hudson, although recently discontinued, can still be found with DCC and sound installed for a reasonable price. If you want, and can find a 4-wheel trailing truck, you can easily convert one of these to a 4-6-4 Hudson type. These will reliably go around 18" radius curves, and possibly even 15". If you can build larger curves on your new layout, then you can go with larger engines. Best of luck!

 

[bnsf971]

FWIW, the Trix Big Boy will handle 18" curves, though it looks really strange while doing it.
I have 23" curves, the largest I can use one my layout, and have little to no trouble with any plastic steam locomotive.

 

[montanan]

I agree with Cjcrescent. If you are not familiar with steam, I would get a smaller locomotive to start off with. I have one of the Bachmann 2-8-0's he mentioned and it is a great running little locomotive. The dertails are good and with a little weathering it's a good addition to any steam layout.

It is #189. 184 is a brass unit. It runs smoothly and for its size has good pulling power and I would recomment it to anyone. As your layout moves forward, it can be used for switching or yard duties as you fleet grows.