03-06-2010, 03:01 PM
steinjr Wrote:faraway Wrote:The Proto 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 switcher are wonderful running engines. Locals would be happy after a Spectrum 2-8-0.
Darn, Reinhard - ...
Stein, I did intentionally mention the Proto 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 and Spectrum 2-8-0 only. All three have in common
- widely available on the market (special offers and ebay) in DC version
- lots of space in the tender to install DCC/Sound decoder with speaker of your choice
- smooth runners
- very common models widely used
- last engines even on duty after 1950
- small engines for small layout
The ten wheeler is an earlier generation and did not make it in 1950 (you may find exceptions). Some used then at the round house, at shops etc. but not for regular switching and transfer services.
The USRA 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 are more expensive and due to the lack of the leading axis very limited to switching. Transfers have been done but with very low speed only to prevent derailing. But mostly switching only was the job. The 0-8-0 was a heavy engine. Tracks at warehouses might not be suitable for that axis load.
The 2-8-0 is quite often in special offers less then 100Euro/USD (e.g <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog/category/detail.php?id=15900&find_section=642">http://www.trainworldonline.com/catalog ... ection=642</a><!-- m --> 84.99USD). It "was" a great engine around 1900. It became a second class local freight engine after 1920. After that it became demoted to switcher still with the capability to do simple transfers (some RR removed the first axis, that limits the speed to switch use only).
I think that is the perfect steam engine for a small layout.
I got a DC Spectrum 2-8-0 at a good price, added ESU a DCC decoder and tested it. I liked it and got a ESU sound decoder and liked it even more. But I run 90% without sound. I don't like the noise all the time. I do never buy an engine with DCC or sound decoders. I have my preferred brands with 1. priority superb motor control and 2. priority common brand (ESU and ZIMO only) for easy programming.
ps. The 2-8-0 is a free lance model with a lot of common with the IC900 series. However, IC did rework that series of engines and did change the sand dome to a very different shape. Therefor is the Spectrum 2-8-0 in 1950 a free lance model anyhow.
pps. There is a more cost effective way to test how older/smaller equipment virtually creates space on the layout
a. Get one or two Mather car (like this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rd-hobby.de/shopping/catalog.php?id=1483&item=38742">http://www.rd-hobby.de/shopping/catalog ... item=38742</a><!-- m --> )
b. Get one or two automobiles (like this <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.rd-hobby.de/shopping/catalog.php?id=377&item=29965">http://www.rd-hobby.de/shopping/catalog ... item=29965</a><!-- m --> )
and get a feeling about the change. If you like you might have another look into steam engines.