Steam...

[Tom]

OK, anyone have any idea on where to check for one of those??? I am interested!

Bachmann makes one with DCC on board for a fair price. Shop around on some of the Ebay stores or one of the large discount train houses in Model Railroader and you'll find a good deal on one. Athearn makes "foobie" cars that are too short and of the wrong type, but they look good behind the Bachmann 4449 in the Daylight scheme, or you could go with IHC or Rivarossi, both good choices. If you go the IHC route though, you'll definitely want to add weight (the cars are featherweight) and change the wheels out to metal ones for better operational reliability. McHenry makes a knuckle coupler conversion for the Rivarossi cars that works ok, but if it were me, *I* would body mount the couplers. If you plan to run heavyweights behind your steamer, Athearn makes great heavyweight cars, but for a little extra coin, Bachmann Heavyweights feature interiors and lighting and look FANTASTIC. I was given a 7 car set as a gift and I LOVE 'em. Let me know if you'd like a pic of those. I've also got several of the Athearn streamlined and heavyweight cars too. I'd be happy to provide pics or more info on them. Lastly, the Bachmann cars do have one big advantage over the Athearn in that they feature diaphrams and somewhat close coupling by way of a swiveling body mounted coupler (Kadee #5's drop right in) that swivels with the trucks via a "steering linkage" arm inside the car. Works like a charm. Just VERY nice cars. A little more pricey than Athearn and Roundhouse cars, about on average with Rivarossi and IHC cars price wise, but WELL worth it. In my opinion, the best value for HO passenger cars.

*I* personally would stick with a smaller engine, but if you have your heart set on a 4-8-4 Northern, that's great! It'll work just fine, just remember, it is YOUR railroad, and the only one person you have to please is yourself. If YOU are happy with it, that is all that matters! Best of luck to you and please, keep us posted as to what you decide to get train wise for your steam excursion set. I'm very interested!

Happy Railroading!