[dustinward03]

I have a son that is 3 years old and loves to watch my ho scale run. I would like to get a cheaper steam engine so that if he would happen to get into it it wouldnt be that big of loss. I have a couple older bachmann steams, but they do not run well. Would like to know what is a good cheap steam engine that can pull 15 to 20 cars and will run decent for what it is.

 

[Big Ed]

I have a son that is 3 years old and loves to watch my ho scale run. I would like to get a cheaper steam engine so that if he would happen to get into it it wouldnt be that big of loss. I have a couple older bachmann steams, but they do not run well. Would like to know what is a good cheap steam engine that can pull 15 to 20 cars and will run decent for what it is.

Can't you make the old Bachmann steamers run better?
Clean and lube them?
Clean the track and wheels too.

 

[dustinward03]

The one is a 0 4 0 switcher, it has a bad gear. The other is a 0 6 0 it runs ok, but only for about 15 minutes then it wont run until you let it set for 10 or 15 minutes. My other engines all run flawlessly, they are just not engine i want anything to happen too.

 

[T-Man]

Try to find some used local engines on craigslists etc.

 

[jbsmith966]

For a 3YO?
Try internet hobby shops, look for Bachmanns Thomas the Tank Engine line
of locos, made with with the 3YO demographic in mind.

Life Like and Model Power make some inexpensive 0-4-0 and 2-6-0

IHC and Bachmann steam locos can be found on internet hobby shops often
for far less than the "list price" or MSRP.

Another consideration would be to send your existing locos to Bachmann for
repairs.

 

[Simplexbike123]

Rob, I am new here, so I just opened up this U-Tube of your layout, but really liked it. The mix works and looks well too.

One thing---why is it on U-Tube the trains look like they are going 90 miles per hour?

Thanks for sharing it.

Jack

 

[stationmaster]

Two terms that don't go well together.....cheap and steam.

Bob

 

[shaygetz]

Two terms that don't go well together.....cheap and steam.

Bob

Aye...'tis true, unless you're mechanically minded.

 

[dustinward03]

Thanks for the advice.........I picked up a Pacific Flyer set with an 0-6-0 nice engine, but cheap enough that if something happens to it, im not out much. Thanks for the input