hunting a beater 2-8-2 older model to fix up

First place that comes to mind is eBay...obviously there is a caution when using that resource, but worth some investigating...O scale Yard sale is a potential resource as well...and O scale train shows when you can find one with bias towards 2 rail equipment. But make people aware of your interests and perhaps other forum members might have something of worth. If it must be a 2-8-2 then your narrowing your options a lot....if your just looking for a generic excursion steam engine any wheel configuration should suffice.

Bob

I have a Williams 2- rail UP Mikado that I would sell for $300.  

I haven't been having much luck as a seller on eBay since they changed the way things get displayed.  That may work to your advantage as a buyer - keep your eyes peeled.

Not a big fan of Williams gear boxes, rather have older and it can be other small steamers like offered by All Nation, Lobaugh ect. It doesn't even have to be running, I have rebuilt a number of HO brass steamers and built several Bowser kit engines in my younger years when my eyesite was better. Short of needing a lathe, I can handle most repairs and requartering of wheel sets.  I am planning to go to the March meet, hope to go both days, but atleast will be there on Saturday.   Mike

Price wise, for an excursion engine, you could look for an All Nation/General Models 4-6-2 or 4-6-0.    These are pretty common in used condition at the 2 rail meets.    The 2-8-2 option would be a hines or pierce mikado.    These are not as common and probably just a little more expensive when found. 

Any of those would work just fine.  I posted a wanted ad over on O scale yard sale.   I would trade my 2 AN F units for one good/rebuildable steam engine or kit.   Mike