If You Could Only Own One Steam Engine...

+1 Small switchers have the most play value. Mine would be my K-line B6 or MTH NYC USRA 0-6-0.

 

Pete

I'm with several others, the Big Boy Rules the Roost.

The upcoming Vision Line Big Boy is going to dominate the field in features, but also in cost.

And with your curves, while you CAN run a Scale Big Boy, it will not look good on the curves.

I'd Look at the MTH Imperial Railking Big Boy.

Nice Detail, Massive pulling power, good smoke and sound effects.

It will also look great on your curves.

 

If your son will have to move it on and off the track this can be a problem.

It's heavy and the stress on the drawbar will be bad.

In that case I'd look for a used PS2 version, the tether can be unplugged a lot easier than the wireless drawbar PS3 version.

On my layout where the biggest curves are O-72, I would choose the #3751 SF Northern.

This often overlooked gem has super looks, beautiful sound, wonderful add-on detailing, great whistle and  powerful whistle smoke.  But most important, its a smooth flawless runner that at one time could be had far under MSRP.

Easily, my favorite and the best deal of 2013..

Joe

 

I would get him a "starter" engine with a short wheelbase. If he likes both passenger and freight trains, I would probably get him a Hudson. If he lives in the east, it might be wise to get him an engine that he has a chance of actually seeing, like a NKP or PM Berkshire. If he lives in the west, perhaps a "starter" GS-4. I would not recommend anything streamlined, as it would not look like a steamer to him. And I would not get an articulated as his first engine. If he likes trains and wants to stick with them as a hobby, I would have him do some household chores, even walking the dog, for an allowance so that he can make the next purchasing decision. In that way, he will learn the value of work and the value of money. And that is something many people have never learned....

UP Big Boy

 

 

bob c.

If the young one is going to be handling the locomotive, I'd go with a Lionmaster Big Boy or Challenger with Legacy - impressive, but not as heavy and fragile as a big scale engine. For a scale engine that isn't going to be handled, my choice would be the Lionel Milwaukee Road S-3 Northern. It's a true dual-purpose freight/passenger engine with excellent sound and lots of smoke, that looks good pulling any kind of train. 

It isn't flashy and it has far less details than the moon when compared to the earth. It is not expensive and certainly not on the top of the fashion list. However it has one thing that no others have, my grandfather bought it and my dad and I played together with it.

 

Thus If I could have one I can not think of a more priceless locomotive than the lonely plain Jane Lionel 2037. It outshines any ever made prior or after.

hello guys and gals...........

 

If have to pick only one steamer then it would be my Sunset 3rd S.F. 5011 Texan. I have no plans to purchase more steamers except maybe a 99 dollar lionel Docksider if I can find one in Santa Fe.

 

the woman who loves the S.F.5011,2678

Tiffany

Without hesitation it would be one of my prewar 226E engines.  Incredible quality, nice detail and a superb mechanism.

If I had to pick one it would be the M1A, a beautiful running engine with an impressive looking tender, even looks great sitting in the yard waiting for orders or on display.

 

Jack 

Big steam the Y6B and for small Steam the 2-8-0 h-9 consolidation. both nice

 

if your getting a train for your son..this would be a great first train...man if my grandpa was still alive he wouldve gotton me this..if I was 9 yearsold..

for me it would have to be a Russian Decapod,, As a long time Susie Q fan, it was the first steamer I ever saw. Although it was decomissioned it was being moved under its own power through Paterson where i lived now a mere five blocks  from the Nj HIRAILERS

the milwaukee road s3 northern #261---you have to own this engine to realize how good it really is---and i do!

I really like the MTH Erie Triplex....it is so unique with the running gear under the tender....there are so many nice steam locomotives but this one is a must have!!

 

Alan

The only steam locomotive I would have only has yet to have been made. A correctly made Erie Berkshire

You might want to look at the 3rd Rail website...

The only steam locomotive I would have only has yet to have been made. A correctly made Erie Berkshire

If you only want one engine and budget isn't a concern I would get in line for the upcoming Lionel Vision Line Big Boy.

 

It is going to be the most impressive O gauge steam engine ever built. If you only want one you might as well go for the best.

The only steam locomotive I would have only has yet to have been made. A correctly made Erie Berkshire.  Have one on order,it can't get here soon enough

Unanswerable, because I don't think that I could decide between a J1 and a J3a...and the Niagara still might win...