I've been browsing a few dealers and noticed that Trainworld has Lionel NW2s, RS3s, and 040 A5 switchers in the low to mid 200 range. Watching their videos of each one I believe I would be happy with the performance of any of the 3. They will run conventionally, bluetooth, or with the remote. I especially like the looks of the little steam switcher. I know the NW2 has been mentioned. Anyone have any experience with the other 2 ?
Of the three, I'd lean to the little A5 switcher. In the past, some of the LC+ 2-motor diesel models have had issues with the trucks seizing. Check with Lee Willis on the board, he had a few issues with those trucks on several models. I have an LC+ Camelback, and it's been a stellar performer, and most of the LC+ steam I've seen has been good.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:This discussion reminds me a bit about the statement:
You can have it good, or you can have it cheap. Pick one.
I always heard it as "You can have it fast, you can have it good, you can have it cheap- pick 2."
You know what Meatloaf said. 'Two outa three ain't bad".
My 1615 has been a great little engine for me, before I lost the shop she'd regularly haul 20 postwar hoppers by herself up grade backwards.
If y want something that looks nice (IMHO), scale size, not complicated, and will run forever, I like the Williams NW-2. We generally dont carry williams, but have s few of these in stock cause I think they are such good engines. re-wiring them in series sounds like a good idea if u want to do low speed switching.
beth
Weaver had done the A5 Pennsy switcher, (which Pennsy called a shifter). Brass model. TMCC upgrade much easier, with today's ERR light electronics. Note: without a heat dissipating sink, extensive use is limited. IMO. Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner also pictured. Both with TMCC upgrades.
@Will posted:I always heard it as "You can have it fast, you can have it good, you can have it cheap- pick 2."
You know what Meatloaf said. 'Two outa three ain't bad".
Well fast is presumed, so that's a default. If we had the choice of two of those, I'd take good and cheap and wait for it. 
@Mike CT posted:Weaver had done the A5 Pennsy switcher, (which Pennsy called a shifter). Brass model. TMCC upgrade much easier, with today's ERR light electronics. Note: without a heat dissipating sink, extensive use is limited. IMO. Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner also pictured. Both with TMCC upgrades.
If you're talking about the Cruise Commander Lite, that isn't available anymore.
Just dawned on me that no one has mentioned the 0-6-0 Dockside Switcher. I believe Lionel makes one with basic Lionchief already and has one cataloged, I think, with LC+ 2.0.
You're right, I totally forgot that because I haven't gotten mine yet. That's probably the best idea in the thread! What's not to like for a little over $200! They're supposed to be in in December, we'll see if that happens.
The A5 seems to be getting high marks from most who have gotten it. At least it has the Mabuchi RS385 motor. What are the chances Lionel was able to cram that motor into the Docksider. I am betting slim and none. The barely larger than a smoke fan motor doesn't have a good track record for reliability. If it were me I would go for the A5.
Pete
Interesting point on the Docksider Pete, it'll be interesting to see what is inside. Once I make sure it runs, the first thing I'm going to do is take it apart to see how they fit all that stuff in there. 
@raising4daughters posted:Just dawned on me that no one has mentioned the 0-6-0 Dockside Switcher. I believe Lionel makes one with basic Lionchief already and has one cataloged, I think, with LC+ 2.0.
I saw the Pennsylvania 0-6-0T in the catalog. When is it supposed to arrive. I asked the guy at LHS but he didn't know.
Also I saw a Pennsylvania and a Southern NW2 in LC+ 2.0. My wife was asking what I wanted for Christmas and I offered up these 3. Anyone know if there are any of the NW2s PRR or SR around? We both looked and have come up blank.
Frank
@ftauss posted:I saw the Pennsylvania 0-6-0T in the catalog. When is it supposed to arrive. I asked the guy at LHS but he didn't know.
Frank
The 0-6-0Ts are currently showing December on the shipping schedule. However, they have slipped three, maybe four, times so take that into consideration. May not make it as a Christmas gift. 
@ftauss posted:My wife was asking what I wanted for Christmas... Frank
Mine too. Though I didn't mention it. She needs to stay around $200.00.
I thought I wouldn't mind having a decent locomotive for switching. I only have two. One Lionchief came in the Keystone Special Set and the other is a 1666 from 1946 that belonged to my uncle. Its mostly fixed. I need to make another order with Jeff at the Train Tender.
Hopefully it won't be the last one I get, so I may just wait on a "nice" switcher and let her get me something else. I greatly appreciate all of the recommendations. It gives me a lot to consider. Concerning Legacy. I hadn't considered used, but now maybe I will.
As for my wife and a gift. That Lionel Tank Loco looks good as does the A5 0-4-0 steamer or the Williams 44 Tonner in Southern or the SAL RSC-3, or who knows. I suppose that what train to tell my wife I want for Christmas would be another thread.
Thanks again.
Note that the new 0-6-0T LC+ 2.0 locomotive will have cruise, electrocouplers, great sound, and operates conventionally, using Bluetooth, the Universal LC Remote, or with TMCC. For a street price of around $225, it's going to be hard to beat for doing switching.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Note that the new 0-6-0T LC+ 2.0 locomotive will have cruise, electrocouplers, great sound, and operates conventionally, using Bluetooth, the Universal LC Remote, or with TMCC. For a street price of around $225, it's going to be hard to beat for doing switching.
Sounds great.
I hear they're going to be at Lionel soon or have already arrived on the dock, so they should be at dealers in a week or two.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Note that the new 0-6-0T LC+ 2.0 locomotive will have cruise, electrocouplers, great sound, and operates conventionally, using Bluetooth, the Universal LC Remote, or with TMCC. For a street price of around $225, it's going to be hard to beat for doing switching.
Thanks John. I weakened and ordered one.😁
@gunrunnerjohn posted:I hear they're going to be at Lionel soon or have already arrived on the dock, so they should be at dealers in a week or two.
I believe I'll order one too.
I'm hoping it won't have any problems with Ross switches. I see its length it 8 1/2".
If you dont mind me asking where did you preordered from? Hennings?
@Oldegreybeard posted:If you dont mind me asking where did you preordered from? Hennings?
Henning's of course!
So I could run the 0-6-0T with my Cab 2? Cool. I want one.
All the LC+ 2.0 models run with TMCC as well as BlueTooth, the LC application, and also conventional.
Interesting turn of events since I began seeking advice for a switch engine. I almost pulled the trigger on the new 0-6-0 T, but I held off. In fact I haven't purchased one yet.
Meantime since Christmas things have transpired.
1. My loving wife gave me a LC 2.0 plus Berkshire in the Southern railway scheme from Mario's. Shes great! Mario's Trains are great to deal with. Did I mention that my wife is great! I was thrilled to receive the locomotive and I love it. That is when it's working correctly. Unfortunately I'm waiting on a Return Authorization from Lionel for several problems it has developed since Christmas.
2. I bought about 20 bucks worth of Parts from Jeff at the Train Tender and my uncles 1946 2-6-2 # 1666 is running again.
3. I found out that if I run my ZW at 10 or 12 volts to the track and run my Lionchief 0-8-0 it has much better slow speed performance. I dont use remote uncouplers so the non operating one on the front isn't a big deal for me. The old 0-5-0 helps out here.
4. I'm looking more at postwar and even some later conventional Lionel units at this point because parts are readily available and common repairs are relatively easy to fix.
I appreciate all if the information. When I decide to get a switcher I have these recommendations.
Best Regards
I recommend the SW-2 diesel. It is slow and a good puller. I have the CN powered and dummy. Also, a good one is the MPC 8516 NYC 0-6-0 loco with slope-back tender. This is from the NYC Yard Chief set.
Mark
The K-Line B6 0-6-0 was acquired by Lionel. ?? I think ?? The K-Line model had generic TMCC, at the time. A TAS, (Train America Studeo), EOB, (Engineer On Board, speed control) board, could be added. IMO, One of my better detailed die-cast models, IMO.
Any of the Atlas SW models have very good low speed, conventional, or command.
@Mike CT posted:The K-Line B6 0-6-0 was acquired by Lionel. ?? I think ?? The K-Line model had generic TMCC, at the time. A TAS, (Train America Studeo), EOB, (Engineer On Board, speed control) board, could be added. IMO, One of my better detailed die-cast models, IMO.
Seeing this picture reminded me of my regret for selling the one I had.
@Mike CT posted:The K-Line B6 0-6-0 was acquired by Lionel. ?? I think ?? The K-Line model had generic TMCC, at the time. A TAS, (Train America Studeo), EOB, (Engineer On Board, speed control) board, could be added. IMO, One of my better detailed die-cast models, IMO.
Getting somewhat more current, the ERR Cruise Commander M would be more appropriate, and very easy to add to this engine as well.
@Kent Locomotive Works posted:My 1615 has been a great little engine for me, before I lost the shop she'd regularly haul 20 postwar hoppers by herself up grade backwards.
I've got the 1615 as well. Good runner. Came in a nice little freight set. Inherited it from a friend who passed some time ago... bless his soul.
@Dennis-LaRock posted:I've got the 1615 as well. Good runner. Came in a nice little freight set. Inherited it from a friend who passed some time ago... bless his soul.
I'm sorry for your loss, the 1615 is a great engine, and always remember the person who gave you it, they may not be around anymore, but they'll always be alive with that little engine
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Getting somewhat more current, the ERR Cruise Commander M would be more appropriate, and very easy to add to this engine as well.
Why would I fix it if it works (well) as is??? As with most of my models, it sits on a shelf well. (Definition of "more appropriate")
Lots of options out there but I still believe the new Lionel 0-6-0T is the best bang for the buck to come along in a long time. You may still come across a small engine with electro couplers on both ends but they are few and far between. A switch engine has always had the best play value in my mind and one that has couplers you can operate remotely is the best way to this. You can get a conventional engine and upgrade it but you will ending up spending at least twice as much to do this.
To put it in perspective the cost of an ERR upgrade kit to give the features this engine has will cost as much as the 0-6-0T.
Pete
I'm with you Pete, I am picking two of these new LC+ 2.0 0-6-0T engines up on Monday. I've also turned three people away recently wanting to upgrade the old 0-6-0T and pointed them to the new LC+ 2.0 version. I couldn't even begin to convert one of the old ones for even twice the price for parts & labor, it seems pointless to do the upgrade.
@Mike CT posted:Why would I fix it if it works (well) as is??? As with most of my models, it sits on a shelf well. (Definition of "more appropriate")
I agree, even with no boards they sit on the shelf just fine. 
