Lowest Price Scale Steamer

There are lots of variables to consider, generally the bigger the steamer the bigger the price tag. I'm not sure what you consider "reasonably priced" for something brand new. Its not likely you'll get it for half off or something to that effect.

 

Whats your idea of brand new? A year or two old in stock item, or something sealed  in the shipper for 10 years?

 

You can take your chances with the online auction sites, read descriptions and seller reviews carefully. Theres still a chance for disappointment.

 

Some dealers have had bigger discounts on "new old stock "items, Sidetrack Hobbies comes to mind, but again, depends on your perception of brand new.

 

Generally speaking, MTH locos will run $100-$200 cheaper than a comparable Lionel loco.

 

"Brand new" and reasonable don't really go hand in hand.

Your lowest price scale steam engine will probably be an MTH Premier loco with proto one.

What's your idea of reasonable money?

Lionel's scale Atlantic, in convetional, might be the lowest cost new, quality steamer you can find.  I think WBB makes a Hudson that is near scale.  MTH makes several small, scale steamers that are low price, compared to other Premier and legacy.

Check for Williams Crown Edition, USRA, or brass engines on Ebay.  They were originally conventional but you can upgrade to PS2 and have a fine running engine for usually <$500.  There's a scale NYC Hudson, a N&W J, and a couple of 2-8-2s there now.

The OP specified Brand New. That makes it a little harder. Prices have taken off in the last five years. I'd suggest checking out the inventory of the sponsors above or pick up one of the O gauge magazines and check out the ads. Many dealers have New Old Stock available.

 

Pete

IF you want a brand new scale steamer WBB has them.  Check out Marios Trains website and click on Williams scale Hudsons some are priced at $299. I assume the prices have not changed.  I bought one from Marios back in January.  Nice running engine (a blue B&O Hudson ) although, the first one they shipped to me was dead on arrival, Joe took care of me and sent me a new one. ( once I shipped the old one back ) Of course I had to pay the shipping back ( its stated in Marios policy on their website ) 

 

If you do get a WBB make sure its tested before the retailer  ships it.  This way you avoid a lot of frustration.... AND you have to pay the shipping cost back to the store if your loco is a dud. The reason I say all this ... is because of the last 4 WBB locos I bought ( over this past year ) two were dead on arrival.  Just make sure the locos are tested before being sent out to you.

 

Good luck with your selection.

 

 

Add to Lee's suggestion a Lionel scale 0-8-0 Yard Goat. Conventional is less expensive than Legacy.

 

Atlantic for passenger service; Yard Goat for switching, mainly freight 

Thanks for the replies! I appreciate it I'm trying to aim about $450 or less from a dealer. Lee: I run conventional and can't find the conventional Atlantics anywhere! Where did you get yours? On the other hand, my second and third choices would be a Lionel conventional 0-8-0, and a Williams scale hudson. Then again, the PRR A5 is nice too...

Gentlemen, please!  How many times must I extoll the virtues of this simple, scale Lionel shifter?  If you can't find one for less than $100 new then you ain't tryin'.

 

 

Bruce

Don't overlook eBay or right here on the forum, often collectors or operators over buy and sell engines still New-In-Box and usually for a discount!!!

 

Turn over every rock until you find it, enjoy the hunt

It is a gem...I have five in different road names.

The RailKing Scale PRR 2-8-0 with PS2 that came with some sets and also individual sale is  nice, and is very reasonably priced for what you get.  In the picture it is on the right, next to a Weaver version.  You can see it is scale sized with decent detail for a RK engine.

 

 

I've read this from trumptrains before and thought I shoud post my experience with WilliamsbB locomotives. I do not question his experience. It's just that my experience has been very different.

 

Since January I have purchased seven Williams engines new in the box. Factory sealed and still shrink wrapped. Every one of the seven engines ran perfect right out of the box. All seven of them. They are fine engines at a great price. If you run conventional, you can't go wrong with Williams.

 

Bill

The ones I had, however, don't have chuffing sounds.  I prefer to pay a bit more for Lionel or MTH  and get sound and cruise, etc. 

I have to agree with the Lionel 0-6-0 Docksider for being the most affordable scale steamer, at $109.99 MSRP, and the street price usually under $100, it is probably THE best buy in O Gauge trains.

 

 Don't let it's small size fool you, it is modeled after a small locomotive. This thing is HEAVY(for it's size) Well Detailed, a SMOOOTH Runner, and will pull many times more than what the prototype could. I have pulled 41 cars on level track with one of mine. These are also very reliable little locos as well.

 

IMHO, you can't go wrong with these, even if you add a larger scale loco to the roster later on, these are Nice looking dependable little work Workhorses.

 

Doug

A supporting vendor has a Lionel L&N scale 0-8-0 conventional steam loco for $271.69.

 

I have the Legacy version of this loco and it has great detail: really nice