Winter this year has brought numerous, costly issues for me. Everything from car damage (no thanks to a highly unintelligent raccoon) and new taxes, to being laid off from work and increasing prices in gas.
So, it makes me feel better train-wise that my most recent purchase was this cute and handsomely decorated 0-8-0 steam switcher in Burlington colors that was made by MTH's RailKing line in 2001. Usually, I've been staying with Lionel since I love the new Legacy engines and their reliability, but this little titan was VERY reasonably priced and I always wanted an 0-8-0 (So thanks to Jeff on the forum!) Now there were some issues when I first pulled it out (static electricity being the first). The sensor tape around the motor flywheel had come off, and the smoke unit was very noisy. However, after opening it up and oiling the smoke rod (thanks Eric Siegel for that tip!) and luckily having a spare set of tape from one of my ProtoSound 2.0 upgrade kits applied, it was running as smooth and robust as a watch.
Despite being 13 years old, the sounds are still very pleasant, from the high pitched synchronized chuffing to the low throaty whistle. And despite not being 1/48th scale, it looks detailed enough that it won't feel out of place next to all my full scale engines. Switch engines are favorites of mine since they offer a lot of play value, and this one in particular with the dual ProtoCouplers and using it with MTH's DCS.
Now, as York is only a month or so away, I originally was focused on purchasing an expensive engine to add to my fleet. But after all the money issues, I think I'll be just as happy finding an engine as reasonably priced and as packed with features and durability as this when I go there.
So, yes, I'm looking at you MTH, both past and present! 
And oh yes, feel free to drop in your favorite command engines that are great bang for the buck.
