Recommendations for a Switcher

Do you run command or conventional?  If running conventional, I would go with a Williams by Bachmann RS-3.

Atlas SW series.  These switchers date to 2000.  You may be able to find a Pennsy  SW9 on the secondary market.   Click to view a video.

In conventional, the MTH Railking PS2's and 3's have speed control, good sound quality and the ability to fire the couplers with a simple bell+whistle button sequence. All of my switchers are currently PS2/3 for these reasons.

Atlas switchers on our layout are the best.  Very responsive, and the coupler will "kick" the car when you activate it ...and couples up very smoothly without having to do the ramming speed method.

I'll be using Fastrack ,running conventional. But do have Lionel Trainmaster Command system. At present laying tracks which will be incorporated into layout later. At present, wish to setup for a switching operation. Thanks

If you're set on PRR, I've seen some nice K-Line A-5 0-4-0 switchers with and without TMCC on the aftermarket. 

There are NW and SW switchers available in PRR.

If you're running traditional (as opposed to scale) as I do, I'm planning my next conventional switcher to be an RMT S-4.  It's a bit smaller than the NWs and SWs which seems like a better match for traditional-sized runners like me.  The NWs and SWs look OK, but they're pretty close to 1/48 scale.

I'd go with an A5 or B6 from MTH

Whatever you choose for a switcher, make sure it has these attributes:

1. An electric operating coupler on each end;

2. Good slow speed operation;

3. Spacing of electrical pickups so it will not stall on your switches. Diesel switchers run very well, but they are short, so their electrical pickups are relatively closely spaced. Steam locomotives with tenders typically have better spacing of electrical pickups.

Hands down the most detailed and scale diesel locomotive with the best slow switching speeds are the atlas o sw8/9 and the MP15.

I wish atlas o made the sw1

Note that the Atlas SW switchers were maybe the first to have (4) roller pick-up.

And the two piece articulated electro-couplers.

I have an atlas SW switcher from the first run. Its one of my favorites.

Well from what I see and read. The Atlas SW9 will be what I'll be looking for to get. Now to check E-Bay. Thanks

Get ready for a price above $300 for a TMCC equipped Atlas O switcher model.

I got an Atlas Alco switcher and Lionel Legacy Alco S  - both run sweet  but my new 2013 GP35 Legacy is by far the best of the bunch.   Super  smooth and modern looking.

From the Atlas website.

Road switcher GP7 (2009)  Three road numbers 8547, 8549 , 8550 unpowered.

SW8 (2005)

RS1 (2005)  There were two numbers. 9921 and 9923

Conrail SW8 (2005)

Pennsylvania (2009) There were two cab numbers 9019 and 9120.

mth dcs genset

I don't know how smoothly they run in conventional, but ..... I did a lot of switching with Lionel Legacy GP7's (which are available in PRR). I thought they performed really well.

Good luck.

You really cqn't go wrong with anything made in the last 8 years or so. Command equiped engines provide the best play value. You can couple and uncouple anywhere. Since you have TMCC look at Lionel Odyssey, or Legacy, Atlas equiped with Electric RR Command or any other engine with ERR Cruise. 

Pete

Really like my MTH SW-1. I run conventional but still great slow speed. As mentioned before, electro couplers too.

I'd vote for a Lionel Legacy GP-9/7 or the Alco RS-11. The Legacy speed control is great.

I have a C&O S-4 which, being a true switcher, offers even slower speed than the road diesels above but it hasn't yet been offered in a PRR scheme.

It is interesting, (shocking to a point), where the price of all this stuff is going.