Smallest, most reliable, "no problems/stalls crossing O22 Lionel turnouts", steam loco, with can motor, whistle and bell?

Of course, the twin goals you seek to achieve, i.e., an inexpensive, small steamer able to go through O-31 turns and switches with no issues, tend to be mutually exclusive.

I would consider an 0-8-0 Lionchief steamer with tender. At 18" total length they are not overly short but, with 4 different road versions, they should solve most of your concerns. 

Manny,

MTH 0-4-0 tanks, K-line 0-4-0, or Lionel 0-6-0. All run fine over 027 turnouts. The MTH tanks have scored drivers for traction and are a bit noisy.

I have a Lionel 0-6-0 docksider and it also runs fine over my switches. No issues with the motor (yet).

You could also look at Railking 2-8-0s, 0-8-0s, and 4-6-0s. The older ones had both diecast loco and tender shell; more recently the tender shells are plastic. They tracked well on my previous CBL which was O27 height track with several turnouts, and don’t recall any tracking problems with RK locos.

I've had the Lionel baby hudson #2065 for 65 years, and it always ran well over 022 switches and the 027 remote control switches (1122?) . The 2065 steamer is also relatively inexpensive.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I am checking out each and every one.

Mitch, does the tender for the K-Line A5 #94 have a roller underneath of it?   And, does the coupler hook-up with traditional Lionel lobster claws OK, or are they a mismatch causing derailments?

Thanks,

Mannyrock

I recently purchased a postwar Lionel 2037 and a baby Hudson 2055, both went thru 022s with no problem. I think most of the postwar steamers were built to run on 0-31 track and 022 switches. Also I have all the jr. steamers from the late 90s, including the dockside switcher and all have no problems either but I did have to replace all the motors on them except, ironically, the dockside switcher. I think this original motors were just too undersized. But since Henning fixed them they are running fine.

Manny,

Many of the modern small locs would also work well for you.  E6s, Camelbacks, H9s.  These all have small wheel bases and would operate on 0-31.  I have a PRR Camelback with TMCC (but it runs conventionally as well) if you are interested.

I have the Lionel 6-18606.  Small but powerful engine has a good puffer and you can get them very cheap.  It has no whistle or bell but I put it with a starter set whistle tender and it is all good.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/17497...2:g:YDIAAOSwuO9haHft

@Mannyrock posted:

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  I am checking out each and every one.

Mitch, does the tender for the K-Line A5 #94 have a roller underneath of it?   And, does the coupler hook-up with traditional Lionel lobster claws OK, or are they a mismatch causing derailments?

Thanks,

Mannyrock

The tender does have a power pick up. The couplers are standard issue Lionel style.

(It's Bob btw)

Thanks for the info Bob. 

And thanks for all of the suggestions from others.

I think that for now, I will go after a K-line A5 0-4-0.

I would love to have a camelback, but for me right now, they are just too expensive. 

Mannyrock

Assuming the K-line tender doesn't have a center rail pickup, one of these (482-3, roller assy. attaches to axles or 581-10, plastic snap-in roller assy.; both available from the Train Tender for less than $10 ea.) could be added (with a little effort and maybe some creativity). Then run a detachable wire from the tender roller to a wire attached to the engine roller. Less than 2 hours work and two solder joints even for a beginner. My choice would be the 482-3 if the tender axle spacing was correct.

Mannyrock,

I sent you an email.  I may be able to help.

Thanks for that great info Modeltrainsparts.  I always wondered how people added rollers and teathers.

Mannyrock