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Guys,

I am trying to find a steam loco that fits these parameters, in time for Christmas.  Unfortunately, the more research I do, the more conflicting and confusing information I seem to get.  All of my curves are 031.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I feel like I may want one that lashes to a tender which has a contact roller underneath, to aid in not losing center rail electrical contact when crossing turnouts, but maybe this isn't really necessary?  I don't know.

Main problem:  I don't want large locos on my layout, so I want to go small, but I also hate hick-ups, stalls and hitches when a loco crosses over turnouts.

And, I've found that the more small trucks in front of and behind the center set of wheels, the more bouncing, clattering and occasional derailing I get.  My track is screwed down really well, with no significant high or low spots, but those turnouts and diagonal crossings always troublesome to steamers.  (None of my diesels have any problems whatsoever.)

The only recent production unit I see that may fit the bill is the Lionel Lionchief Plus 0-6-0 Dockside.  But it seems pretty expensive for a unit that doesn't come with a lashing tender.   (But, maybe that is all there is?) 

The older 1990s Lionel Dockside steamers seem to be pretty bad, with lots of problems and engines burning out.   I definitely don't want to buy a problem.

(I never do any actual switching.  I just run small engines with 3 or 4 cars for fun as mini road engines.  So far, diesels only.)

Thanks,

Mannyrock

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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.

@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)

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.

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