Which switcher is best?

I am a big fan of the MTH IMperial steam switchers as well as the MTH Railking scale SW1. MTH just issued a run of both steam and diesel RK switchers. Great engines, great prices, good detail and good performance. I have an SW1 as well as two 0-6-0s

Mike you do not specify conventional vs command.  I too like the MTH SW1 switchers but they are just over 11-inches long.  If you are looking for probably the shortest command control switcher then the MTH Pennsy BB1 "Rats."  You can use just the lead motor.  The drawbar can be replaced with a command control coupler.  The length is about 7to8-inches for individual unit coupler to coupler.

 

Here is a pic of BB1 set.  But they are hard to find and costly.

I have several Atlas SW9's and an assortment of 0-6-0's with one 0-4-0  all do quite well on a small layout.
Rich Yoder GE 44 tonner and Weaver Pennsy 0-4-0

Atlas SW9's





MTH 0-6-0's

Weaver Pennsy C1  0-8-0  upgrade to EOB control.

K-line Pennsy B6 0-6-0

I have a Lionel 0-6-0 Dockside switcher.  It's not perfect, but has done well on my small layout I made to fit under a twin size bed.

I have the Lionel Bb1 rats. They are excellent switchers.

I would have to think the Lionel trackmobile is the smallest thing you can get.

I have an MTH 0-4-0 Dockside switcher that I converted to TMCC, it's pretty small, actually a bit smaller than the Lionel version.

 

Mike, I also have a small layout.  Although it might be hard to find, the MTH Premier 0-4-0 would be a good choice.  Using command control, my 0-4-0 creeps along, which is how I like to run it.  It is also a scale size, which I prefer.  I also agree with the above suggestions about locomotives that would suit you and be available.  I remember that you enjoy hobo encampments, so thought I'd photograph my little teakettle together with the bindlestiffs. 

I have Lionel NS -Trackmobile. 

The Trackmobile is certainly small, but it really is limited to a couple of cars, more than that and it's straining.

 

Like Rusty, I tend to like small motive power.  The MTH 0-4-0 ranks among my favorites, as do the SW-series switchers.

 

I also have a Trackmobile, but as John noted, anything more than a couple of cars is likely going to reduce its lifespan considerably.

If you're looking at a REALLY small switcher, add a set of HO rails down the center of your O gauge track, change the cars' couplers to scale Kadees, and put a Bachmann Davenport or 0-4-0 on it. It will also give your layout a lot of character.

My vote for a great little diesel would be a the MTH SW-1 switcher. Great sound, powerful and just all around a good bang for the buck.

I have to agree with Chris.  The SW1 is a great little engine.

 

Dave

I'm guessing he's looking for practical suggestions! Why not use an N-scale switcher for really small?

 

If you are on a budget, here are some suggestions: the RMT Bangs and Beeps, the K-line Plymouth and Porter, and the Lionel Docksiders.  

Good idea, you can pick up BEEPs at times for $25 to $30.  The Plymouth and Porter have no traction tires, but at least the Porter is all wheel drive, and has decent traction.

 

If you run legacy then a 0-8-0 is tough to beat.   If you look hard enough you can get one on a really good price.  One of the major retailers were blowing out Lioneville and Western Versions last year for $250.  I picked one up and repainted it for my own RR.  

If you can point me to a new Legacy 0-8-0 for $250, I'll buy it right now!

 

Guys,

I will probably get the Lionel Trackmobile. Any suggestions as  to the roadnames available?

Mike Maurice

Lots, what road name do you want?

 

http://www.lionel.com/Products...searchWithin=Current

Trainworld has CP, NYC, PRR, AMTRAK, KCS, MOW, LIRR, CR, NS, NP and Chessie.

Here's one MTH did a few years back -- the Alco-GE-Ingersoll-Rand "Oil-Electric" aka early 300 HP diesel from the 1930's. At 7" long it's pretty darn small. It has a single motor drive but because of its die-cast shell it can pull quite a few cars. I've been studying how to modify this one for Kadee couplers as the electronic ones stick out just a bit too much.

 

I have that one in CNJ.  It's certainly a lot more robust than the Trackmobile, though not as "cute".

 

Guys,

 

(In particular gunrunnerjohn) thanks loads! will probably pick up at Trainworld a NYC model.....

 

Mike Maurice