Reliable but Relatively Inexpensive Engine

B

Belly

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Hi,

I would like to purchase a 2nd LGB engine (or equivalent scale). My only engine right now is an older model LGB #2080 S locomotive which runs great on my layout.

Any suggestions for an engine that I should look out for online? Preferably I would like a North American style diesel which would pull the LGB freight cars I have. My layout is entirely indoors and on level ground so I don't think I need to worry too much about power. I realize that LGB didn't specialize in that type of engine so I am open to suggestions outside the LGB brand.

Thanks
 
Secondhand LGB 2063 or its later equals, great little diesels and good pullers.
 
i love switchers, how about a aristocraft lil critter, i now have onne and i love it. very powerfull for its size too.
 
funandtrains said:
If you want a bogie loco the USAT NW-2 is a good little loco and also comes in good vale train sets.
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I would also recommend the NW2. Its the shortest of the American BoBos , pulls very well and is quite cute.
It is also a scale model of something which existed which in my book makes it better than many other small American locos.
 
The S4 is also a nice model and runs very well both indoors
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and out
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The other USAT candidate is the 44 tonner . This is again a model of a real loco and the UP had just the one so the livery is also authentic.

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Again, thank you for the suggestions. I have just spent the last 3 hours searching online and have more questions.

Are the Aristo-Craft Lil Critter and the USAT engines compatible with LGB freight cars and couplers?

Also, does the LGB D10 2090 fall into one of the recommendations listed above? There are a few of those currently available and the Ebay bidding ranges from $50-150 US. Does that sound reasonable for Switchers? I live in Canada so can buy from a US seller without too much shipping/hassle.

Thanks so much.
 
bloody couplers, i wish they were all a standard design. seems that couplers are used as a back handed way to force us in to one particular brand. from experiance, usa trains and aristocraft are compatiable with a helping push togeter to lock the knuckles. not sure about lgb and bachmann with such.
 
I know that all USA Trains locos (and wagons) come with proper hook and loop couplers fitted as standard and with their own knuckle couplers in a little plastic bag in the box. The hook and loop couplers supplied with USAT appear to be identical to the LGB ones and not like the Aristo version which is definatley their own design.
 
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Belly said:
Hi,

I would like to purchase a 2nd LGB engine (or equivalent scale). My only engine right now is an older model LGB #2080 S locomotive which runs great on my layout.

Any suggestions for an engine that I should look out for online? Preferably I would like a North American style diesel which would pull the LGB freight cars I have. My layout is entirely indoors and on level ground so I don't think I need to worry too much about power. I realize that LGB didn't specialize in that type of engine so I am open to suggestions outside the LGB brand.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Hi "Belly" you could have a DRG, or the White Pass diesel, or any of the above, all made by LGB, 0-4-0 / 0-6-0 US switchers. Ideal for indoor layout where the curves could be sharp. All very reliable, and could be fitted latter with sound and DCC if you so wish. :thumbup: Alyn
 
  well the 2063 (Davenport) and its sister locos, while NG, are really great locos-ive got 2 and i love them.  
I think they are, in essence, the US equivalent of a stainz, if you will, simple, short, steady and good pullers-not too pricey but getting higher-they are large-they are 1:20-they look fine with LGB equipment-but are larger than they ought to be -a fantastic model however-quite accurate on most accounts   

  if you choose this type -be mindful to get the 2 axle version if you wish- as the 3 axle versions are prone to mishap (as i have read)  as the middle driver is not geared, floats and is actually driven by the rod-so the drive rods have broken under strain-(not sure i understand why as other LGB locos have the same -perhaps it was a single reported incident retold many times) 
   
If you can-the white pass diesel-2055 or some variation thereof, is again NG -is a beauty-and runs nicely even on R1 and looks good with LGB cars-these can be affordable-around 250-300US  

the 2055 is sorta kinda almost standard gauge in some of its fictitious incarnations (DRGW, ATSF) -with dynamic brake housing on the roof-typical rubber rule-a GP /Alco fantasy-worth it just because they run so nicely and smoothly -these are more pricey still  

the 2090, and even better imho, the little known 21900 (DUO) are great little locos-the DUO has a rather high starting voltage due to the auto coupling circuitry -so it must be run alone or with a twin-

while not US at'all-the shoemas have grown on me -again simple and with added weight-very nice pullers -both seem to be around the 90-175 area-

the DUOs are more money, but sometimes they sell very cheaply-they are a wonder.

Once you own one youll run it all the time-

i also really like my yellow 2050-bought an early one with the dummy lights and powered them with LEDs-i like the engines a lot-nice colors and the rods make it a bit more interesting

-if you can buy a newer one with the larger lights with clear lens', as these  would be easier to light --the 2050s run like a stainz in terms of speed-very efficient -they are light but take extra wieght easily 

i am a red box guy-i like they way they run and last-and can sit for years and then run like new-and can be handled without problems

-but the sad truth is that for standard gauge US equipment-you only really have the F-7's, which are actually amazing locos, but not switchers-or..the Genesis -the Genesis is still dirt cheap but not what you want  


hard to beat that SW2 -just beautiful-i also like the RS-3's 
 
duncan1_9_8_4 said:
hmmmm pity, i like them.
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Does it matter? your 2080 is a narrow gauge Loco, and as you said you will be hauling LGB stock which is nearly all narrow gauge anyway......................... Paul......

2080 shot Coz i like 'em
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Sorry I dont know if its already been said in one of the larger messages, I skimmed the topic and I Believe the Aristocraft lil'critter comes with AAR knuckle couplers as standard, however when I brought mine in 2002 atleast it came with a set of LGB style hook and loop couplers as standard recessed into the foam packing in a little bag, I never actually used it but it seems the option was there and I assume designed to be fully compatible with LGB for that reason
 
Just to update my progress... I have decided that I will get an LGB switcher, preferably the 2063 D&RG Diesel.

To all those that offered additional suggestions I have made note because this will not be the last engine I purchase and my layout requires this size of engine. I will tackle the coupler issue between brands when I am more experienced.

Current US Ebay listing for a LGB 2063 diesel is for $210 USD. I'm assuming that if I hold out I can get one for less but if consensus is no then please let me know.
 
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