Re:Tough Baby locos: Alternatives ?
with the emphasis on handling and children
and based upon my first hand knowledge
while no Baby-have you considered a 2044? they are pretty cool locos-a dedicated switcher-but large-with lights that change colors !!
all the following are , admittedly, a 'bit' oversize for mine/industrial
for kids-and general combat conditions
the Otto-less robust than a stainz, smaller wheels, a bit noisier, but might well be the BEST suited for diminutive stock, as it is slightly smaller than a stainz
the stainz-simply, you cannot go wrong-metal drive rods for kids are likely the better choice-these are older
the 2060 shoema-you have
2090 "KOF" -you have
2033/2030 -interesting locos-the 2033 MOW is really interesting, less than average pull for the 2033- -pantographs are to be cared for-but are easily removed- i love the steeple cabs but they seem hard to obtain
but both are interesting even charming, without smoke and drive rod action imho
dont know if it might work, but the LGB rail truck is also superb, and the rear bumper will engage the LGB hook coupler-not sure this is what you want
these candidates can be kicked, rolled, derailed at high speed, and likely survive, as well as dunked
and have pulling prowess-especially compared to the FRR locos -you should get a FRR for you -not to be shared ....yet
while i havent done this-i think that if one were to get a FRR diesel, especially the open cab, with its closed or skirted drive wheel area, one might be able to 'stuff it' with a stainz motor block- i did pull out the dummy version of the open cab FRR loco which i have
and a spare stainz type block-
and, with a bit of alteration to the floor where the gear shift is, ie cutting, it could be done fairly easily-the axel centers do not match those of the stock loco side frames -but will fit -just wont look quite right, unless you mess with the wide frames- but it would be a little mule im sure
agree too about the HLW mack-but all thing equal-apart from aesthetics-LGB may well be less constly initially as well as regarding needing repair parts
