I can vouch for two smooth running plastic |-|SLSF|-| steam engines. The first is my Proto 2000 SLSF (and CRIP) 0-6-0 with a TCS decoder. Not only does it run like silk, it can pull 18 cars in it's current Rosedale Yard assignment. The second is my BLI 2-8-2. This engine was factory equipped with sound/DCC and it pulls a 30 car train easily on level track. About the only modifications I know of is to add a coonskin number board on the 0-6-0 and none as far as I can see on the 2-8-2 but I will keep checking. In my opinion, these locomotives have passed the "load test" by working on my layout. I have a SLSF Athearn 2-8-2 but I have not been able to get a decoder in it to see what it can do. My brass steam is not even close (yet) in running quality to today's plastic wonders. I plan on improving the running quality of a brass steam engine after Christmas.
