Hi, all, My grandson wants a steam loco for Christmas. He has also been bitten by the Frisco Bug. [ wonder why!!??] Anyone have ideas about a switcher, say from an 0-4-0 up to an 0-8-0? I figured a unit without leading or trailing wheels would be best for an 8 year old engineer! Less problems with derailment that way. I also thought about a Mogul type, that might not be bad. Ideas will be welcomed with the Train Show coming up on the 30th. Thanks a bunch!! Dan Cedar Hill & Southern RR
You don't mention a size/scale. Do you want a durable-type starter set? If so, I "think" Lionel has offered (still does?) 3 rail sets with 0-8-0's in them. (A nice looking 0-8-0, btw.) Large, hefty, and tough. Easy for little hands to rerail and can stand up to the wear n' tear little tykes can put them through!
OOps!! I meant to mention HO scale. My bad! He saw some of my older equipment I have had stored for millennia, and HO it was for him! I tried O, N, even large scale, but, HO is what he chose! Thanks, Dan
Dan, If you are looking for a Frisco switcher I would recommend the Proto 0-6-0 USRA switcher. They offered a coupled numbered for the Frisco's 3800 series, sometimes you can find them on Ebay and they run very good. Brad Slone
http://www.amherst-depot.com/Proto.0-6-0.htm Proto 2000, 0-6-0 Listed w two road numbers. However, I recommend the IHC for a starter locomotive. Run great and plenty of room in the tender to later add DCC/sound. There is currently a Pacific listed on eBay, search for: "IHC Premier version - FRISCO - 4-6-2 - HO Scale" Looks like it will need couplers changed out...
Personally I would go for the 2-8-0 shown by Karl there, or a 2-6-0.<br>He should be able to master the lead truck .. Having both lead and trailing is where it becomes sticky for a younger guy.
Thanks for your comments/suggestions, guys! I do appreciate them muchly! Looks like maybe Floras trains, since they will be at the Collinsville show on Sat. Question. Is the IHC brand the same as the old Rivarossi? You can tell I have been away from HO for more than a few years!! Dan
