Steam?

I have been looking at Z for some time now and I am wondering what the range is in American steam? I see the newer posts like on the Challenger BUT I am wondering if there are any models of smaller, earlier steam locos, like 2-6-0s, 2-8-0s etc?

 

Dr. John, Well, I would say that if you are willing to take the plunge Z steam is a reality. In this photo you will see: On the turntable the ubiquitous 'Casey Jones'. Above that and descending we have the Marklin Mikado 2-8-2; Marklin Pacific 4-6-2; MTL Mogul 2-6-0; and my favorite the 1890's 10 wheeler, probably a Baldwin. These are just a few. I do not own the AZL AC12 Cabforward, or the GS3/4's, Marklin came out with the enclosed streamliner last year, the Commodore Vanderbuilt; finally the big Challenger will be released late this year. How's that? Cheers, Jim CCRR

 

Aspen model has a Hudson 4-6-4 and 0-6-0 Saddle Tank engine, as kit or RTR.
Westmodel, the supplier of Aspen, has told me there will come up with a PS4 4-6-2 and an USRA 2-8-8-2, based on Maerklin chassis. When? Good question....

 

Here is a close up of the MT mogul. My favorite. Expensive if you can find one. They'll go anywhere from 300-900 bucks on auction sites. This is the version with the oil tender bunker. They make two other versions with vandy tenders like the following

 

On their website, Ajin are showing a Boston and Maine 4-6-2, but they have no information other than the photo; does anyone know any more about this?

 

There is also a Marklin 2-6-0 that can be passed off as either Nn3 or Z. It was produced recently so its still available from many retailers. Here is mine with some Nn3 cars behind it.

 

The steam locos shown on the Ajin website are not Z. This are mislabeled. Ajin did make the GS3, GS4 and the AC12 for AZL. They will also be making the upcoming Challenger.









Rob

 

Thanks guys. These look fairly expensive yes? Are the drives in the tender or in the engine?

 

The GS3, GS4 and AC12 shown above are brass samples from American Z Line. The drives are in the engine. Yes, these are expensive, with the GS series arround $1,250 and the AC12 $1,550.

But, there are more affordable options. Marklin Pacific and Mikado steam locos are around $200. Marklin US 4-6-0s are not available separately, but come in sets with passenger cars for around $300.

Rob

 

I just saw one on Ebay yesterday so occasionally you can find them there also.

One thing to consider is the fact that some Marklin locos if having sat on the shelf for a long time will "gum up" or in other words, the lubricant will harden if left for a long period and the loco will require ungumming and relubing with a modern lubricant before operation. Be aware of that if buying from an auction site.
Loren

 

The latter based on the Bavarian 0-8-8-0T, I presume.