CentralOhioRR posted:Thank you all again for the help. Many of you have ID’ed another issue, the tension between a realistic model and it being too fragile for a kid. I grew up around HO trains and feel that one draw of steam engines is the moving running gear I also know how fragile they can be.
I’m leaning toward the LC+ B&O Mike. Sounds like they are reliable engines that can be expected to operate when I pull it out each year. My only real concern was the remote - I don’t know what happens if it dies after 10 years. But it does seem like a great set it and forget it engine so I can hold my kid and keep him from going King Kong and ripping it off the rails.
I currently have 2 LC+ engines - a 4-6-2 Pacific and a 2-8-2 Mikado. A few e-tailers have been offering these at such really good prices, it's a no-brainer if you're looking for a fun loco.
My Pacific has slightly simpler valve gear than my Mikado, which may help it be more durable in the long run. The 4-6-4 Hudsons and the 2-8-4 Berkshires also LOOK like they have slightly simpler valve gear than the Mikados, but I don't have either one of these engines and can't say for sure. One thing nobody has mentioned yet, these engines run just fine on conventional A.C. transformer control. About the only things you lose with conventional control is the remote-controlled uncoupling feature on the back of the tender, and the volume control. Otherwise, everything else works just fine.
If you only use the set once a year, and resort to conventional transformer control most of the time, I don't see where you would have a remote problem 10 years down the road. Just remember to take the batteries out of the remote if it's going to be packed away for extended periods. I think right now these LC+ engines are a great bang for the buck! 
