B&O "Docksider" switcher... why no love?

I have a R.O.W. B&O originally purchased new, and an old KTM factory 3 rail version (manual reverse).  Both are nice models.  I do not have a MTH but have seen them.  I won't remark on the KTM as they are a fluke to find 3 rail and they have no reverse.

The R.O.W. has fully detailed valve gear, The MTH has simplified cheapo valve gear.

The R.O.W. has more detail in general as would be expected in a brass model, The MTH is a starter engine with much less detail.

There has always been something about the front cylinders of the MTH that doesn't look right, even though I can't put a finger on it exactly.

The R.O.W. has electronic F-N-R control as was normal for its time. I do not know if  the MTH has DCS or not.

I have have not seen where Atlas got the tooling, just going by what market Atlas is going after, I doubt it.

Below are my opinions:

Cosmetically there is no contest as R.O.W. comes out on top, putting a control system in would require a "tag along electronics" car  to house the components.  Depending on the MTH control system that would be the only advantage in my opinion if you can tolerate the cosmetics.  If someone wanted to tinker, by adding details the MTH could probably dress up fairly decent.

So how you operate could make a difference and what you can tolerate cosmetics wise.  I'm not a rabid rivet counter, but the MTH just never cut it for me, but remember it was never intended to be a premier line locomotive.

I have always been a big fan of Dockside engines. I used to have. KTM two rails which I installed a new can motor and added DCC and sound. It was a sweet runner. I sold it when I went from two rails to three rails . I don’t know why manufacturers don’t make small steam engines. They are so useful and anyone with  any support size of layout can use one.

I have the MTH version and recently received a 2 rail KTM version that is a pretty nice model...at least compared to the MTH model. I don’t have any 2 rail cars with the small scale couplers but it does run pretty nice on its own. Does anyone know how old this locomotive is ?

@Devildog posted:

I don’t know why manufacturers don’t make small steam engines. They are so useful and anyone with  any support size of layout can use one.

Well, Lionel did make the LC+ 2.0 0-6-0.  Command controlled with BT or TMCC for a street price of a bit over $200.

Yes ! I forgot about that. But as I remembered it was sold out immediately 😉

I'm sure they'll come around again.  I see a couple sets with the engine, but no separate engines available.  I grabbed a couple when they first came out, not bad for the price.

I have three of the MTH 0-4-0's (B&O, NYC, and no road name). Great little engines. The ROW models are much nicer and more detailed but pound for pound you can't beat the MTH. They are conventional with electronic e-units. My biggest complaint is that MTH scored the drive wheels for traction instead of using a tire. They sound like a sick washing machine running around the layout.

I have owned both the MTH and ROW models.  IMO, the ROW is hands down superior, better detail, smooth running slow speed, no annoying buzz due to the scored wheels.  I sold the MTH and never looked back.  The ROW will ride my rails for a long time.  The lionel 0-6-0 just looks cartoonish.  It is too bad no manufacturer pays much attention to these small units.

I have one of the little MTH models.  I added command and electrocouplers to make it compatible with my operating environment.  I also added a little board to turn off the smoke when it stopped.  I agree that the scored wheels were a mistake.  OTOH, it does pull well for such a small locomotive.

@necrails posted:

I have owned both the MTH and ROW models.  IMO, the ROW is hands down superior, better detail, smooth running slow speed, no annoying buzz due to the scored wheels.

Too bad it's not readily available.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I have one of the little MTH models.  I added command and electrocouplers to make it compatible with my operating environment.  I also added a little board to turn off the smoke when it stopped.  I agree that the scored wheels were a mistake.  OTOH, it does pull well for such a small locomotive.

Too bad it's not readily available.

I have one of these and have wondered how to make it command? You mind sharing how you did it? I have always like this little guy.

@necrails posted:

The lionel 0-6-0 just looks cartoonish.

It has a prototype.  Leetona & Cherry Valley #1.

Rusty

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I have one of the little MTH models.  I added command and electrocouplers to make it compatible with my operating environment.  I also added a little board to turn off the smoke when it stopped.  I agree that the scored wheels were a mistake.  OTOH, it does pull well for such a small locomotive.

Too bad it's not readily available.

Wow John- you were able to fit all of that under the shell?

I bought all three of mine from Trainz. Two were engine only, the B&O # 97 came with a work train set.

@Rusty Traque posted:

It has a prototype.  Leetona & Cherry Valley #1.

Rusty

A few others as well:

http://www.trainweb.org/oldtim...eam/algoma_steel.htm

And what appears to be a closely related survivor

https://www.flickr.com/photos/n8myc/9168739962/

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, Lionel did make the LC+ 2.0 0-6-0.  Command controlled with BT or TMCC for a street price of a bit over $200.

I originally had this line in my original post but I cut it because I didn't want to bash the Lionel engine:

"I know Lionel makes an 0-6-0 "Docksider" too but to my eyes it is too long, and I don't like how the saddle tank comes to the front of the smokebox".

Teaches me... I should have added it. Thanks for pointing out the engine though.

Beautiful thing !!!

I have a Right of Way "New York Central" Dockside Switcher. As you can see from this photo, the headlight number boards weren't changed from B&O #97 and the B&O logo is visible under the #9053 on the nose. Always likes the model.

@RSJB18 posted:

Wow John- you were able to fit all of that under the shell?

No sound, and removing the existing conventional reverse board gave room for the MC-II.  I think it's safe to say there's no extra room under the shell!  The huge PS/1 smoke unit takes up a LOT of space, putting a smaller smoke unit in might give enough room for sound.

This is the module to automatically turn off the smoke when stopped, it's in the heatshrink above.

@Shawn_Chronister posted:

I have one of these and have wondered how to make it command? You mind sharing how you did it? I have always like this little guy.

Here's a thread with pictures of what I did for the locomotive.

MTH B&O Docksider 0-4-0 Command Upgrade

I have more modern parts now for the smoke control.

Here's the MTH B&O Docksider pulling 13 tank cars up the 2.5% grade, I probably could have added a few.

Good choice for my track cleaning car, it has no issues hauling this around the layout.  I hasten to point out the new Lionel LC+ 2.0 0-6-0T Docksider can't pull the Trackman 2000 on level track, much less the grade!