Unless you model the Frisco, you'll be happy to learn that the Neosho, Stella, and White River has won a mail contract between Kansas City and Memphis. This enables a joint mail and express train operated by KCS between KC and Joplin, MO, and completed by NS&WR to Memphis (the last forty miles or so over the CRIP). At Joplin, the train picks up ATSF and MKT express from Wichita for Memphis, Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Atlanta (courtesy of the Southern).
I model this train in its (supposed) Arkansas consist. The problem is my motive power is currently "leased" from the competition: Lionel's Frisco 2-8-2 (6-18030). Aside from the owner, although the 2-8-2 is great in the Ozarks it's still slow for a mail-and-express train. I'd like to retire it to the local freight (currently pulled by an 0-8-0).
What do you think would be more appropriate--manufacturer, wheel arrangement, and road name?
I'm far from knowledgeable about what has been offered, but I'm looking for scale size at a reasonable price. Something a little more high-stepping than the mikado: say "modern" 4-6-0 or heavy 4-6-2. Although I really like them as models, the Lionel traditional 4-6-2s are just too small to look right with eight scale express cars. And I can't tell from pictures whether other models are scale or traditional.
The era is 1950. And, of course, still 3-rail.
Have at it!
