Here are 5 small toy train engines in O and S gauges from several eras. This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but rather a way to call attention to these often overlooked little workhorses.
Many of us have layouts that are under 100 square feet. It’s nice to have engines available that look great pulling trains and don’t overwhelm the layout. These will also look great on O-27 and O-31 curves. Even on big layouts, small locomotives are very useful!
While there are some modern engines on this list that can still be found new in hobby stores, all of these can be found pre-owned on online auctions, train shows, or at swap meets. Some are made by multiple manufacturers at varying price points with different features. Look around; you never know what you might find.
Lionel NW2
First appearing in 1949, Lionel’s NW2 has been one of the staples of the hobby for decades. It’s had lots of detail and not very much, and has been reproduced by other companies including Williams.
Despite the fact few railroads had NW2s so equipped, the O gauge model has retained the wagon-wheel radio antenna on the hood almost throughout. In fact, it’s hard to picture one without it.
It’s available from basically the same tooling in many road names and at everything from a very plain level all the way up to LionChief. Lionel also offers a Legacy version, though it’s detailed and scale in appearance and, sadly, lacking the antenna.
American Flyer Baldwin Switcher
This is another one that comes in modern and classic versions. Some things just never go out of style!
Gilbert American Flyer started producing this engine in 1956. This beauty is loosely based on the Baldwin VO660, which didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Fortunately, it found a lot more acceptance in the S gauge world as part of the company’s affordable sets. It was often mated with an unpowered unit.
The tradition was continued by Lionel when it purchased American Flyer. Its units are upgraded to (more or less) modern standards and remain solid workers.
You can pretty much pick your price point on these depending on the era you’re interested in. Gilbert models are plentiful on the secondary market; “Flyonel” ones are out there too.
Williams by Bachmann GE 44-ton
These center-cab switchers are a latter-day favorite. Lionel produced a center-cab switcher in the late 1950s that kind of captured the look of the General Electric prototype. Unfortunately, to many eyes it was always a bit of an ugly duckling, bigger and bulkier than it should have been.
Williams by Bachmann righted this wrong several years ago with a model that looks the part and is a solid performer. While simple, details like the handrails and horn are near scale. Yet it retains the kind of toughness and heft you like in O gauge.
Plus it has a friendly engineer waving from the cab. Who couldn’t love that? You can still find these new in some places, too.
If you want one with more bells and whistles, MTH made a Premier version that’s available on the secondary market.
K-Line Porter 0-4-0T
This one might not be on your radar but it should be. Produced later in K-Line’s history, this little engine is a real gem.
It’s not much to look at but it has a die-cast metal boiler, cab, and frame. Best of all, it has a smoke unit. Just remove the cinder catcher on top of the stack and add your favorite fluid. Under the saddle tank are the controls to turn the smoke on and off as well as lock out the reverse unit. Pretty good for a diminutive circa-2006 locomotive!
This one won’t walk away with a 20-car train but is good at moving two or three and a caboose where you need them. Heck, it’s just fun to watch it go. You can usually find them for about a “C-note,” too.
MTH Railking F3
The first models MTH produced of these have been some of the best. Some enthusiasts groused they were too short or too small but they were well painted, terrific runners, and perfect for an O-27 layout.
About a decade later these models were relegated to the company’s Rugged Rails line and the Railking F3 was retooled for more scale fidelity. Granted, it’s a good upgrade, but for just running trains, the originals were hard to beat.
You can find the latter at reasonable prices but the originals are worth having for sure. They look great on passenger or freight trains, and an A-B-A set of them looks great coming down the track. These are still a great value and there are quite a few out there at reasonable prices.
