Critters

The term "critter" is used affectionately to describe any small self propelled car or locomotive for use on the rails.

N Scale (1:160)

The Bachmann GE 44 ton locomotive is a great N scale critter and comes with factory fitted DCC.

Probably the definitive N scale critter is the Bachmann GE 44 ton locomotive. It comes factory fitted with DCC but no sound and runs well although the motor is a little noisy. It manages to go over turnouts (switches or points) with dead frogs without problem due to all wheel pickup. The locomotive has oversize couplers which I would recommend replacing. It easily navigates 9" radius curves. Overall a great locomotive.

Manufacturer	Bachmann Industries
Scale	N scale (1:160)
Gauge	Standard gauge
DCC	Yes
Sound	No
Min Radius	9"

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC Smooth running	Cons: No sound Motor a little noisy Oversize couplers

Atlas ALCO S-2 with DCC and Sound, although a little large to be considered a critter this is a really neat small locomotive that is ideal for a small layout.

This is a really neat little N scale locomotive, some might consider an S-2 to be too large for a critter but I say this loco fits the bill nicely. It is a great runner and mine has the factory fitted sound and DCC option, the sound is really excellent and it runs very smoothly. One problem I have found with this loco is that it wants really clean track and wheels otherwise the pickup is sporadic and the loco stutters along. A keep alive might work well.

Manufacturer	Atlas
Scale	N scale (1:160)
Gauge	Standard gauge
DCC	Yes
Sound	Yes
Min Radius	9"

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC and sound Smooth running	Cons: Needs clean track and wheels Could use keep alive

HOn3 Scale (1:87 3 foot narrow gauge)

The Blackstone Models C-19 is a real beauty of a locomotive but too large to be considered a critter.

Unfortunately there are no commercially available ready to run critters for HOn3. Blackstone Models offers a ready to run C-19 2-8-0 consolidation steam locomotive but this is too large to consider as a critter, especially considering that its minimum recommended curve radius is 18". Having said that, this is a stunningly beautiful locmotive packed with detail, a superb Tsunami sound system and it runs exceptionally well. If you are on the market for a ready to run small HOn3 locmotive then this is a good contender, although its price tag is steep.

Manufacturer	Blackstone Models
Scale	HO scale (1:87)
Gauge	3 foot narrow (10.5 mm)
DCC	Yes
Sound	Yes
Min Radius	18"

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC and sound Smooth running Exceptional detail	Cons: Min radius is 18" Steep price tag

There have been some kits available such as Grandt Line's box cab unit that do offer some kind of critter for those who are not afraid to get their hands dirty. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are many who successfully manage to scratch build critters and for the modeler who is willing to put in the time and effort the sky is the limit.

HO Scale (1:87)

The EMD Model 40 is the definitive critter.

This is the definitive "Critter". The Athearn / Roundhouse EMD Model 40 is a beautiful locomotive and an ideal candidate for a small layout. Unfortuantely it is DC but comes with a factory fitted harness for a quick plug DCC decoder which means you have to take off the loco shell. The motor is a little noisy but it runs well, unfortunately the cab is filled with the wiring and electronics. Overall a great little locomotive at a good price.

This is a superb locmotive given its price tag, factory fitted DCC with a keep alive offer really quiet and smooth slow speed operation.

I really love this locomitive, it is the same length as the EMD Model 40 and comes with factory fitted DCC. The motor is quiet and the locomotive runs extremely well, especially at slow speed. A bonus is that it is fitted with a keep alive so the loco will not stall over dead frogs or dirty track. Although it has a lightly steep price tag it is highly recommended!

Manufacturer	Walthers
Scale	HO scale (1:87)
Gauge	Standard gauge
DCC	Yes
Sound	No
Min Radius	Unknown

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC Smooth running Exceptional detail Keep alive	Cons: No sound Can be a little pricy

The BLI Track Mobile is a neat locmotive for the modern era modeler.

For the modern era modeler there is the BLI Track Mobile. This is a unique looking little critter that is really small. The loco is avilable in both DC and factory fitted DCC. It runs really well and offers smooth slow speed operation. It only sports one operating coupler and unfortunately given the size of this locomotive it does not have a lot of tractive effort and therefore can only pull one or two cars at a time. None the less, this is an attractive option for the modern modeler.

Manufacturer	Broadway Limited Imports
Scale	HO scale (1:87)
Gauge	Standard gauge
DCC	Yes
Sound	No
Min Radius	10"

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC Smooth running Sharp min radius: 10"	Cons: No sound One operating coupler Can only pull 1 or 2 cars

The Bachmann GE 70 ton locomotive is an atractive locomotive at the larger end of the spectrum and comes with factory fitted DCC.

At the larger end of the spectrum but still within critter territory is the Bachmann GE 70 ton locomotive. This is a neat looking locomotive available with factory fitted DCC. Unfortunately the motor is noisy and the loco does not run well at slow speed. It is still a neat locomotive for someone with continuous run.

Basically an HO variation of the N scale 44 tonner, everything said about the N scale version is applicable here to the HO one.

On30 Scale (1:48 30 inch narrow gauge)

Bachmann's On30 Porter 0-4-0 locmotive is the epitome of critters.

The Bachmann On30 Porter is the epitome of critter. This is a prime example of a commerical ready to run small locomotive ideal for a small train layout. I really like this locomotive and it checks almost all the boxes. It just looks perfect, the moment I opened the box I fell in love with this tiny little loco, the detail is superb and the builders plate is a very nice touch. In terms of running, the motor is noisy. It runs well however, the one area it fails at is slow speed running, the kind used for switching. If you have a continuous run layout then this loco is ideal for that. A sound equipped version was available but it is dificult to come by these days.

The Bachmann On30 50ton Whitcomb diesel locmotive is substantially larger than the Porter but is still small enough to be considered a critter.

I love everything about this locomotive. It looks really neat, the detail is exceptional and it runs extremely well. It is probably my best runner. The slow speed is really smooth and ideal for switching. The extra sound module is $120 - a tad pricey but well worth the effort as it has a nice sound to it. Overall, highly recommended!

Manufacturer	Bachmann Industries
Scale	O scale (1:48)
Gauge	30" narrow gauge (16.5mm)
DCC	Yes
Sound	No
Min Radius	15"

	4/5
Pros: Factory DCC Smooth running Exceptional detail	Cons: No sound Sound module a little pricy