Yes the Aristocraft 2-8-0 is 1/24 scale..
its the old Delton engine..
most other Aristo engines are 1/29 scale, but not the 2-8-0,.
Aristocraft just released an updated version of the 2-8-0..so there are new and old versions out there.
The accucraft Porter is 1/20.3 scale (Fn3 scale)
and yes, its all metal..
Most people would probably say the Porter is a "step up" in quality from the 2-8-0..although there is nothing wrong with the 2-8-0.
like everything else, there are different levels of luxury in model trains!
Both should be excellent engines..and both are models of narrow gauge prototypes..
although only Fn3 scale is correct for 3-foot gauge on 45mm track..
Both would look totally fine together as 3-foot gauge models.
Kenny,
what kinds of trains are you interested in?
the answer will go a long way to deciding what scale you should choose..
of course some dont even bother to "pick a scale" and just run what they like! and exact scale is ignored..
thats fine too..
Scot