These are two good sites for information, not always "reviews".

http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips.html

http://www.elmassian.com/

 

Upon rereading my earlier post, I didn't mean that any "review" there is bad, just that they focus on real information you can use.

 

There are a lot of locomotives out there in all of the various "G" scales. It would be far better to ask about specific ones that interest you. Garden Railways mag. has reviews of some engines, but they don't have the all the information about which you are asking. Chuck

 

If you would narrow down the field a bit, i.e. start with what scale you want to model, we can help more.

I model mostly 1:29, and there's no huge difference between locos until you get into the brass and diecast ones, like AML and USA trains prestige series.

I've never had a locomotive that could not use some improving, nor did not have any weak spots.

I also have never had a locomotive where these issues could not be improved fairly easily.

Greg

 

I have measured the tractiive effort if a number of "G" engines. It averages about 1/3 of the weight of the engine on the level. Traction tires add a little, but not as much as you would think. Grade and diameter of curves also is important. Chuck