I would like to suggest the Argent Lumber Company as a source of prototypes for the Bachmann. All seven of this throwback logging line's locomotives are still in existence and two are in operation on the Mid-west Central.
The wheel arrangements include 2-6-0s, a 2-6-2 and a pair of 2-8-0s. Any of the seven would make a great locomotive and while not large locomotives, they are not a tiny Porter either (with the possible exception of the 3-spot which really was tiny even for a 2-6-0). The 2-6-2 would make for a different locomotive and could easily be kitbash-ed or re-detailed into a wide range of neat looking locomotives.
The Argent was built cheaply and operated the same way. Yet some of its motive power came from common carrier lines, such as #2 and #6. The rolling stock was homemade and "scratch-built" comes to mind for anything other than a logging car, which was usually the source of the underframe for the rolling stock in question.
Of course, those cabbage stacks look cool on those tiny locomotives as well.
Just a thought.
#4 is in Connecticut http://public.fotki.com/Peirce/connecticut/cama/argentlumbercono4.html (http://public.fotki.com/Peirce/connecticut/cama/argentlumbercono4.html)
If you Google Argent Lumber Co you get some nice returns of engines, etc.
Yes, I'll back you on this. There is actually a locomotive for sale from that line. I don't know how it ended up in Calie though.
Rock On!
~Dusten