Thank you, fellow engineers, for the thoughtful responses.  I purchased # 51602 from my retailer, the Santa Fe 0-6-0 to hold me over while I make the switch to DCC, then plan to purchase a higher end model next year.  The retailer had made similar comments about the smoke prior to the echoes from your responses, so I tend to hold consistent opinions in high regard !

The Baldwin model I mentioned that is not available yet is one that the same retailer showed me in the Bachmann Catalog and then called about; he was told it was not available yet, with no timetable offered.  I don't have the catalog in front of me to give you the item #, but it was an illustration in the catalog instead of an actual photo.

Good evening,

   I am in the market for a steam locomotive to propel me back into the hobby.

My local merchant has graciously let me borrow your catalog so I can check out the steam locomotives and the following desired traits found in one to order through him:

-DCC on board/ready
-smoke
-light
-sound (not a deal breaker)
-$200.00 or under

I am seeing a LOT of attractive offerings, but only one meets all of these traits...your new Baldwin model that is not out yet.

I am not running DCC yet but will likely switch before too long.  Can you recommend a model that perhaps I am overlooking?

Thanks!