Hello,
My son and I are fairly new to model trains and we have a basic oval setup with an 18" radius running a diesel Santa Fe with freight cars which we sometimes switch out for the 4 passenger cars we also have.  I would like to purchase a steam engine but I am having trouble deciding and would like a recommendation.  I want a decent quality engine without breaking the bank and I am not sure if a DCC sound locomotive would be worthwhile or not or should I go for a locomotive that smokes?  This setup runs around our Christmas tree. 

Thanks!

Barbara