Alex, there are a lot of what-ifs to be able to give a pat answer. You can get a Bachman steamer for $20-25. Some Bach., like their shay Spectrum go to $150. I use IHC and have 10-12 of them, running $50 up to $220 for the Big Boy, and they are real smooth. Then P2K Heritage line can go for up to $500. I have almost all IHC Riverossi, and am real pleased.
That is just me, one person. Listen to others and you'll get an overall consensus on which to make a decision.
Lynn