As noted above, there are several 4-4-0s around now or recently manufactured. Check EBay. I totally agree about the less expensive Bachmann. It doesn't run well, and is poorly detailed and finished. Doesn't even have counterweights on the drivers. The MDC represents a late-1890s or early 1900s loco; its boiler's too big for an earlier engine. I've no experience with it, but someone told me it has too much weight on the pilot truck (hence not enough on the drivers.)
The Mantua General is the very best of the lot for bashing. I've bashed several. I much prefer those manufactured in the 1970s. Open driver spokes, NMRA flanges, and no traction tire. Hopefully when the Mantua is rereleased, it will be better than the late production had become.
By the way: The "General" was one specific loco --- Civil War era (The Mantua is modeled after the way the loco looked after a rebuild post Civil War.) The only HO model of it is the Mantua. Other 4-4-0s are called "Americans", not "Generals".
Bill S