In the post, Shortline Steam Roster, that I wrote, somebody said that maybe, I should use the Bachmann 2-10-0, as it is quite small fore its size. I was wondering what people think of this engine. Also, which is better, the HO 4-6-0, or the HO 2-10-0. If so, why. BYE!
I have no experience with the 4-6-0, but I do have a 2-10-0. The detail is amazing, and it’s an extremely smooth runner. It is actually pretty small (a little smaller overall than the Spectrum 2-8-0), so it’s not great for heavy hauling, but I would highly recommend it.
I have on of these and it is a smooooth runner and very well detailed. Great engine for branchline operations as it’s prototype had a light axle loading and only pulled small trains in real life.MOPAC used theirs on small trains on very light rail lines in rural Texas and Louisiana.
Ricky
I have a couple of these engines and they are great running engines, however, I would opt for a couple of Spectrum 4-6-0’s. These engines also are very detailed and have excellent running characteristics and look right hauling freight or passengers… The 2-10-0 with its small drivers looks more at home with a drag of freight or mining cars caring ore.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=2109
The 4-6-0’s come in both a low driver (52") and high driver (63") versions. I have both versions and favor the low driver version for looks. These engines were so versatile that they lasted right to the final days of steam.
Does any one know the minimum turning radii, or what ever it is for the decapod? Or should I just go with the 4-6-0, as I’ll probable have 18" radius curves.
I am considering the purchase of a Bachmann 2-10-0 but I am wondering just how long the engine/tender combination is? I plan on having some 90’ turntables on my layout and want to know if the 2-10-0 with tender is going to fit on the turntable?
Can someone tell me the actual length? I know there are several different models of the Bachmann 2-10-0 so I assume there may be some slight diffeerences in length between different models.
thanks
wdcrvr
Here’s a review someone did of one. He says his works on 18" curves
http://modelrailroading.wordpress.com/2008/07/17/a-review-bachmann-spectrum-2-10-0-russian-decapod/
On the subject of curves, my 2-10-0 can cut through an 18" radius like a hot knife through melted butter. That’s probably the minimum because of the fairly long wheelbase, but it sure takes it nice and smooth.
I have one of each of these Bachmann HO locomotives, and both run very well. There were earlier inquiries about minimum radius and size: This 2-10-0 can indeed navigate 18" radius curves. It will actually fit on my 65’ turntable with the footboards and couplers over-hanging… but the wheelbase itself is just under 65’. The decapod will not fit into my roundhouse (a Model Masterpieces kit from years ago), however, as the gangway-style steps are just too wide.
Now, addressing which is “better” may depend upon the nature of your shortline railroad. The 4-6-0 wheel arrangement was quite common on short line railroads, especially in the south, and many short lines operated with only a 4-6-0 until the end of steam. The 4-6-0 could easily do dual service on light trains, seeing service in freight, passenger or mixed trains.
The 2-10-0 is a model of a “Russian” decapod. These were built by several manufacturors for shipment to Russia right around 1918, and after the Russian Revolution they were instead sold to various lines in the US. Many did find their way to smaller roads after service on major railroads (for example, such locomotives on the Charleston & Western Carolina came from the Southern). They were relatively durable due at least in part to their relatively simple design for the time - few fancy attachments had been ordered by the Russians. These are drag freight locomotives, not generally capable of passenger train speeds, although both the Strasburg in Pennsylvania and the Illinois RR Museum in Union, IL have used 2-10-0s
You will be fine with a 90’ turntable. The Spectrum 2-10-0 I have is 9 5/8". The Walthers 90’ turntable bridge measures 12 3/8’
What about a 65’ turntable?
How likely would it be for a shortline to use these engines if it had steep grades, and would need the adhesion, but would it go faster than a shay?
I have not heard that the Russian decapods (or Baldwin standard decapods they inspired) were speed demons, or that they were used on heavy grades. The southern railroads that used them and liked them because they delivered close to the tractive effort of a 2-8-2 with a light axle loading that worked well on the lightly-built infrastructure of secondary lines in the region. I would guess that they were probably good for up to 40mph, but more typically ran slower than that.
OTOH, I thought I heard the Erie was using Russian decapods for commuter service, which does require some speed.
It’s a safe bet that a rod locomotive would run faster than a geared locomotive, but would require easier grades and broader curves than a geared locomotive.
The 2-10-0 is not going to be crazy about steep grades just like its prototype but for very mild grades and trains no longer that 10-11 cars she will get the job done nicely.
I went back and drug up the shortline steam roster thread. It seems to wander all over the place. The only conclusion I saw was the shortening of the line from 100 miles to 17.
The 4-6-0 is a general purpose locomotive for passenger or freight. The speed of the locomotive would 35-45 mph. The 2-10-0 would be more of a drag freight loco speed 20-25 mph. In my opinion a good short line would have both. Throw in a 2-6-0, 2-6-2, or 2-8-0 and they would have sufficient power types to meet almost any situation a normal railroad would face.
If you really want an unusual Uinta type railroad. I would avoid the 10 coupled Russian. Go more with the 4-4-0 for passenger, 2-6-0, 2-6-2 for mixed/normal freight and 2-4-4-2 and 2-6-6-0 for the heavy freight.
A Shay has a top speed of about 12 mph. but can handle much steaper grades thanany of the above locos. Even on a 17 mile track it would take a shay more than an hour to traverse it. If I liked geared locomotives I think I would search for a more conventional timber/mining scenario to use them on.