Can anyone tell how wells doe Bachmann Spectrum’s 4-6-0 and 2-10-0’s operated in 18" to 20" curves? I have 4 x 8 HO scale layout and wondered how well either steam locomotive would look coming around one of the curves on my model railroad or turnouts? with a Russian Decapod 2-10-0 having 14 wheels i was just curious it would be worth my money to get an undecorated 2-10-0 from Walthers while they are on sale for $119. Is there any model railroaders out there that has one of Bachmann’s Spectrum 2-10-0 and if so does it look realistic and not out landish coming around an 18" curve. I missed the issue in which the 4-6-0 and 2-10-0 were reviews but are they good pullers and what was amount of freight or passenger cars they would pull?
The 4-6-0 does well around the 18" and 20" curves. I can’t answer that question about the 2-10-0 though, because I do not have one. As for pulling, the 4-6-0 is somewhat light, but I have had it pull 5 40 ft box cars up a 3% grade. I have not tried more than that so far.
Both engines will go around 18" radius curves - look rather poor doing it and will need to have the tender drawbar in the last position. The ‘Russian’ 2-10-0 is a very small engine. I have run both the ‘Russian’ 2-10-0 and a ‘high boiler’ 4-6-0 on the 22" radius curves of my branchline with no problems.
Jim Bernier
Per MR April 2002, 18" radius and required a lot of voltage, but started smoothly and operated quietly. I would not expect this 13 ounce loco to pull a string of heavy passenger cars but according to MR the drawbar pull is 1.76 ounces or 24 freight cars. IMO the 24 is overstated based on 13 ounce loco.
They go for $80.00 + shipping at Trainworld.
I have 5 of the Russians. They will run on 18" radius but they don’t look too great in the process! If you run them on 18" the front couplers are virtually unusable.
Other than that they are great running engines with or without DCC and look super!
Roger
I forgot…the dealer I got my Russians from is on ebay under the name LEOPARDSON. I got all of mine for prices between $64 and $75 brand new and still shrink wrapped. Great service too!
Roger