Hi All,
I have been looking for a steam loco that is sized between a 4-4-0 American and a 4-6-2 Pacific. I just saw a ad from Micro Mark for a pre order of a sound 2-6-0 Mogul for about $110 which is a great price. The problem is I don’t know if the standard line of Bachmann can handle 3-4 cars going up a shallow incline. Any insight would be appreciated.
Nobody knows yet how well they will pull, they are not out yet.
Sheldon
As this locomotive has not yet been released no one can assure you it is capable of hauling 3 or 4 cars up an incline.
If the engine came with a traction tire installed you could reasonably conclude it would be quite capable of hauling 3 or 4 cars up a shallow incline.
Bachmann has not released any of their current steam locomotives with traction tires, however there is a product on the market that now allows anyone to add the equivalent of a traction tire to their locomotives if they want or need to.
Have you not heard of Bullfrog Snot? It has been discussed on this forum a number of times. Most users have indicated that they are quite satisfied with the results.
I have heard that the stuff is not conductive not only from users of the stuff but I found that also at the site for Bull Frog Snot. I guess he is still looking into making it conductive.
I do not use the stuff so I have no comments on it though I recommend it as I hear good reports.
Rich
My fault I was not clearer. What I meant to ask was how does their current 2-6-0 pull? The new one may be better or worse but at least it is a starting point.
I do not have a Bachmann 2-6-0, but I have a few Spectrum 4-4-0’s and they will pull 4 of the Rivarossi 60’ passenger cars up my 2% incline grade without any trouble.
The same thing with my Spectrum 4-6-0’s.
I would assume the same of the new 2-6-0. One may need to add a bit of weight to help with the traction.
The current USRA 2-6-0, which is the 0-6-0 with a truck slapped on, is rather poor from what I hear. The boiler is plastic, and the axles use a design that’s prone to splitting. It uses a split frame design, so it at least has decent weight for its size.
I’ve seen pre-production photos of the new 2-6-0. It’s about the same size as IHC’s, but the boiler is made of metal with a plastic cab. I would guess it will have enough weight to pull a few cars up a grade.
I have several Bachmann locos, both steam and diesels. I also have a 2% shallow grade on my small layout.
I have not had trouble with my 0-6-0 hauling 4or6or 8 rr cars up it. I once tested it with every rr car I had and it pulled all 23 I had at the time!
I also have been very pleased with my bachmann locos,both the standard and the Spectrums!
So I would go ahead and take a chance and at that price…well thats good too.
Just my [2c]
[8-|]
Curt, where did you see the ad? I just went to there site and did not see any Sound Engines close to the $100.00 range.
Ken
I saw the pre-production Mogul at the NMRA show here in Sacramento this year. All metal boiler and trucks, and it’s a pretty hefty looking piece of machinery, definitely a good-sized loco for the wheel arrangement. And it picks up power from both loco and tender, so it’ll have a very decent power base.
I have a feeling it’s going to be a very decent puller. It’s a really attractive hunk of locomotive, IMO.
Tom
I talked to Micro Mark and they expect them by the end of the year, but we know what can happen to that.
Curt:
IIRC, Bachmann plans to release their EM-1 2-8-8-4 first, and follow it up with the 2-6-0. Something for everyone, LOL! And Bachmann’s usually pretty good about sticking to their schedules.
I know I’m interested in the Mogul–it has similar lines to the Rio Grande Western Utah lines standard gauge 2-6-0’s before their merger with the Denver and Rio Grande early in the 20th century. Probably just a little ‘back-dating’ on the loco.
As I said, it’s a pretty substantial looking piece of machinery for a ‘little’ loco.
Tom
Nice to see that Bachmann will have all wheel pickups on the tenders now.
I converted my Spectrum’s to all wheel pickup using Harold Minky’s ideas.
I just saw a site by someone who even converted the four wheel lead truck on their Spectrum loco to all wheel pickup.
The new line of steamer Roundhouse locos released by Athearn a few years ago have had all wheel pickup on the tenders. I was able to by some for bash ideas and they come ready to install and the truck wires are ready to connect.
Rich
Great price for sound…Hope it’s not a typo. Sound is usually an extra $100 in itself.
I pre ordered one today. With shipping it came out to $120 and change. I really liked the looks of it in the video. The site says the regular price is $175 and on the video the Bachmann spokesman said they want to keep the prices under $200 for the standard line.