I received my first Bachmann NE steel caboose, and at first glance, Walther’s ought to just chuck their tooling.
Apart from the wheel size and coupler size things we’ve already discussed, the only thing I can see materially wrong with it is the size of the numbers on the sides.
First we see the new arrival posed with its cousin, a Life Like caboose that was improved and weathered by Rich Yourstone. Rich did what he could with the ride height, and added window glass. The weathering accentuates the coarse details of the shell. I should note that prior to photographing the Bachmann car, I replaced the 36" stock wheels with some 33" weathered metal wheels of unspecified origin, but I would guess they’re Fox Valleys. This should only affect the ride height by a scale 1.5", so I’m not going to quibble.
You can see the disparity of the car numbers, especially when compared to the proto photo. This one of those things that makes one furrow one’s brow when Bachmann gets oh so close to a home run. Fortunately, I’ve got a set of Reading caboose numbers, so this won’t be a difficult fix.
Now let’s compare the new car to a more or less stock Life Like caboose…
The WM paint scheme was applied by Bev Bel, and it’s not bad. The only modifications are the addition of Micro Trains trucks/couplers, and the application of some Micro Crystal Clear to the windows. The most startling difference is in the ride height. There’s got to be a scale foot or more between the two roof tops. Looking down, you can see how nicely rendered the steel steps