Thanks for the complement Dave, will do a review on the Bachmann On30 2-8-0 soon, which I just ordered. Glad everyone liked the review, and, no there is NO BLACKHEAD, but instead there is a BACKHEAD, sorry for the typo.
I have one of these engines from long ago when Mantua still existed. The details are not on par with a Proto offering but this engine, as with all old Mantua products is as tough as nails.
It’s a noisy little engine which bumps across cheap switches but you can not find anything which a mechanism as robust. If detail is what you are after, then you can use this engine with little guilt to learn on. If a great paint job is what you want, this engine will allow you to perfect the art.
I wish more manufacturers would pay as much attention to the guts of an engine instead of the details. If it looks good but dosen’t run, you have another shelf queen folks.