It’s listed as reserve status on Walther’s site. But I picked mine up last Thursday.
The detail is on par with Broadway Limited, and it feels like a solid piece. However there is one itsy bitsy teeny little problem. There’s a parts bag full of really really really tiny parts…and no instructions as where they go. There are no instructions PERIOD. I was warned this in the store from which I bought it. Seems none of them have instructions.
I can see the chains are missing from the rear tender trucks. There’s also a few missing grab irons that I am sure are in that tiny parts bag. Even missing the additional details, it’s still a very nice model.
I’m a little surprised how light it is though. But it could be my imagination that it’s light. It doesn’t seem much heavier than LL’s USRA 2-8-8-2. I’ll try a pulling test later this week.
Since this is from the same cast mold, the parts should be the same as the last H-8 release by RR. I’m going to try to find a manual from an older run and try to add the additional parts.
The good news is the new H8 comes with standard (non-traction) tires, and runs well on R18 (No I’m not going to dare run it on R18. R28 is my min on the main.) DCC conversion was straight forward with a Lenz Gold Mini. I’m going to try a tsunami sound conversion later this week.