Great model I wish I could a N Scale model of the engine.
I have a brass Pennsy 4-4-2 that “hunts” and “noses” just like some of your respondants have noted. I suspect that the four driver wheelbase is too short to keep the engine “square”. Perhaps the problem could be resolved by adding more well distributed weight and doing a very precise job of quartering the drivers.
I love the looks, but hate the reviews. I have seond thoughts about buying.
I purchased this set and had it running nice… this locomotive ran smoothly at no problem. There were two lanterns loose , one from tender and another from observation car… one car has "dropped "coupler that needed to adjust with thin plastic level inside coupler box… I had contacted Fox Valley Models about getting lanterns were lost when I opened the boxes…Otherwise I am pleased with this set that is hard to get and it is my favorite train set…
Ditto on the wobble. That is one of the first things I look for on every steam locomotive. It seems the wobble and/or surging is related to the drive mechanism. The model ‘looks’ good however, if it doesn’t run smoothly I will not buy. In addition, I miss the ‘sound’ and smoke.
Thanks for the look Dana!
Have a brass Hiawatha-it (the locomotive) can only pull 3 of the brass cars. While it looks good the cars/train need help (except down hill). All brass-heavy heavy heavy.
Love the looks of the new Hiawatha set. Correct me if I am wrong but did not some of these cars find their way to the North Coast Hiawatha that was powered by a 4-6-0 (#10 and 11) that was shrouded like the 4-4-2’s (#1.2.3 & 4)?