should i get the baldwin 2-8-0 or the 2-8-4 berkshire?

[sedfred]

how much longer will the 2-8-0 be around? are there any plans to discontinue it soon? I really want it but I don't know how long it will be around.

[Irbricksceo]

I can't speak for Bachmann but it has been one of their most popular steam locomotives for a long time (seriously, it has been around for what, 20+ years?) so I would not predict it going away any time soon. But hey, for all I know it could be gone tommorow.

[electrical whiz kid]

Brick;
Not long ago on Evil-bay, I picked up a couple of the old Bachmann 2-8-0 locomotives.  Comparatively speaking, these models were junk; but I liked the overall chunky looks with that Whooten firebox.  I will re-motor the unit, check the drive linkage, and then "remodel" to my little old heart's content. 
You are right to presume that the present model will be around for a bit-why would Bachmann ditch a winner?   More money this way.
SGT C.

[Irbricksceo]

I was referring to the current 2-8-0 which, further looking says was 1998 so ~17 years. I had forgotten the old reading one to be honest, I've seen some cool stuff done with them, changing them from junk to quite nice locomotives though this took a lot of work I'd bet.

[Irbricksceo]

Since Pictures can help, here are three.

First, the 2-8-4 on 18 inch and the 2-8-0 on 22 inch Notice how silly the 2-8-4 looks


second, I switched em. Notices that the 2-8-4 suffers a lot more from that reduction to 18.


Finally side by side, I will say that I prefer the valve gear on the 2-8-4 however both are very nice looking.

[Trainman203]

What they ought to do is make an SP boiler to go on  the present under frame and put the medium vanderbilt tender that hey used to sell behind it.  How about it, Bach Man?  There are thousands who would buy an SP 2-8-0.

[rogertra]

I was referring to the current 2-8-0 which, further looking says was 1998 so ~17 years. I had forgotten the old reading one to be honest, I've seen some cool stuff done with them, changing them from junk to quite nice locomotives though this took a lot of work I'd bet.

My old Reading 2-8-0, bought for the purpose at a train show, is now on my scrap line: -

[Trainman203]

That's great Roger.  All of the HO engines I had in high school in the 60s could be in that line too, none of them ran worth a !?!!!$$&@@@!!!@!