Why in the world would Bachmann put a rectangular, COAL tender with the 2-8-0 and then paint it for SP? When they have a reasonably good short vandy OIL tender, which would be WAY MORE CORRECT for an SP consolidation?? Now that we can't even buy the tenders separately anymore, we can't even fix it now....................................Aggravating!

Ken

From what I got from their web page, when you lock down the chassis, you need 42" radius...............which is actually quite reasonable for this rigid wheelbase. But it seems odd that most 10 coupled model locos out there can negotiate 30" radius "mechanically", without regard to how it looks. They must not have included much "lateral motion" in the drive wheels, in favor of the ridiculous articulation.

Unfortunately, it looks like the 4-8-4 boiler with a different frame, and of course, not spectrum. I'd love to se that SP 4-10-2 in spectrum, but it's probably to "road specific" for them!

Don't overlook Standard Hobby Supply! They are not always the lowest, but they are extreemly professional. The best part is that they actually have their inventory system on line. You know before you order if they actually have the item. I verified this once by ordering a quantity turnouts for a staging yard. it came back that they were a couple of units short, did I want to continue the order and back order the remainder? Yes. Then I rechecked as if I were going to place another order, and it came back right away that the turnouts were out of stock. All of this in the same on line session. They also are great about sending e-mails as to the status of your order, (processed........shipped.........etc.)

I have ordered items from most of the other places listed here, and none have this feature.

Well here we go again, another "big steam" unique locomotive, to go along with the multitude of challangers, big boys, and K-4s. It seems like all these manufacturers treat this like they are selling "toys" rather than operating models, or at the very least, "collectables"!

I just looked at the MTH web site and the GS4 looks ok, but not great, I may be all wrong, but it seems to have some visual similarities to the less than perfect, (and far less expensive, AND DCC COMPATABLE), Bachmann GS4, particularly the trailing truck, just looks out of proportion. The ladders on the tender look VERY heavy..........I'm sure, if the BLI/PCM ever does come out, it will be a superior model. Top that off with my agreement with everyone about the rediculous "non dcc" command control system.............this model is not for me!

But let me say for the record, that I do model the SP, and I do own one older brass GS4. And for the record, personally, I feel it truely is the most beautiful steam locomotive of all time. Like most here, I wish Bachmenn would produce a spectrum version. That said, I would rather see something less unusual, like any Harriman 2-8-0, 4-6-2, 2-6-0, etc!

One thing that I must point out, however, while Mike Wolf does indeed seem to have more money than brains, and a stubborn streak a mile wide, when it come to his "superior" control system. He is the one that, single handedly, negotiated the deal with Union Pacific, that is allowing all of us to purchase models painted for UP, SP, (and all the others under their umbrella), at no additional cost.

To Paul C.
Seems Soundtrax no longer offers this decoder, just F.Y.I

Did you guys use the Micro-Tsunami, or the full size? And where and how did you install the speaker?

Looks like an impressive model, from what I can see on their web site. Unfortunately, it is another example of a very large, very rare locomotive, that may be real cool, but not usful for anyone that does not model the Erie, or Virginian. As I recall, the prototypes were not very successful, and were rebuilt into either 2-8-8-0s or 2-8-8-2s.

I assume this engine have the same limited DCC compatibilities as the K-4?

YES...YES...YES on the main topic of the need for Harrimans of all arrangements! Also we sure could use a few AT&SF Mikes, Pacifics ets as well. Not every train west of the Mississippi ran Big Boys and Challangers! ( how many Challangers do we need? Good Grief! And Big Boys? weren't there only 25 of the prototypes ever made?)

Dallas.............Super bowl? We'll see. I just watched San Diego beat the Colts!!!!!!! The Giants may have the Cowboys number, We'll all know in a few hours. How about a Chargers / Cowboys Super Bowl?

I wish we could get something going in "spectrum" quality, similar to what the old Roundhouse Loco kits offered. Back in the day, as I recall, there were 4-4-2, 2-6-2, 4-6-2, and 2-8-0 running gear setups under the same superstructure. The "upper halfs" were offered in generic Santa Fe, Pensy, and SP/UP Harriman "looks", with appropriate tenders to match. No, not protypical, but quite useful when trying to build a "fleet" of locos. And while they didn't run very good, they were kitbashed into all kinds of different locos over the years.

I know this is a "Bachmann" site. But as the Bachmann DCC system is strictly entry level, I was wondering what opinions there might be out there about the competing "high-end" systems, specifically when using wireless cabs. Digitrax, NCE, EasyDCC etc. Even MRC, not quite the capabilities of the others, but worth considering.

I will have to both agree and disagree with almost everyone.

I do buy at LhS when it makes sense, but alas price is an issue for us all. It's a hard decision not to buy locally, because it's that very business that will keep that local shop in business for youre needs. If your local shop gives a moderate discount of of MSRP, then it probably is a good idea to buy from them. If they never discount anything, like "The Original Whistle Stop", I probably will look elseware.

As for E-shops, I have had nothing but very poor service with Trainworld and MB Kline. (Model Train Stuff.com). Items ordered and never delivered, never told they were on back order etc. On the other hand, Standard Hobby, Tony's, Litchfield Station are very professional. Wholesaletrains.com ranks close in service, and almost always the best price.

I guess it's all how one sees it!

I inquired about this very part some time back, (oil tank for the shay), and got a less than satisfactory response. Hopefully you will have better luck, if so, would you please post your "success" here so others may try again?

Thanks!