4-8-4 Northern Locomotive & 52' Tender, 58052 AT&SF

[harryc]

Hello to all from this today's new member!
I purchased subject engine in eBay in used condition and not performing well.
No paperwork came with it but I got a copy from Bachmann's Customer Service.
The one I bough has VERTICALLY split frame which differs from the parts drawing received from the Customer Service as it shows basically a HORIZONTAL split from (the upper being two separate diecast parts) for which I conclude that there must be at least two mechanism design.
The model I bough came with a 3-pole motor while I expected to be a 5-pole one as I had seen the same item several times in eBay listed as being a 5-pole engine. I know that eBay descriptions are the sellers' ones and may not be accurate but as far as I could see, this type of information is not available in the Bachmann's site.
I would appreciate comments as to:
1) which is the newer mechanism design; the VERTICALLY or the HORIZONTALY split frame? and
2) what type of motor has the VERTICALLY split mechanism; 3-pole or 5-pole?
Thanks,

[James in FL]

Hi harryc,

My latest version of the 4-8-4 Northern has

Blackened drivers
Vertically split frame chassis
3 pole motor

FWIW

My “old” version Northern, with the shiny drivers, had a 3 pole motor.

My new Spectrum Class “J” 4-8-4 also has a 3 pole motor.

I have not seen a  B’mann 4-8-4 with a 5 pole motor, not to say it has not been made, but I have yet to see one so equipped from the B’mann factory.
Maybe they did it in HO scale?