Thanks. I have the Niagara and it runs very smooth. The berk, not so much (yet). The one I am looking at is #4464. I think I"ll grab it but I don't see it listed on this site. I wonder if it is out of production already.

I am looking into buying a 4-8-4 warbaby. does anyone have any experience with this model? is a good runner?
Thanks

Thanks jonathan.
I did have that cover plate off to check things out. I do know what you mean about the pick up brushes. I think on one wheel set they are pushing it to one side so I will reshape them to even it out a bit.

I have a 4-8-4 that runs like a silent movie. I just bought a  2-8-4 that growls. Plenty of grease in the gears. It is louder in reverse. The drive train (gearing) on the Berkshire seams sloppy. with the shell off you can see the motor turning quite a bit before it takes up the slop in the gears. is this normal? I don't remember having to break in the Niagara. Anyone with experience with the Berkshire have this problem?
Thanks.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have several options to look into now.

High all I am new to the forum and I just bought my first Bachmann steam engine 4-8-4 Niagara. The headlight is very dim. I am running it on a DC track for now. I know that there is a dim / bright function with the DCC. Is it normal for this engine to have dim lights with DC? I know it uses an led light source and 2 optic rods. I personally do not care for this system. Could I change this to 2 1.5v or 3v bulbs in place of the clear rods?