Me too Doug, That side-by-side comparison makes the front in look so much better, thanks for posting Gary.
Well, I’m finding myself onside with all your comments, guys. A very enlightening discussion.
And, Gary, my response to the scales business is very much the same as yours.
Barry makes a short pilot truck…just gotta have NO R-1 curves, and maybe no R-2!
I saw the comment on the V&T 4-6-0 and a BBT chassis…I have one, older V&T 4-6-0, BBT drive, 7 V&T coaches, a new woodside USA V&T caboose…RCS, Sierra, battery…anybody looking for the lot call me (old GR has the number)
Interesting… how does the long pilot truck help it negotiate R1 curves? More clearance for the wheels?
It doesn’t, per se. It does, however, allow the wheels to clear both ends of the cylinders so it doesn’t flip the locomotive off the benchwork.
I have one on the remaining 4-6-0 in regular service. We just need to keep it on the broader curves. Handles the 1600’s in the shed okay.
Remember, Gary said his will handle a 4-1/2 foot radius. That’s 9 foot diameter, bigger than 1600 LGB by a long shot.
Ok that’s what I figured, more clearance for the wheels at the cylinders.
Does it only need that on R1 curves? If the pilot truck is shortened, what would be the minimum diameter it could handle? When I take mine apart to install the Revo, I plan to repaint and weather it, maybe add some extra details. So if I could get away with it, I might shorten the pilot too.
R2 can be tight, R3 is okay, in what we experienced…BUT: That’s with the BBT tang mount, not the ubiquitous Botch slide mount.
Ray: Make an 0-6-0 out of it… 
A little work with a saw and…
Quote:Doug, I'm surprised no-one mentioned George Schreyers "Large Scale trains Technical Tips" pages. George has an extensive description of the first 5 iterations of the 4-6-0, and lots of 'improvemants'.
One concerns age. All three are not exactly the same.
I also have 3 of the 4-6-0s from Bachmann one is a great runner the other two have been set aside for projects due to broken running gear. One of those I had already repainted and done up as a Halloween train and the other is being converted to a camelback. Today much to my delight I found that Bachmann has begun selling “annie” complete drive train with motor and all metal parts on their website. After doing a quick check on the location of mounting screws for the body, I found that I would easily be able to use these drives. At $50 each thats one heck of a deal over replacing everything individually
Wow,
Thanks, Bill.
This is a complete chassis for $50 
I might add this is a December special.
Ralph
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_148&products_id=4080
I received my $50 Annie chassis yesterday and converted one of my generation 2 4-6-0’s to a Gen 5 Annie. Basically it was a direct swap except for the air tanks. I had to shorten them due to interference with the cylinder valve boxes. Also a few screws need to be different lengths and I needed to solder in a head light bulb. It runs great and pulls great too!
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8271625556_6e194174e5_c.jpg)
Joe,
Are these the new Annie chassis with metal gears ?
Ralph
Wow, $50 for em? I may have to get a couple.
I ordered one. If they have the metal gears, I’ll order a couple more 
But even if they aren’t the latest Annie drive, it’s a good deal.
They also have a $30 chassis. This looks to be a Big Hauler chassis.
Ralph
The drivers in that image look odd–they look like flat disks with the spoke painted or printed on:
You’re right Mike. I sure hope not, as that’s the one I ordered 
I hope that’s a pre-production photo
There are others that look “normal”.
Ralph
Bill Eldredge said:Hey Bill - Good to see your name here at long last! Welcome and have fun! Don't forget to 'Subscribe to Topic' at the bottom of these pages so you get the replies. It's a habit you have to get into at first. It'll be good to hear more from you!
I also have 3 of the 4-6-0s from Bachmann one is a great runner the other two have been set aside for projects due to broken running gear. One of those I had already repainted and done up as a Halloween train and the other is being converted to a camelback. Today much to my delight I found that Bachmann has begun selling "annie" complete drive train with motor and all metal parts on their website. After doing a quick check on the location of mounting screws for the body, I found that I would easily be able to use these drives. At $50 each thats one heck of a deal over replacing everything individually