To my knowledge, the model is pretty spot-on for its prototype (Baldwin 8-20 D). These weren’t large locos, pretty much the same size as E&P #4 (Baldwin 8-18 C), shown here pulling coaches on the D&S (from the D&S’s web site)
They run well, though they use the same gear as it on the “Connie,” and it is likewise prone to cracking, though not nearly as common. (Slight difference in axle diameter, I would presume.) Get a spare from NWSL to have on hand for if/when it happens. Alas, changing that gear is a bugger and a half because of the valve gear that’s also on that axle, but do yourself a favor and get a bread tie or something similar to hold everything in place as you remove it.
Stock from the factory, the center driver has two “pins” that stick down below the railhead on the middle (blind) driver. This is to keep the driver over the rails on sharp curves. If your curves are 5’ radius or greater, you can safely remove this and not worry. The middle driver will still have some lateral play, but you can slip in a spacer between the bearing block and the valve gear to reduce this. I used a slice from a Bic pen barrel. It might even handle 4’ radius, but my minimums are 5’, so I can’t say for certain.
I’ve found the Bachmann motor in mine gets hot and lethargic after a while. When this happens, the heat softens the grease, which then drains out of the access port in the gearbox. I replaced the motor with an older Sagami can motor (no longer made) and it made a night-and-day difference in performance. Alas, the brushes went out on the replacement motor, so I replaced it again with another Bachmann motor, and the issues returned. So I’ve got to replace it again with another Sagami motor I found buried in a parts box. Note that my 4-4-0, which uses the same Bachmann motor and gearbox has no such issues, so it could also have something to do with the control system (Airwire in the 2-6-0 vs. Revolution in the 4-4-0.)
NWSL sells a replacement motor that I think is identical to the Sagami motor I’ve got, but I’ve not bought one to check. Due to the age of my Sagami motor, I’m thinking I may be better served just getting a new motor. That’s a project for after the convention…
Overall, it’s a great locomotive. It’s actually the loco that “convinced” me to switch to 1:20.3. Of course, mine’s now been rebuilt with a larger boiler and much more modern fittings, but the original one is still a looker.
Know also that Bachmann’s supposed to be re-introducing the 2-6-0 with upgraded electronics and I’m led to believe upgraded mechanics as well. I don’t know how it will compare with regard to price compared to the older version. They’re slated to be at the NGRC next week, so I’ll bug them about it when I see them.
Later,
K
