Bachmann 52205 TEXAS & PACIFIC #316 - BALDWIN 4-6-0 (HO SCALE), HO

Great looking T&P engine, will go well with my T&P cars!

This is a current production of Bachmann's low drivered 4-6-0 originally released under the Spectrum line during the early 2000s. It's a Ma & Pa prototype and a fine example of an early 20th century Baldwin with Walsheart's valve gear. I chose the Texas and Pacific model because it's decorated with a Russia Iron boiler jacket. The model runs smoothly out of the box. I lubricated all axles and moving parts with a light coating of plastic-compatible oil, as Bachmann units come on the dry side from the manufacturer. One aggravating design flaw comes inside the tender. The circuit board is mounted on four small posts, most likely to minimize heat buildup. The dummy board is extremely thin and DCC operators need to take note. I was unable to fit a Digitrax HO decoder beneath the circuit board as it would't fit between the mounting posts. When I attempted to install a Z scale decoder, I couldn't get the tender body to fit. I found out that the 8 pin connector was thicker than the dummy board, and clearances would not permit the tender body to fit over the thicker board. I had to remove mounting screws from the circuit board and turn it over to get the tender body back on. The model runs smoothly on DCC. I was able to pull 20 normally weighted freight cars on level track. 21 caused some slippage, so this engine pulls well for its size. Two things I plan to do in the future is replace the footboard pilot and re-letter the engine for an Eastern NC road. It's a good buy for a small steam engine perfect for early 20th century railroad or a branch line right up to the end of steam.