Redetailing a Athearn USRA mikado into a PRR L2s

[toptrain]

As the locomotive is, Athearn has attempted to ballance the locomotives weight on the drivers with the use of the unique spring tension that is applied the the trailing truck. This holds up the cab area, and if properly adjusted, centers most of the weight on the drivers. Athearn has relied on a steel springs tension to do this. This is not a good thing. To much tension will cause the locomotive to bounce. To little will remove weight from the drive axels lessaing traction, and tipping the loco to the rear. A spring as it ages with a constant weight on it will have it's tension decrease. This attempt to ballance a out of ballance locomotive with the use of a spring isn't a good one. All that i can hope for is a locomotive that has enough traction that it can pull at least a 7 or 8 car train, and stay on the rails. I know I will see what happens.
frank