Kitbashing Bachmann 2-6-0 Alco into CNR

[sailormatlac]

I tested the locomotive on the club layout tonight.

I agree with Gene's previous review. The engine has limited pulling capacity. Over 10 cars on flat surface, it is prone to wheel slip. I don't know if weight can be added, but it could be welcome. Anyway, I intend to use it on mixed train service and light industrial switching.

I must admit I was surprised by the decoder. I feared it would be a dud and was pleased as soon as the model hit the rails. Far better than other built-in Bachmann decoders I've had to replace in the near past. The engine responds to the first step, making it a reliable locomotive for small speed and prototypical operation work. In fact, among all Bachmann recent small steamers I own (0-6-0T, 4-4-0 and 2 Consolidation), it's definitively the best. It runs like a good quality diesel and is very quiet.

Sound isn't top notch, limited and generic, but for the price it is quite reasonnable and enough to bring life to operation. A steamer without a bell and a whistle isn't convincing at all... (On that point, fellow club members with be glad that I shut up my mouth once for all, instead of poorly mimicking sounds... ) Sound isn't too loud, just enough if compared with other decoder that almost blow your eardrums.

Paint job is good, letterig is wrong in every aspect. Numbering is completely off (road number and font) and CNR logo on the tender isn't at scale. I suspect from recent Southern GP-50 review that other roadnames suffer the same discrepancies. I don't care anyway, it going to be partially renumbered.

Lights (front and rear) are bright and powerful. They are white with a light bluish hue. Not perfect, but no need to replace them (nothing like the 4-4-0 green-yellow and GP7 amber LED).

Good news for small layout modellers, it can negociates tight radius curves and capricious small curved PECO turnout. It would make an interesting working model for small earlier era switching layout.

Overall, Bachmann did a great job on this generic model for the price and the fact it isn't a Spectrum offering (it doesn't compare at all in details with their 4-4-0). If you're not into brass and want a mogul at low price, this is definitely a must. A great replacement for good old IHC 2-6-0 that was a kitbasher's favorite. However, prepare yourself to add some details and work things here and there to make it looks good. On this point, I think many of us are already accustomed to Bachmann's policy of cheaply priced, less detailled engines with good running capabilities.

I'm looking forward to kitbash this locomotive in the forecoming days. I'm curious what Bachmann plans to offer next. A generic Pacific or Mikado would be great since cheap plastic offering are technologically outdated since a long time.

Matt