I'm not sure that Al is dead – I think he celebrated his 60th anniversary in September.
Dead or alive, his reference books are outstanding! I've got his NYC and PRR series, and the Swanberg NH book he published. He used to set up at York and he was always a hoot to talk to. I haven't seen him set up there in years, but with York, he could simply have re-located to another building (and when I go, we're pretty much tied to the Toyota building).
Oh, and to your point, the Williams 2-6-0 is a nifty locomotive that just begs to be personalized!
Bob Keller
I've seen the Bachman 4-6-0's, and you're right, they're nice looking engines, a lot of bang for the buck. They've taken off so well I understand Bachman is sold out of them, although some dealers may still have some. An updated sound system? I doubt it, Bachmans philosophy is "keep it simple, it's more reliable that way." Something to be said for that.
I love this engine and decided to add fireman and fireman figures. I have discovered that the caboose figures that MTH use in their cabooses can easily be wedged into the cab of the 4-6-0. I also decided to add an MTH caboose ladder to the tender. I cut the chunk of plastic that is suppose to represent the top of the molded plastic ladder on back of the tender. I simply cut off this off and touched up the black where this was cut and cut and installed the MTH Caboose ladder. This is a great running little Steamer and really affordable, it runs.and looks great these little additions was very easy and enhanced an already neat little engine.
By the way the real engine is pictured in the book C&O Power, co-written by the late Al Staufer, on page 229. I just wish it was in color, it even has the same number. Williams did a great job on this, in my opinion. I hope Bachman will offer an better sound system option, in their William's engines in the future.
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