I want to say body mounts, and they are Bachmann's own EZ Mate 2 couplers. They're big and clunky, but they don't impact coupling distance and they work flawlessly. I had one trip pin that was a tad low, but otherwise I'm content with it.
Lee
Route of the Alpha Jets www.wmrywesternlines.net
Are the couplers body-mounted or truck mounted? Micro-Trains, or some other manufacturer?
Are the trucks affixed with screws or pins?
Dan
I received my first Bachmann NE steel caboose, and at first glance, Walther's ought to just chuck their tooling.
Apart from the wheel size and coupler size things we've already discussed, the only thing I can see materially wrong with it is the size of the numbers on the sides.
First we see the new arrival posed with its cousin, a Life Like caboose that was improved and weathered by Rich Yourstone. Rich did what he could with the ride height, and added window glass. The weathering accentuates the coarse details of the shell. I should note that prior to photographing the Bachmann car, I replaced the 36" stock wheels with some 33" weathered metal wheels of unspecified origin, but I would guess they're Fox Valleys. This should only affect the ride height by a scale 1.5", so I'm not going to quibble.
You can see the disparity of the car numbers, especially when compared to the proto photo. This one of those things that makes one furrow one's brow when Bachmann gets oh so close to a home run. Fortunately, I've got a set of Reading caboose numbers, so this won't be a difficult fix.
Now let's compare the new car to a more or less stock Life Like caboose...
The WM paint scheme was applied by Bev Bel, and it's not bad. The only modifications are the addition of Micro Trains trucks/couplers, and the application of some Micro Crystal Clear to the windows. The most startling difference is in the ride height. There's got to be a scale foot or more between the two roof tops. Looking down, you can see how nicely rendered the steel steps and grabs are rendered on the Bachmann. The rivet detail is also superior, compared to the grapefruits used on the LifeLike model. Finally, the window sash detail is more refined on both the side windows and the cupola.
Now let's take a look at the Bachmann through the lens of an Overland Brass NE caboose...
Here we see that the proportions of the Bachmann car almost match identically to the brass caboose. The quality of the casting on the end steps is especially apparent. While the etched brass provides a very subtle rivet detail compared to the plastic Bachmann car, the difference is virtually negligible. It's interesting to note the limitations of brass, though. Note the lack of depth in the window openings. There is no attempt to render the sash detail. Perhaps a second layer of brass would have done the trick. It's also interesting see that while the window openings are probably dead on, without the sash detail, the windows look too gaping on the brass.
Taking the long view, you can see how they all stack up.
As a physical model, the Bachmann car is the clear winner in just about every category, except the paint department. On closer comparison, it looks like the "R" in READING is also the wrong font.
I'm looking forward to getting a Western Maryland sample to dissect. The pictures I've seen demonstrate that the paint scheme is a lot more accurate.
Anyway, there's your review from the Hagerstown Shops.