Opinions Wanted: Bachmann Spectrum HO 2-10-0

[LuthierTom]

Hey gang-

What have been people's experiences with this little loco?

I'm thinking about using one as a conversion basis for a N&W M2-class 4-8-0. ([:0]YIKES! I know,...) It looks like it might be doable by deleting the first drive axle and wheels and going from there. [:I] I'm mostly concerned about getting a good drive mechanism; I can do the rest.

LT

[Anonymous]

Read up on it in the April 2002 MR edition for starters.

[nfmisso]

LT;

Great locomotive, but I would start with a low drivered Spectrum 4-6-0 instead, as it has the correct driver diameter for the M/M2, where as the 2-10-0's drivers are a bit smaller.

[cacole]

I have four of the Spectrum 2-10-0 locomotives and they all run great. I have SoundTraxx in all of them, too. Installation was a simple "plug-n-play" except having to drill very small holes in the coal load right above the speaker so the sound can escape from the tender.

[dano99a]

don't have a 2-10-0 but I do have spectrum 2-8-4 (hvy mountain) and a 2-6-6-2 and both are great runners, both are great pullers as well. getting the DCC decoders into them was a snap! [:)]

I'd get it if I were you.

[mikebonellisr]

My bachmann 2-10-0 runs very well,but a little noisey.I have it equiped with a soundtraxx plug and play decoder which was easy.If it were a little quieter,I would have gotten another.Maybe I got one that's a bit of a lemon.....Not too bad.but a littleannoying

[LuthierTom]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nfmisso

LT;

... I would start with a low drivered Spectrum 4-6-0 instead, as it has the correct driver diameter for the M/M2...

I assume you mean the version Walthers calls the "low boiler" version. That *does* look promising, but I'd have to come up with a 4th driver wheel set and connecting rod, and it looks like the driver wheel spacing would have to be moved closer. The rest is details.

Nigel, have you tried this loco? Is it a good, smooth runner? In your opinion, is it mechanically amenable to the conversion? I would like to have an M2 in my collection (I already have a sweet little Sunset M) but I am gritting my teeth at the ~$1200 cost of the brass ones I see listed online. I'd be terrified to take it out of a locked display case! OTOH, I really enjoy Kitbashing, and would probably enjoy "rolling my own".

Tom

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: I would like to have an M2 in my collection (I already have a sweet little Sunset M) but I am gritting my teeth at the ~$1200 cost of the brass ones I see listed online.

Follow the link - The Caboose may still have a few sitting around for half that price.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33986

[LuthierTom]

QUOTE: Originally posted by rripperger

QUOTE: I would like to have an M2 in my collection (I already have a sweet little Sunset M) but I am gritting my teeth at the ~$1200 cost of the brass ones I see listed online.

Follow the link - The Caboose may still have a few sitting around for half that price.

http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=33986

Nope, they are all gone. [:(]

[AggroJones]

The Decapods a little beauty. Boasting the most detail of any Spectrum steamer makes them hard to dissasemble though. They have great slow speed capabilities, but have a noticable wobble at higher speeds. The head light is dim like all other non LED Spectrum steam. The rods and wheels are well crafted and nicely darkend. And she can haul a suprising amount of tonnage before slipping. [^]

The positive outweights the negative in this case. I'd go for it.

[Isambard]

The Grizzly Northern currently operates three Spectrum 2-10-0's. They run very smoothly and look great. You can see them over at : www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=2155
[:)]