I have Bachmann's new 2-8-0 Consolidation and at a close look it says that the locomotive was built in 1918. So I would like some more information about the engine's prototype , if any. I haven't had any luck at other sites on the web, and I don't have any prototype photos of consolidations. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Bachmann's Spectrum Consolidation, made in both HO and N, isn't a new model. It's been out for a few years now, but has recently been updated. The prototype is an Illinois Central 2-8-0 built between 1909 and 1911, and modernized in the late 1930s. Bachmann has changed some of the IC characteristics of the original engine, such as the sand box and the air compressor location, and gave it a different tender, but it remains the same basic engine shown in Plan 25 in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia Vol. 1, Steam Locomotives. I reviewed the HO model when it was first introduced, in the June 1998 Model Railroader.
So long,
Andy
Andy Sperandeo MODEL RAILROADER Magazine
Thanks Andy!
I was suprised when I saw that you were the one who replied. I idolize you guys at MR! Keep up the good work!