overhang from Bachmann 2-10-0: is it noticeable on 18" curves??

[caboose63]

anyone out there with one of Bachmann Spectrum's 2-10-0 can you tell me if that steam locomotive model has much of an overhang when going around 18" curves? some people have said i would have difficulty in operating one around 18" curves on my 4 x 8 layout while others say it and anything under bachmann's "heavy" 2-8-0 would do good on curves that size. Walthers has the painted, unlettered 2-10-0 in stock and on sale till july 31st for just $119.98 instead of $170. i would like to know for sure if it would look ok on my 18 inch curves or not, before buying one of the 2-10-0's. i would buy the bachmann painted, unlettered low boiler 4-6-0 but online its status is shown as in transit. so who knows when that could show at walthers. i may just decide to look for an unlettered 4-6-0 at a train show like this november at the lansing train show at MSU's agricultural pavilion.

[bwftex]

The Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-0 will do fine on the 18" inch curves and will look ok too. Over all it’s not any larger than the Spectrum 2-8-0. I've had my 2-10-0 since they first came out and not only is it a beautiful model it runs great. The only thing that bothered me a little is that the running boards are a little thick. I cut come brass sheet to replace them with but haven't gotten around to it yet. I have two of the Spectrum 4-6-0's. They also beautiful models that run very well but make a little more noise than the 2-10-0. While none of these locomotives are super strong pullers the 2-10-0 will handle a short train on a grade much better than the 4-6-0's. My high driver 4-6-0 will struggle and slow way down with four or five cars on a 2% grade but will do it. Probably the prototype would operate in a similar fashion. The low driver 4-6-0 that one would think would have an advantage at pulling over the high driver model can barely get it's self up the grade. The ability to handle a train on a grade by the 4-6-0's may just vary from model to model. I bought my low driver 4-6-0 at a very good discount over the Internet from the same place I got my 2-10-0. However I spent about $20 more for my high driver 4-6-0 at the LHS were I could test it. Some times it may be best to get a model where you can test it out first even if the price is higher. At least for me ten to thirty years of satisfaction with a locomotive is of more value than any savings I might find. I have nine Bachmann Spectrum locomotives and the low driver 4-6-0 is the only that performs in a fashion less than expected and then only when it comes to pulling on a grade. On level track its great and since my actual layout is Texas flat land with no grades its a keeper too. But if I ever build a layout representing a hilly or mountainous area it will have to be regulated to yard switching. Bruce

[Mark300]

My WM Russian Decapod does just fine on an 18" curve - and when its very quiet in the room, emits little rail squeels just like on a real railroad. By the way, I can pull about 14 empty hoppers & caboose will little problem at even the slowest speeds.

The DCC is very good but this 2-10-0 is not a speedster. It's great for independent pushing. It does nice transfer switching of cars (which it's prototype did when the WM took over the C&P out near Cumberland MD during WW2). It's a great pusher as well as puller if the grades are not too steep.

BTW, others have had the same concern and this matter has been discussed in other places on this page/forum with some lively reponses.

HTH & Happy Railroading.

Mark