Review

Bachmann has added a smooth-running model of a United States Railroad Adminisstration (USRA) light 2-10-2 (Santa Fe type) locomotive to its Spectrum line.

The ready-to-run model features a die-cast boiler and injection-molded cab atop a castmetal frame. Separately applied details include domes, stack, handrails, pipint, bell whistle, class lights, headlight and air pumps. The cab includes limited bachjead detail as well as engineer and fireman figures.

Details vary to match differences among prototype locomotives, including valve gear (Southern or Walschaerts), tender (three styles of coal tenders and one oil), headlight and bell placement, trailing truck (Delta or USRA), driver style (spoke or disc) and running board and side boiler details.

An enclosed motor powers the center driver set, which in turn powers the remaining drivers via the side rods. The middle drivers are "blind" (without flanges) to keep the locomotive from binding on tight curves. This was done on many prototype locomotives as well. The locomotive will operate around 19 inch radius curves, but will run ,and look better on broader curves.

The model is equipped with a DCC decoder, but it will run on standard DC power without modification. The locomotive runs well on both, running smoothly throughout its speed range with good control. The drivers and tender wheels all pick up electricity.