Review

Bachmann now offers factory-installed DCC decoders in its distinctive Baldwin RF-16 models. The real diesels, nicknamed "Sharks" for their unique nose styling, were not produced in large numbers - Baldwin built just 109 A units and 51 Bs from 1950 to 1953. However, their styling has made the Sharks quite popular among both modelers and railfans.

The models have injection-molded styrene shells atop die-cast chassis. The shells do a good job of capturing the unique nose shape, distinctive windshields, and other body features of the real locomotives. Most details are molded in place; separate details include grab irons and horns. The paint and lettering on our New York Central samples were nicely done, and matched the black-and-gray lightning stripes used on the NYC's freight locomotives. The other available paint schemes are all based on specific prototypes.

An enclosed motor powers all axles through worms and worm gears above each truck. The models (A and B units are both powered) run quite smoothly through all speeds. The models work without modification on standard DC; a factory-installed Digital Command Control decoder provides control on DCC layouts.

These smooth-running models should find homes on layouts of those who model the 1950s through the '70s.