Baldwin HO 2-8-0

[Searsport]

Hi Rod,

I believe there is only one 2-8-0 model.  I got Bachmann standard line 51306 Western Maryland Fireball #766 DCC no sound and gave it sound by swapping the tender top onto the DCC Tsunami tender chassis from Spectrum 84509 MEC #507 and it fitted and works perfectly.  The loco models are identical apart from the Tsunami, and that I had to swap tender chassis because 51306 had the old style tender floor, not perforated for sound. 

I think, but am not sure, that 51307 WM #760 and subsequent DCC without sound Connies may have the new perforated tender floor.  I am not sure because I have not got my #760 yet. 

I would guess that Bachmann would use up all the un-perforated chassis before going onto the perforated ones.  I cannot think they maintain both in production – but who knows?  You don't have to take the tender top off to see the holes, just look at the underside.

Hope this helps,
Bill.

[Searsport]

Correction to my previous note.  I have found that there was an earlier Bachmann 2-8-0, which was quite different. It looks toy-like compared to the present Connie.  It had smoke, an arched cab window, and a short tender. An example was Bachmann Classic Collectors Series #41-530-11, Great Northern #1257, and it says on the box "HO Scale Replica of Americas Heaviest Consolidation and Tender".   The box art shows Reading #2000, no idea what other roads there were, or the vintage of the model.  Info gleaned from ebay.

Bill.

[ebtnut]

That old 2-8-0 was modeled on the Reading's I-10 class locos.  The wide Wooten firebox gives it away.  These were not very good runners, coming from Bachmann's "toy" period.  The current Connie, once a Spectrum, is patterned on an Illinois Central loco but without the angular sand dome typical of many IC locos.