Further Definition of Version 5B Chassis

[wraujr]

In reviewing chassis ID sticky and looking at "Standard" (not Anniversary) chassis for sale in parts dept.
Is Loco Chassis (90037) and (90040) (Large 4-6-0 Standard) what is being considered as Version 5B?
If so, description for V5B might be enhanced
  Standard Chassis (not Anniversary)
  Connectorized Wiring
  Main PCB (PCB06)
  Optical Chuff Sensor (PCB08)
  Drawbar Pilot Truck
  Plastic Side rods and detail parts
  Smoke Switch (based on what main PCB06 supports)
  LED headlight (based on what main PCB06 supports)
  No Tender Backup LED (based on what main PCB06 supports)

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_669&products_id=4094
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_669&products_id=12182

These seem to be the only chassis available in the "Standard" line and will require a fair amount of rework (especially soldering)
to rework a V5 thru V2 "Standard" loco.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

So how sure are we that the chassis has the drawbar front truck.  I have not seen one yet.  I am ready to identify it as a 5B. 

[wraujr]

Mainly from looking at photos on Bachmann parts website.
Starting with this video on Youtube (A Brief Look at the Improved Bachmann G Scale 4-6-0 Front) by RkyGriz.
If you watch carefully you can see that in the new drawbar truck, the axles of the pilot wheels are clearly visible from above.
In the old pivoting truck, the axles are covered by the plastic truck's frame. So you don't see axles from above.
Now go to Bachmann parts store and look at pictures of 90037 and 90040 assemblies.
You can see the axles from above on the pilot trucks, suggesting drawbar pilot truck.
Another data point is the Underframe at the parts store, it has the pivot point structure.
Looks to me like all the older V5 and below chassis, underframes, pilot trucks are sold out and gone for good......
Drawbar Pilot Truck
    https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_148&products_id=8545
Newer Underframe
    https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_148&products_id=14592

Bill, I think your ID "chart" is great, but it relies on almost all mechanical and physical descriptions (i.e. humps and plugs). As electronics has entered both the Annie and Standard lines, its worthwhile to add descriptive features about the electronics and capabilities.  Like the Standard V5B (if 90037/40 are V5B) now contains a PCB that supports only a limited set of features (i.e. no rear tender headlight) and different implementations (i.e. optical chuff sensor vs. older "drum" sensor)
Just my observations as I wasn't sure what constituted a V5B and when/why it came about.

[Loco Bill Canelos]

wraujr,  All well and good, but remember the purpose of my ID descriptions are to be able to identify what the item is from visible features.  I started the the chassis identification list many years ago so that fellow hobbyists would be able to understand what they were getting when buying on ebay or at a train show.  Many sellers do not even know what they have.

In all cases my chassis id descriptions indicate the electronics inside by observing the visible features without having to open up the item to find out.  I believe that they currently do that, but I am open to nuances just the same.  One of the reasons the electronics board in the Standard line 4-6-0. does not have a an output to the rear headlight is because the Standard line 4-6-0's never had an operating rear headlight. 

When I look at the two chassis in the Bachmann Catalog  (links below)  I can't be sure they have the new swing or drawbar style front truck, so I am reluctant to add electronics to the description of the V5B chassis. Bachmann does not make it easier  with their poor description of many of the catalog items.

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_669&products_id=4094

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_671_669&products_id=12182

Having said all that you are correct in saying that the original V5 chassis are sold out. All the new chassis being sold on the Bachmann site seem to be V5B.  My V5B chassis id includes the newer drawbar front truck. You are also correct in saying that electronics changes are important on the Standard 4-6-0.  I appreciate your input.



Over the years I have been burned more than once about one of my description of Bachmann locos and rolling stock.  Because of that I am as careful as possible and confirm everything before adding to my chassis identification. All I need is several foto confirmations of the latest chassis showing it with the both new electronics and the new drawbar style front truck.

If any forum members who bought this chassis direct from Bachmann can confirm it has both please let me know.

Thanks,  Bill