I have read that, in buying a loco, I should look for a loco that includes: (1) a flywheel; (2) all metal wheels; (3) a metal frame; (4) all main wheels are gear driven, and (5) all main wheels pick up electricity.
I would appreciate it if you would advise me as to how the Spectrum HO 4-4-0 #83406 matches up on each of the items described above.
Does the descriptive " DCC-equipped" mean that the 83406 comes complete with a decoder already installed, or does it simply mean that the unit has a space designated for a decoder to sit in, and comes equipped with a plug for a decoder to be plugged in to ?
Are all the 83406's made in U.S. ? If not, where are they made?
I have the 4-4-0. DCC on board means a function only decoder which means motor control and lights.
My 4-40 was DCC ready and could run on DC only. An adapter that I can remove and plug in a decoder.
I am surprised you did not look at the diagrams page in this site. Go. You will see the inside of the locos and tenders.
A lot of people miss this page.
Bachmann stuff is produced in China as is quite a lot of other brands of locos and rolling stock.
I have another brand of loco with all your specs and the motors have flywheels. Excellant runners but not as much details as the Bachmann locos. I cannot mention the brand here. Those are made in China also.
lex
The specifications are on the Product Page
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1695
I have a few of these egines and would not hesitate to recommend the engine to anyone.
I agree with Northern, I own several and they outpull the 4-6-0's. I had 12 of the Roundhouse Milk Cars behind one of these little guys, and pulled em up a slight grade with a little slipping but not much.
I even have the Southern Green one which will mostly be pulling the Roundhouse Overton coaches.