Thanks Mr. Bachmann and all for the quick response.

I just acquired another 2-6-6-2 Spectrum engine.

I have a question regarding the smoke box/boiler access door, the new engine has one compressormounted  on the smokebox door, the old engine has two compressors mounted on the door. It this correct or am I missing a compressor?

I found the write up on this engine on the "other" forum and there are two pictures of two different 2-6-6-2's that would seem to indicate that this is correct.Unfortunately the pictures are a bit on the dark side - contast wise.

Anyone know for certain?

These engines in my opinion are superb, they pull great considering they have no traction tires, they  have excellent slow speed running characterestics.  Just a great engine and they are not that much larger than the new 2-10-2 Spectrum.

And the new owners of the Bachmann Berkshire have had a chance to run these engines and they can pull how many cars up a 2% incline?

It seems to be that my mistake was purchasing the "initial" first releases not long  after their debut.

Instead I should have done my homework and waited. I could have checked thevarious  forums for others comments and suggestions.

The Proto engines for example have certainly upgraded their engines, optional traction tires, improved electrical pick ups. The new engines are certainly improvements over the first offerings.  Unfortunately I seem prone to being impatient and not waiting and researching the items.  Finding out later in a number of cases I have a "documented"  problem engine.

Atlantic Central

I did have a Proto Y3 from the first release and it would indeed need to be double headed to pull a moderate load up any type of incline. I did double head it with other steam engines and of course all was well then. However choose not to double head it  and lucky for me the Hobby Shop I bought it at gave me a credit for it. 

As for the Athearn 2-8-2's you were luckier than me, two of them both with split gears. Within a week both engines had failed. Did recently obtain gear replacements so there is a chance that they may come out of storage after all.

Trying to remember the reaction to the Proto Y3 2-8-8-2 when it was announced and the ads first appeared. It sure was a far cry from the Riverossi Y6 modle that is still available.

At least I do not have one of the first releases of that model sitting in storage like a few others I know. Allthough I do have some others (such as the Athearn 2-8-2)

I am so ready to order one of these engines. However, I am still burning from my last acquisition which was unfortunately an early run Berkshire (Proto Heritage) great model, extreme slow speed no pulling power.

Once I have headr from a few members who have actually bought and run this unit and there is an acceptance of its puling power and slow speed control I will buy at least one if not more.

So will sit on the sidelines and wait

Atlantic Central

What makes the Tony's warning most interesting is that it is mentioned that a number of engines were tested. All with the same result. You did read the Tony's warning?

The news is not good on this model. A throwback to the 2-8-2 perhaps?

http://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2007/112907.htm

I will only consider the Athearn diesels, stay away from the steam, go Spectrum, go BLI, go Proto, just go elsewhere.

And the patient wait for more news about the pulling power of the much awaited Berkshire...........

Note the Spectrum 4-4-0 is a superb small mainline engine.

BaltoOhioRRfab

And the NKP engines?

In your opinion do these look as detailed as the Spectrum units? Do you have a test track in the store so that you could give a first thought to their running characteristics.

Are the engines three of five pole, I assume they would not have flywheels is that correct?

You may also want to check Modeltrainstuff (which is the e-bay part of MBKlien - who you also should check, specific would be the HO Specials they post.

Go to the Walthers site and using their search feature type in "rollers"

Well that is disappointing news. I use two light mountains on my layout which unfortunately has a couple of 18" curves in two hidden areas. The bulk of the layout has 22" curves but never the less I need the two 18" curves due to space limitations.

From the news here it appears I would in the event of an exchange end up with a locomotive that I could not use unless I removed the 18" curves - which would lead to a completely different layout.

Well, I will have to keep the use of the two engines to a minimum.