Well, that certainly would explain why the Spectrum and Mantua 2-6-6-2's run so well.

Well it seemed like months but in reality it was only a couple of weeks since I ordered it, the 4-4-0 arrived today.

Coincidentally it arrived on the day I just finished laying out the final trackwork on my layout (8 x 8 x t basic shape).  Until now I only had a small test track.

I have been checking and rechecking the trackwork with various engines to ensure the trackwork was (almost) perfect. Trackwork issues seemed to have been addressed.  A long process I might add.

I tried the new 4-4-0 and it derailed at two points on the layout. I retried other engines and there was no problem, I kept trying to move the track enought to realign the problem spots - finally gave up and replaced the track at those two spots. All is well for now. I have examined the track that was replaced and find no flaws - strange.

Anyone else have similar issues? By the way the Spectrum 4-4-0 ranks with the 2-6-6-2's and the others Spectrums I have in my steam fleet.

Too bad my main preference is not diesel power as I had no problems with any othe the trackwork with any of my Intermountain, Genesis, Proto or Stewart units.

Go figure.

SteamGene
Then you have tried it yourself with a Spectrum steam engine or you are assuming it would match?

SteamGene

What is the brand name for the Steam Engine Black?

Thank you Mr. B

I assume Krylon is a brand name, I am not familar with it but will check with the local hobby shop and see if they can help me obtain some. I have accumulated a fair number of Spectrum steamers and as availablity was limited I have a number of road names I need to change.

Which paint would match the black paint finish used on the Spectrum steam engines?

I think this has come up on the forum before, however, I can find no reference by using the forum search.

Thanks

Hi, I have a Spectrum 2-10-2 and was also hesitant about acquiring it as I have a mainline with 22" curves and a inner yard and industrial area with some 18" curves. No problems with running the engine.
This engine has a fantastic slow speed. I am also running a  Spectrum 2-6-6-2 which also has no problems with the tight 18" radius curves.
I agree that wider curves would help with the visuals but I have only a limited area for my layout.

Model Railroader did a product review on this engine.
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=490

 I consider the Spectrum USRA 2-6-6-2's and the Mantua 2-6-6-2 with tender road engines. The only engine I would not consider as a road engine would be the Mantua 2-6-6-2 tank (and variants)

I agree with the premise the proto type for the Mantua 2-6-6-2 was a narrow guage logging engine. 

However my point is that since the re-released units 2-6-6-2's are not narrow guage the units make a most interesting road engine. The GN 2-6-6-2 shown is not that large and engine. 

http://www.gngoat.org/gn_steam_14.jpg

I have the Rayonier 111 which is the tank unit and ancillary slope back tender.  http://loggingmallets.railfan.net/models/mantua/m-rayon111.jpg
this engine complements my logging railroad portion of my layout which also includes a couple of Shays and a Heisler.

For the mainline portion my main road engines are a couple of Spectrum 2-6-6-2's and a Mantua 2-6-6-2 in GN livery and the other steam being 2-8-0s, 4-6-0's

I placed the units on my test track and agree they are similar in size, not much difference with the exception of dome placement and cab size.

However I would certainly not consider the version with the tender "not" a road engine.

Would that also mean the Spectrum 2-6-6-2 engines are also not to be considered road engines?

Quote from: SteamGene on June 02, 2007, 04:40:58 PM
Jack,
Tank locomotives were not meant to go long distances.  Most were switchers.  In the case of the Mantua 2-6-6-2T, it's a logging engine, so it, too, would be close to a water and fuel supply, Again, the Mantua articulated is not  a road engine, with or without a tender.
Gene

You are still referring to the tank engine model and not the articulated engine with tender?

There is a third option available assuming that all of the old Mantua engines have been re-released.

I have the "Rayonier" Mantua 2-6-6-2T engine which comes with a small oil tender.   Same basic engine as the other tank models, note the headlight is mounted high on the boiler and not low on the pilot.

I can only give my impressions for HO scale.

For steam I have mainly Spectrum units. Detail is good, performance is excellent. I do have a few BLI units as well as a few Proto Heritage. The BLI units also have sound so are hard to compare to the Spectrum and Heritage units, for price the Spectrum are very good, the Heritage units on the other hand do run very well but are considerably more expensive.

My favorite running units are the 2-6-6-2's and my Shay engines.

I have never had any problems with the BLI or Heritage units, had some problems which were dealt with immediatley by Bachman with the replacement of the faualty units. I do wish Bachman quality control was better as from reading these colums others certainly have had their share of problems.

For me given the number of Spectrum units I have the incidence is relatively very low. So I will continue to watch the Spectrum offerings and purchase those that interest me.

As for diesel I have mainly Stewart and Intermountain units and a few Athearn, both RTR and Genesis. I have only one Bachman diesel set a Plus series EMD F7 A/B unit and it runs fine.

I had the opportunity years ago to visit/inspect in British Columbia the town of Field.  It is a CPR company town located in a Federal Park (Yoho/Banff). The round house supplied a lot of the houses with steam heat from its boilers.  The old survey plans showing the various CPR buildings were even labeled as to which houses were designated to which railroad positions. Many of the towns owed there existence to the railroads.

Bach man, thanks. I guess finding the low driver model in the Southern livery was luck on my part. Will the 4-6-0's be re-released later in other road names?