N scale lacks an affordable ATSF 4-8-4  that is current state of the art in engineering and detail.  The old Bachmann 4-8-4 is really long in the tooth, and it would be nice to see a new model come out, that is equal in scale, detail and running qualities of the Bachmann Heavy 4-8-2 and 2-10-2
Is there any chance of that happening in the near future?   Thanks

I recently bought one of the old Bachmann SP style Vanderbilt tenders at a swap meet.  From what I could tell, this tender never had an electrical pick-up on the trucks, I assume any engine used with it, did all the electrical contact.  I would like to use this tender ( after some modifications) with the Bachmann Heavy Mountain, to try and kitbash an example of the SP Mountain type locomotive.  I was wondering if any of the parts from the current Bachmann tenders ( with 6-wheel trucks) could be used  to give the old tender an electrical connection through the trucks?

The one current offering of the Heavy Mountain has a Vanderbilt tender, but its eastern design, and not very close to an SP tender.  but I wondered if I might be able to use the trucks and electrical connections off the new tender, on the old tender?  Anyone have any ideas or suggestions on this.

Of course the best solution would be if Bachmann retooled the old Vanderbilt, up graded the details and electrical connections....but I doubt there is much chance of that happening...     Bachmann does offer the SP Hicken style Vanderbilt in HO, and it is excellent, with the updated electrical connections..