Congratulations Bachmann!  I just finally got this locomotive. I also have the P2K and Rivarossi versions. You could have put this beauty in your Spectrum line and I am not sure why you didn't. I decided to get the Pere Marquette Berk as I already have the P2K Nickel Plate and C&O models. The Bachmann model is DCC equipped and programmed for channel 3. It started right out of the box very smoothly with no initial jump. I only have a relatively small linear switching layout here at home so I can't tell what it's top speed is but I would guess its geared for low speed and pulling power. The only negative here is that the motor has a noticeable hum.

Looks wise I have to say it is very close to the P2K locos in detail and paint although to me the Pere Marquette on the sides of the tender look a little over sized as Bachmsnn has done on other locos. A lot of the details on the loco are separately applied and according to the exploded drawing are railroad specific. The tender has a working backup light and numeous other details. No chains though on the trucks to the body as the P2K model comes with. Also missing is the platform connecting the tender to the cab.

In conclusion since this model is almost $200 cheaper than the P2K with DCC I believe it is a real bargain and will satisfy most steam enthusiasts.

Also I realize that there are probably other posts concerning this model but I didn't feel like taking the time to find one.

Here's a SOUTHERN 3 bay covered hopper I just weathered.  It's an accurail product.  If you think it's over done go to the Southern Railfan site or Fallen flags and look at some of the 1:1 photos

Here's a Southern Ps4 that is more or less correct.  How about making one of these Mr. Bachmann.

These are a pair of Evans coil cars one from Red Caboose factory painted, the other a Walthers that I painted and decalled.  The locomotive is a P2K GP38-2 that I have weathered.

I have started my Bachmann SD45 conversion project.  I have previously done this to a Kato SD45 and a P2K SD45.  Both of those projects cost me in the neighborhood of $200.  This project should stay under $100.

When I'm done I will post pics of all three.  Here is my 1st shot of the Bachmann with the nose and cab removed.



And here is a pic with the Cannon & Co. cab and nose.



The main reason I used the Cannon cab was to get the windo placement right.

While moving I lost the detail parts to a Spectrum SD45 that I've been planning to put a high nose on and paint black with the Southern Tuxedo scheme.  I contacted Bachmann parts dept last week and was told I needed to get a new shell to get the replacement parts.  Total with shipping was $20.  The shell came yesterday and I have started the project.  I will post some picks later today or tomorrow.

Good job Bachmann.

With the recent proliferation of HO scale 2-8-4's I cannot help but wonder why the Erie version was not modeled.  They had the most of any railroad, over 100.  As  they appear to have been quite a bit different than the NKP or C&O variants and would have required different tooling I suspect that it was decided not to go that route.

I got this several years ago and it still runs like new.  Was undecorated so I made a couple of modifications and lettered it SOUTHERN.  It is moderately weathered as it would have been in the late 1940's

Here's a boxcar I just weathered



And a Bachmann Gp38-2

I just got this locomotive and my first impression is that Bachmann has delivered a good product for the money.  The may be some minor flaws here and there but overall it looks great.  Later I will post how I feel about it's running qualities.

After a little research I have found out a little more about 2680.  It has the low mounted headlight and Blomberg M trucks.  Had Bachmann done a little more research they would have found that GP38-2s numbered above 2703 have the high mounted headlight and some have the old style blomberg trucks.

I will probably renumber my unit

Just when I'm telling people that Bachmann is getting their act together I see the picture of a Union Pacific GP50 with a high short hood.  No such loco ever existed.  Now I do like the fact that it is available as a Southern unit and a NS unit for which the high hood is correct.  Does UP know about and approve of this foobee.

This show is on the History Channel tonight 05-16-07 at 8:00PM EDT

Is the Southern GP50 a retooled model or the same toy from previous releases?