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.

Even though I recently acquired a United PFM Ps-4 I would still buy a plastic one.  I think P2K and BLI steam locos look better and definetly run better.

Sheldon, I didn't intend for my post to appear as a rant and I apologise to those who took offence.  I've been associated with model trains and slot cars for 40 years and have never seen a 3 pole motor that could start at very low rpm and maintain it with a load, ie. creeping.  If you say it's so then I'm glad Bachmann has improved their motor technology as I own and will continue to purchase Bachmann products.  My next purchase will be a 2-8-4 Berk and I will be interested in finding out what motor it has.

See other thread on flywheels.  There is no way a 3 pole motor can have better low end high torque performance than a 5 pole motor.  And I challenge anybody to provide verified evidence that they can.  A three pole motor is great for jack rabbit starts and high rpm that is why they are in slot cars.  Iwouldn't have one in any of my locomotives.

No.  And I think they had the split vertically chassis and those are a pain
to DCC.  If you are looking at one on a web site don't waste your money.

This is a HO forum you may want to check out one of the other forums for this question.

Yampa Bob,  Send me an E-mail and I will send you the picture directly.
Modlerbob@cfl.rr.com

Us bobs have to stick together.

Weathering is mostly just a mattter of practice.  I started out using old bocars or new cars that are relatively cheap.  Don't be afraid to experiment. After all you can always repaint the car and decal it.  The method I used on this car was to use fine sandpaper and steel wool to fade the lettering.  Then I dry brushed the rust with a wide stiff paint brush.  If I over did a section after it dried I used the sandpaper again.  Finally I over sprayed some grime from the bottom up and then some dullcoat with about 10% flat white added from the top down.  While that was still damp I streaked it with the wde stiff brush again.

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

I wonder why then that they didn't do the one that sits in the Smithsonian?  It seems that would give them a good market base.  Maybe it's because they would have no excuse not to get it dead on right for a change.

Yeah, how many railroads used K4's........................................ 1

Even though I got lucky and obtained this brass beauty for less than $200 I would still buy a GOOD one in plastic from either Bmann Spectrum or P2K, maybe even BLI.

The units with worthington feedwater heaters looked a little more common.

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

It is impossible for a 3 pole motor to have identical specs to a 5 pole motor.  Just like in piston engines the more cylinders the smoother it runs. poles being equivalent to cylinders.

Bachmann isn't a high end manufacturer.  I'm sorry Mr. Bachmann but thats the fact.  None of the other manufacturers have announced a switch back to 3 pole motors

I don't think any of the high end or even medium priced locos will have 3 pole motors.