We definitely need to call it version 6, aside from the new front truck, I will publish the external identifying features as soon as we get the production models in out hands and can check them out.
I can't wait to see how they run and look!
Cheers, Bill
Generation 7 actually:
http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips1/big_hauler_tips.htmlGeneration 1 - first Big Hauler 4-6-0, battery powered.
Generation 2 - "The early track powered version (2nd generation) uses the same gearing as the first generation but it has a larger motor." (quotes from George Schreyer site)
Generation 3 - "The 3rd generation version uses a brass worm on the motor and plastic reduction gears. "
Generation 4 - "This one uses a worm on the motor and a single gear on the axle."
Generation 5 - "This version appeared sometime during 2000. This one has an intermediate reduction gear and a more substantial metal gearbox assembly. The axle gear is narrower and offset from the center. The bump in the lower cover is also offset from the center." This version still has plastic side rods and plastic valve gear.
Generation 6 - the "annie" - 10th anniversary version. has metal siderods and valve gear, new improved "steel" cab" and an upgraded 7-pole motor, (different motor than Gen 5)
Generation 7 - The newest version, the topic of this thread.
Some people have tried to imply that both the "Gen 5" and the "Annie" should be considered the same..both should be called "Gen 5"..but with so many differences between the Gen 5 and the Annie, (Annie has metal rods, improved details, and a different motor) I don't see any way anyone can logically argue that the annie should also be "Gen 5"..it is SO different from Gen 5, that clearly the Annie is worthy of being Gen 6, and most people consider it Gen 6, and have for 10 years.
Scot