Bring Back Spectrum Tenders

[TheHistorian]

What I would really want Bachmann to re-release are the separately sold Spectrum tenders. They are great for kitbashing stock products to make them more resemble their prototypes. I particularly want to have the medium-length Vandi tender available in both HO and N to modify UP consolidations, and these tenders are very difficult to find on eBay, especially the oil bunker version. I post here to garner support.

[trainman203]

I agree.  I have two of the oil bunker Vanderbilt tenders.  I only wish I bought 10 while they were available.

The Bachmann spectrum consolidation is an Illinois Central Harriman engine, fairly close in appearance to both SP and UP engines. With replacement of the pilot ladders with sheet metal steps like both prototypes had, you could have a reasonable SP or UP engine, depending on if you put the coal or oil tender behind it.  I know that there are multiple incorrect details in doing this, but you could get close enough to satisfy a lot of people by doing the above work.

In the past year or so complete tenders for the Low driver ten Wheeler were available at the Bachmann online store.  I bought about five of them while I could and have used two of them already., notably behind the Bachmann mogul whose stock tender is very awkward in appearance compared to the replacement one.  And while you're at it, bring back the alternate oil bunkers for both the ten wheeler and the consolidation.