And now for a dose of reality.
Got my unit a couple of days ago.
Opened the box, no mention that this a "Spectrum" locomotive, at all.
(For those not familiar with this term, Spectrum units are the premium grade for Bachmann.)
Suspicions immediately raised.
Look at that boiler shell, Verne, there's a lot of paint on it. Not a lot of detail on it, either.
Does have traction tires on the #2 drivers, though.
Actually, the boiler has about the same amount of detail as the 1970's Minitrix.
This is my loco, a Minitrix shell on a Kato C55 mechanism. Before you complain too loudly, I realize that the C55 mechanism is not a historically accurate match for the K4. Whatever.
So far, unimpressed with the looks. Let's put her on the track and see how she runs.
Break-in procedure: 5 minutes forward, 5 minutes in reverse.
Easily pulls 9 heavyweight passenger cars on level track; will probably pull several more.
Sound is not too bad, either. Could be better; maybe she needs a better speaker.
Now, let's check the slow speed performance. Does not look too good. Pretty "jerky".
Possibly not enough break-in.
Run the loco for another hour, fiddle with the valve gear, maybe loosen it up a bit.
Now check the slow speed again. Run at speed step 1 of 128.
Clearly, something is less than perfect.
Put the loco in the cradle, upside down, and put the transformer leads on the tender wheels.
Hello, what's this. The #2 drivers (the ones with the traction tires) wobble.
How much? A lot. Imagine the wobble on your worst loco and add 20 percent.
Of course, Bachmann's parts department has no parts in stock. No drivers, no parts of any kind.
Well, Verne, this one's going to be a shelf queen for some time. Maybe a long time.
Was she worth $250? You decide.
