I would rate the new 4-8-2 a 9.8 or nine. The oversize rear coupler detracts, also the similar front one which unlike on Model Power locomotives, is fixed in place and does not move so double heading is not possible. It appears as though the coupler pulls out and maybe an MT Z coupler can be fitted. The coupling distance between loco and tender could be closer. In the parts package with my undec locomotive, a Rapido coupler & spring and four un identified parts, that might go on the drawbar to shorten distance between loco and tender. Two black plastic cross bar looking pieces, and two what appear to be rectangular small brass flat bars with two indents on them. As Chuck reported,the blue wires detract from appearence. A small lable on the bottom of the tender reads"DCC Onboard". Is this locomotive really a DCC loco? I see no openings on tender bottom for a speaker which there is on the floor of the DCC Ready Con Cor 2-10-2 tenders. If this is a DCC locomotive then it sure runs smoothly and slowly out of the box on straight DC. I have not read the Destructions yet thats why I don't know if it is a DCC lokie. Thanks Chuck for testing locomotives before sending them out to us. That way we hopfully do not get DUDS. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake, Utah.
