I picked my order up from Kleins. Got home, and within 15 mins threw a traction tire. And by threw I mean split. I have a bunch of spares for other locos, hopefully the Mikado fits.
The side rods are articulated between the 3rd and 4th axles and like brass, the crank/eccentric combo is held to the driver with a screw. Drivers 2 and 3 are geared, while the 3rd wheel set has traction tires. It's a very tight tolerance mechanism. Operation in the upper speed range is smooth however slow speed operation has a hitch (either flashing on gears or the split tire mucking the works). It Has a deep guttural growl during the hitch cycle. Others may or may not exhibit this habit.
Although I have my reservations on the scale side of the driver faces, they are see-through, which was a nice plus. The decorating is top notch. The shell details are great and road specific. I was surprised by the weight, it does have some heft.
The sound was clean and crisp with no reverb on functions or chuffs.
Hopefully I have a tire that fits, just a little bummed at 190 samoleans to have a problem with only test runs.
The S.
