Baldwin built 130 VO660s between 1941 and mid-1946. Railfans note that the VO660s were built in three phases, and Stewart is offering all three versions in appropriate paint schemes.
- Phase I units, built between April and October 1941, have a single stack, curved step guards, and air intakes in the upper side near the radiator.
- Phase II units, built between November 1941 and November 1942, have the same spotting features as phase I units except the upper side air intakes are omitted.
- Phase III units, produced between December 1942 and May 1946, have four short stacks, no step guards, and additional louvers in the lower sides.
The kit includes a printed instruction sheet that’s keyed to part numbers on the exploded isometric drawing. All of the plastic parts include fine detailing that neatly reproduces the prototype’s doors, louvers, and rivets. Clear window inserts and a cab interior are included. Flexible acetal plastic grab irons, railings, and uncoupling levers press-fit into holes cast into the body.
The model comes partially assembled, so the first step is to separate the body shell from the mechanism. Gentle pressure with a small screwdriver on the retaining loops (one above each truck sideframe) will release the body from the chassis. Once the body is free, it’s easy to remove the hood.
Baldwin used many different stack arrangements, so they’re provided as separate parts. The modeler can choose the ones used on a favorite prototype. A set of molded guides is provided inside the hood so it’s easy to locate and drill the appropriate-size holes.
Except for length, the VO660’s drive is virtually identical to the mechanisms used in Stewart’s previous Baldwin switchers. A cast-zinc-alloy frame provides most of the model’s weight, along with a can motor mounted in the middle with a turned-brass flywheel on each shaft. Acetal plastic universals transfer the motor’s rotation to the geared trucks at each end.
A printed circuit board on top of the motor controls the directional constant headlights. It also has a National Model Railroad Association standard Digital Command Control (DCC) receptacle.
Both trucks have nickel-silver RP25- contour wheels mounted on stub axles. Stamped copper contacts inside the sideframes collect current from all of the wheels. Flexible wires connect these contacts to the PC board.
The VO660 comes with Accumate magnetic couplers mounted with a clip at the proper height, although the coupler boxes will also handle Kadee no. 5 or similar types.
Our sample came neatly painted with clear, sharply printed lettering. The cab interior is molded in an appropriate light green that looks good through the cab’s large rear windows.
Overall, this Baldwin lightweight switcher will be a superb addition to layouts set in the World War II and later ears.
Price: $120
Manufacturer:
Stewart Hobbies, Inc.
140 New Britain Blvd.
Chalfont, PA 18914-1832
www.stewarthobbies.com
Description:
Plastic-and-metal switcher
Road names:
20 road names
Undecorated (all three phases)
Features
Accumate magnetic knuckle couplers
Buehler precision can motor
Cab interior
Constant, directional headlights
DCC 8-pin receptacle
Drawbar pull: 1.44 ounces
Dual flywheel eight-wheel drive
Eight-wheel electrical pickup
Engine weight: 8.5 ounces
Minimum radius: 15″
Properly gauged, RP25 contour nickel-silver wheelsets
