Bachmann 1:20.3 K-27

Several great looking K-27 class 2-8-2 locomotives, each including many roadnumber-specific details found on the prototypes, are now available in 1:20.3 proportion. These new Bachmann Spectrum narrow gauge models also have provisions for adding a sound system and a Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder or a Radio Control (RC) receiver.

The K-27 class. In 1903, Baldwin Locomotive Works delivered 15 outside-frame Vauclain compound 2-8-2 locomotives to the Denver & Rio Grande (Denver & Rio Grande Western after 1921). By 1917, the railroad converted all these engines to single-expansion cylinders. The locomotives were given the K-27 class designation in 1924, but were often referred to as “mudhens” by crews. The three-foot-gauge locomotives hauled freight on the Denver & Rio Grande Western and Rio Grande Southern into the 1950s. Two K-27 class locomotives are still running on Colorado and Michigan tourist railroads.

An extensive history and drawings of the K-27 locomotives can be found in the March and June 1973 issues of Model Railroader.

Details and lettering. The Bachmann model is within scale inches of the drawings from our June 1973 issue. The model depicts D&RGW no. 453 as she appeared late in her career. Many accurate details specific to that prototype are included on the locomotive, including the switcher-style footboard pilot, piston valves mounted outbound of the cylinders, steel cab, and tender with square rear corners and a “doghouse.”

Other Bachmann K-27 models have snowplows, wood cabs, and tenders with rounded rear corners specific to their prototypes. The Rio Grande Southern version no. 455 includes the correct cab rebuilt after a 1944 wreck.

The model’s boiler, cab, and tender are made primarily of plastic. The engine has many separately applied parts, including metal handrails, air compressor, bell, and safety valves.

The cab interior is especially impressive with painted interior walls, gauges, oil cans, and valve handles. The side windows and cab vent open and the cab wind deflectors are positionable.

Although our sample didn’t include a snowplow, the model does have two mounting holes along the sides of the smokebox. Unfortunately, without the snowplow installed these holes are noticeable and detract from the model’s overall outstanding appearance.

The K-27 we reviewed came decorated with the “flying Rio Grande” lettering across the tender sides. This lettering was introduced on the prototype in the 1940s. All the white lettering is crisp and opaque. All the aluminum-colored striping along the edges of the cylinder caps, running boards, and tender sill are straight.

Drivetrain and couplers. The locomotive features a die-cast metal chassis that supplies much of its weight. The can motor and gearbox are mounted above the third axle. The metal siderods transfer power to the other axles.

The K-27 has an impressive drawbar pull of 44 ounces, which is equivalent to 44 large scale freight cars on straight and level track.

The model features short shank cast-metal knuckle couplers installed. Bachmann also includes user-installed couplers with longer shanks for tighter radius curves as well as a set of couplers on offset shanks for use with lower 1:22.5-proportion rolling stock. User- installed hook-and-loop couplers are also provided.

Performance. I tested the 1:20.3 locomotive using an LGB 24-volt transformer. Like the prototype, the Bachmann K-27 is a slow speed hauler. Once I applied 3 volts the model started moving at 2.5 scale mph and accelerated to a top speed of 34 scale mph at 24 volts. The realistic motion of the rods and counterweights make this mudhen fun to watch at any speed.

I ran the K-27 forward and back through a four-foot-radius curve without difficulty.

Versatile electronics. I removed the tender’s press-fit coal doors and coal load to access the main printed-circuit (PC) board. Removing a smaller secondary PC board reveals a 12-pin and an 11-pin socket. These sockets are for plug-in DCC decoders or RC receivers. You can also connect a control system using the soldering pads and screw terminals on the main PC board. The function of each socket and terminal is outlined in the printed instruction manual.

Three slide switches are on top of the main PC board. These include an on/off motor switch, track polarity switch, and a pickup switch. This last switch allows the user to choose between track and battery power.

The K-27 is designed for easy installation of an aftermarket sound system. The tender has plenty of space for a speaker under the PC board, and the locomotive includes optical sensors in the cylinders for sound systems that support synchronized chuffs.

Inside the smokebox are three switches that control the smoke unit, cab light, and classification and flickering firebox lights. Each function can be set to DC, off, or DCC. The last setting requires the installation of a DCC decoder.

With its many options for installing sound and control systems and smooth performance, the K-27 is another winner for Bachmann. This 1:20.3-proportion mudhen is an excellent model of a favorite slim-gauge prototype.

Bachmann 1:20.3 K-27
Price: $1,400

Manufacturer
Bachmann Industries Inc.
1400 E. Erie St.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmantrains.com

Description: Plastic and metal ready-to-run 1:20.3-proportion steam locomotive

Paint schemes: Denver & Rio Grande Western nos. 453, 463, and 464 “flying Rio Grande” lettering; D&RGW no. 455 “button” herald; Rio Grande Southern no. 455; painted but unlettered (all black and black with green boiler)

1:20.3 K-27 features
Constant headlight, classification lights, backup light, and cab lights
Die-cast metal frame and chassis
Drawbar pull: 44 ounces
Electrical pickup on all drivers and tender wheels
Flickering firebox light in cab
Interface for conversion to Digital
Command Control (DCC) or radio control (RC) operation
Metal wheels (in gauge)
Operating die-cast metal couplers (at correct height)
Operating smoke unit
Optical sensors in cylinders for sound synchronization (sound system not included)
Package of detail parts, including painted engineer and fireman figures, tools, and barrels
Pittman motor with brass flywheel
Sprung and equalized drivers
Weight: 151/2 pounds