Like the 2-8-0, this 1:20.3 model is built to the proposed National Model Railroad Association Fn3 standard of 15mm-per-foot scale. It runs on No. 1 gauge (45mm) track.
I was unable to locate a specific prototype drawing for this model. However, its appearance and major scale dimensions match similar narrow gauge Moguls listed in a 1915 Baldwin catalog reprint. These Baldwin narrow gauge locomotives served in the United States and many other countries. Bachmann’s product development manager, Lee Riley, calls it “a three-foot-gauge locomotive with typical Baldwin fittings.” The locomotive and tender measure 21″ long, 5½” tall, and 3½” wide. There are no written instructions, but four 11¾” x 8¼” pages of exploded isometric drawings and an electrical diagram cover how the model is assembled and wired.
Our sample narrow gauge Mogul is an interesting combination of hard zinc-alloy mechanical parts, molded plastic details, and formed-wire piping and handrails. It’s a good-looking model that’s surprisingly durable.
The boiler and cab are plastic with wire piping, an excellent cab interior, and many other factory-applied details. The cast-metal details are chemically blackened to a realistic steel color. The smokebox door opens to reveal control switches for the smoke unit and to change the locomotive’s polarity.
The locomotive’s cast-metal frame supplies most of its weight. The drivers are rigidly mounted, and the model’s balance point is near the middle set of drivers to provide maximum traction. Phosphor-bronze contacts get power through all of the drivers.
A powerful can motor and gearbox are mounted on the middle driving axle; jointed side rods transfer the power to the other axles. The motor is electrically isolated to simplify the installation of Digital Command Control (DCC), and there’s room inside the boiler to conceal a decoder. The tender is mostly plastic with archbar trucks and double-insulated metal wheelsets. Here again, phosphor-bronze electrical contacts pick up current from all of the wheels. Six flexible wires between the engine and tender connect the electrical circuits through a pair of plugs.
A battery-powered sound system is concealed inside the tender with a speaker mounted on the floor and a volume control disguised as a water jug on the rear deck. The 9-volt battery drops into the water hatch.
This model also includes Bachmann knuckle couplers mounted in the same odd-looking brackets used on the 2-8-0. The height matches that of couplers on the firm’s other rolling stock, but is nearly an inch below the National Model Railroad Association’s standard height of 17/16″ (railhead to the center of the coupler) for large scale trains. Fortunately, provisions have been made for an easy change to a standard-height coupler using a Kadee no. 791 magnetic knuckle coupler on the pilot and a no. 836 on the tender. Our sample 2-6-0 started and ran smoothly with the sound chuffs synchronized with the driver rotation. Its performance was excellent in the low speed ranges used by narrow gauge industrial prototypes. At 12 volts, its drawbar pull is equivalent to seven or eight free-rolling cars on straight and level track.
This model’s tiny size is quite a contrast with Bachmann’s other 1:20.3 large scale locomotives. Even so, this small engine will fit perfectly with the sharp curves and tight clearances associated with industrial and logging railroads. Its high level of detail, smooth operation, and excellent sound system make it a winner.
Price: $199.95
Manufacturer:
Bachmann Industries Inc.
1400 E. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-533-1600
www.bachmanntrains.com
Description:
Ready-to-run plastic and metal
steam locomotive
Features:
Can motor
Detailed cab interior
Directional constant headlights
Drawbar pull: 7.5 ounces
Engine weight: 3.4 pounds
Isolated motor
Knuckle couplers
Minimum radius 24″
Smoke generator
Sound system
Road names:
Colorado Mining Co.
Midwest Quarry & Mining Co.
Yellow Pine Lumber Co.
Painted, unlettered
