Product Review: Bachmann 2-6-0 Mogul
Prototype
The closest still surviving locomotive to Bachmann's locomotive is Colorado & Southern #9, which she and her sisters are what Bachmann based their model off of. (for more on the history of C&S #9 go to http://railroadglorydays.com/CS9/)
Model
While off hand there are major details different (lack of air reservoir on fireman's side, the addition of the tank(?) on top of the boiler), and some minor ones (builder's plate says it was built by Rogers it was actually built by Cooke), and some ones that are era specific (lack of bear trap stack, and snow plow), but those can be added by you. the detail is a little Spartan, but again it is a intro loco. If you look past the details being off, which for the price, and the fact it is a intro loco, are to be expected, it is a VERY good loco. It runs well without complaint, even under heavy loads, and poor track. I have run this loco for 4 straight hours at half speed with no problems. It started smoothly at low voltage, and had no motor noise. One of my On30 friends ran his for 8 hours two days in a row without any oiling and ran great with no over heating. This unit will take much abuse and keep running. It is also a good bases for a kit bash (my friend converted one to a 0-6-0 camel back, and one of the people on the Yosemite Short Line made one into a 4-6-0) the possibilities are endless (I am thinking of making one into a 0-6-0t).
Overview
I recommend this as a great beginner loco, or a grandkid's loco, it can be run at full tilt and not derail (as long as the layout is level with good track work), or to add to a expanding roster. It is the backbone of mine and my friends layouts. It's a good start and forget loco. From a operational point of view this is a great locomotive, also it looks pretty good. I would recommend this loco to any one! You will NOT be disappointed in this loco! Now if you are looking at a exact replica of C&S #9, you will need to do some work on this loco, but it will give you a good head start.