Manufacturer: Bachmann Industries, Inc., 1400 East Erie Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124. Price: Ready-to-run "Bachmann Plus" Baldwin 4-6-0 locomotive $200.00 suggested list.

The actual prototype for Bachmann's Ten Wheeler is the East Tennessee & Western North Carolina's Number 12 so that is the paint scheme of the model we chose for our review. Early D&RG and 1940 era White Pass & Yukon versions also are available. All three are very accurate representations of the decoration on real locomotives. The ET&WNC version is also a rather accurate model of the real engine.

Before going further, we should point out the model also typifies stock Baldwin catalogue locomotives. Since they were available in a number of sizes and configurations, the Ten Wheeler also may serve as the basis for an accurate 1:20.3 scale model of a slightly smaller prototype. For example, we compared the model's dimensions, in 1:20 scale, against those of Numbers 8 and 9 of the Southern Pacific Narrow Gauge, both Baldwin Ten Wheelers. We found the model's driver diameter, wheelbase, cab, and other major dimensions generally to be within one and five scale inches of the real engines'. Details vary, but that means the basic Bachmann locomotive would serve as a good basis for a reasonably accurate kitbash.

But kitbashing is pointless unless a model's performance warrants the work. Well, if you happen to own one of the original Bachmann "Big Haulers", you are in for a surprise. Dollar for dollar, our Bachmann Plus Ten Wheeler outperforms any plastic steam locomotive we have tested. And in a direct comparison, its low gearing allows it to outperform some plastic steam locomotives costing nearly ten times as much. The motor is a Mabuchi five-pole can type.

Our sample's starting speed is very low and its slow speed performance is very smooth. The engineering of its mechanism still prevents it from gliding into action; it still retains the slightest hint of an abrupt start. Still, it ranks as one of the smoothest starting of any model we have tested and among the best at slow speed. What is equally pleasing is its top speed, about 40 scale miles per hour, far more reasonable than some other steam locomotive models. Our sample runs quietly, exhibits virtually no "rock 'n' roll", and is capable of pulling about half a dozen freight cars under normal conditions. Considering the model's price, such performance places it firmly in the "great value" category.

At this time, we should point out we completely lubricated our model before testing. That included every bearing point, every axle, every pin, the back of each driver, and even the gears themselves (right over the existing lubricant). We used LaBelle 108 plastic compatible oil. The performance difference before and after lubrication was substantial.

The model consists mainly of injection molded plastic parts of very good quality. Some rivets are much too large and some detail seems more impressionistic than accurate but, overall, the effect is very good. Metal parts include the wheel tires (all, including those on the tender, are electrically conductive but the locomotive wheels alone transmit power to the motor), screws, rivets, bell and hanger, whistle, generator, some backhead detail, injectors, boiler braces, piping, air compressor, water shut-off valves, and handrails.

In 1:22.5 scale, the locomotive measures 28 feet 9 inches from end beam to end beam, 8 feet 3 inches wide across the cab, and about 12 feet 3 inches tall from the railhead to the cab vent. The tender scales 22 feet long over the end beams and 8 feet 3 inches across the deck. In 1:20 scale, those dimensions would shrink by about ten percent. We have no plans for Number 12 but the model looks proportionate.

The locomotive includes a sound system (you must supply the batteries), on-off switch for the sound system, operating headlight and, inside the smokebox, a master on-off switch. The ET&WNC and White Pass versions also have a complete and operational Walschaerts valve gear.

The quality of the paint finish is very good and Bachmann molds all sub-assemblies in the in appropriate color as well. Our sample displayed no flaws. The ET model, in particular, is extremely handsome and its paint scheme is an accurate reflection of its appearance in the 1930s. It has a deep cobalt blue boiler (almost black), black underbody and dome bases and covers, white striping, gold lettering, a dark green cab with red window trim, green tender, and silver rods and smokebox.

We are enthusiastic about the latest incarnation of Bachmann's Ten Wheeler. It offers good quality at a reasonable price. What it may lack in raw pulling power it makes up for with excellent overall performance. Its proportions, finish, and value compensate for any deficiency in the refinement of some detail. Regardless of your modeling budget, the Bachmann Plus Ten Wheeler offers good quality and solid value. We urge you to look at one carefully.-RR