Back to work soon, so I took the opportunity of an afternoon club opening to use the test track

Loco #420, the modified "Colorado-style" Bachmann 2-8-0, pulled steadily away with the SJCC pipe train, 5 gondolas and 6 flats. This is a difficult train to get right, and I haven't quite managed it yet; the alternate light and heavy cars don't help its running. The flat cars are also rather sensitive to the sometimes less-than-perfect point work on the club test track. But, 11 bogie cars is a good load! 4 plus 5 seems a better combination. The AMS flat car (used as a match car to match the couplers to the Bachmann type) tracks very well and the couplings are secure, so that's a success. It needs some fettling to blend better with the SJCC stock, but it will be worth doing.

I'm definitely a fan of these Bachmann 2-8-0s.

The Broadway 2-8-0 is a bit light footed by comparison, 3 plus 4 is about its limit when pulling away with the pipe train, which looks a bit short.. even then it slips quite a lot, but it will pull 8 Bachmann coal hoppers, although it's happier with 6. It also looks consistent with the small Bachmann bogie stock, the Bachmann 2-8-0 looks a bit big for them.

Loco #20, the DCC fitted Bachmann 2-6-0, pulled 8 Bachmann hoppers steadily and smoothly. I'm a fan of these locos, especially considering they are basically "train set" equipment. This one is detailed, and weathered more than I prefer but looks good and performs well.

Quite a pleasing afternoon, really..