A "Rumour" has been posted on LSC, that Bachmann is soon to announce another "Upgrade" to their VERY popular, Anniversary 4-6-0 locomotive (Annie). No-one has suggested what the latest upgrades might be.
It might be to the long neglected tender (Hardly changed from the original Big Hauler (4-6-0), or a deck plate (Never offered).
The cab has hardly been touched since the original.
The last upgrade, just a few years ago, (Probably a lot longer than that) offered an "All metal" gear train, and a much improved pony truck.
This locomotive, ever since its introduction, way back when, has been continuously upgraded, and improved, to the point that it can be suggested that it is the lowest priced, most widely purchased, tender locomotive in North America...and even respected in many other markets.
LGB's Mogul, at one time held that honour. The original Big Hauler, was at first just a very poor quality locomotive, fit mostly for cheap toy train introduction sets. With the introduction of its Anniversary (Annie) edition, it soon dispelled its low quality reputation, and gained a rather loyal following.
Some LS modellers, forgive its suggested 1:22.5 scale, and operate it with 1:22.5, 1:29, and even, in a pinch, 1:20.3.
Squint your eyes, and picture it, in its painted (Black) undecorated form; at the head of a string of 1:29 scale box cars, or a 1:22.5 string of LGB, Bachman, USTrains freight cars (American style). The LGB, and Bachman American style 1:22.5 scale passenger cars trail in great style.
Others may have differing thoughts or observations, but, gosh, guys and gals...who else is doing much for the LS model railroad market these days, except repaints...(LGB).
Fred Mills
It might be to the long neglected tender (Hardly changed from the original Big Hauler (4-6-0), or a deck plate (Never offered).
The cab has hardly been touched since the original.
The last upgrade, just a few years ago, (Probably a lot longer than that) offered an "All metal" gear train, and a much improved pony truck.
This locomotive, ever since its introduction, way back when, has been continuously upgraded, and improved, to the point that it can be suggested that it is the lowest priced, most widely purchased, tender locomotive in North America...and even respected in many other markets.
LGB's Mogul, at one time held that honour. The original Big Hauler, was at first just a very poor quality locomotive, fit mostly for cheap toy train introduction sets. With the introduction of its Anniversary (Annie) edition, it soon dispelled its low quality reputation, and gained a rather loyal following.
Some LS modellers, forgive its suggested 1:22.5 scale, and operate it with 1:22.5, 1:29, and even, in a pinch, 1:20.3.
Squint your eyes, and picture it, in its painted (Black) undecorated form; at the head of a string of 1:29 scale box cars, or a 1:22.5 string of LGB, Bachman, USTrains freight cars (American style). The LGB, and Bachman American style 1:22.5 scale passenger cars trail in great style.
Others may have differing thoughts or observations, but, gosh, guys and gals...who else is doing much for the LS model railroad market these days, except repaints...(LGB).
Fred Mills
