Bachmann Proto N Alco RS2 - Buy or avoid?

I rate Kato, Atlas and Lifelike N at 9 to 10/10, and Bachmann at 8 to 9/10.

The RS-2 is short enough that its body-mounted couplers won't have much of a problem with truck-mounted couplers on sharp curves. But do make sure that a) you use easements into the curves (ie, a section of large radius track at each end of the curve), and b) have a good track base.

cheers, wolf k.

Thanks Wolf, I am new to US outline and still finding my way.

I did try what I have (mixed Atlas and MP freight stock with a Bachman and an MP loco) and to my surprise they managed on a rather tortuous test track made up of Fleichmann 7.5 inch radius curves, including their curved points with no breakaways. They even pushed smoothly (well with a bit of a bump) over a Fleichmann double slip, one of the old kind known to cause problems due to its proprietary flange ways. I am not suggesting this was a good thing, and I will be using Peco track for the layout with minimum 10.5 inch radius curves, but it suggests I should have smooth running.

I'll buy the RS 2 - I just like the look of them and it seems to fit with a run down short line.

Regards

Mike