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The Nickel Plate Road Berkshire S-2 No. 759 is one of the most recognisable steam locomotives in North American railway history. Bachmann reproduces it in HO scale with a level of detail and technical specification that makes it a centrepiece in any roster focused on American railroading from the mid-twentieth century. The locomotive and tender together measure 368 mm in length a track presence that makes itself felt the moment it is placed on the layout.
DCC decoder with integrated SoundTraxx sound
The model comes factory-fitted with a DCC Dual-Mode decoder that is also compatible with analogue DC transformers, allowing it to run on both digital and analogue layouts without any modifications. The SoundTraxx audio module reproduces steam exhaust synchronised with running speed, independently controlled whistle, bell, air pump, steam valve and blower. Lighting is LED throughout: a front headlight on the boiler and a reverse light on the rear of the tender, which activates automatically when the direction of travel is reversed.
Construction and mechanics
The frame, structural boiler and drive blocks are built in Zamak, providing adhesion weight that aids traction without the need for additional ballasting. The 5-pole flywheel-equipped central motor transmits power to the axles via worm gear and spur gears. The Walschaerts valve gear is reproduced with metal rods and cranks, and the model includes stainless steel handrails, free-standing boiler pipework and metal wheels with balance weights. E-Z Mate Mark II magnetic knuckle couplers allow automatic coupling of rolling stock. As the rigid 4-coupled axle wheelbase requires room on curves, the manufacturer specifies a minimum radius of 558 mm for smooth operation.
No. 759 on the layout
At the head of an American freight consist, the Berkshire S-2 No. 759 takes its place with a naturalness that few HO steam locomotives can match: the length of the unit, the visible valve gear detail from the side and the sound synchronised with motion give the train its own rhythm from the moment it moves. The Nickel Plate Road lettering in white on the black tender and the pad-printed 759 number complete a visual reading that is entirely consistent with American railroading of the 1940s. For those working with large layouts who want the locomotive to be the centre of the scene, this Bachmann reference makes a compelling case.