Bachmann Baldwin 2-4-4T Forney in On30

Reviewed by Chris Lane

From the 1880’s until the mid-1930’s, the state of Maine was host to a handful of narrow gauge railroads. These were predominately powered by 0-4-4 and 2-4-4 Forney type locomotives built by Portland, Hinckley and later, Baldwin. These Lilliputian lokies could seemingly defy physics by racing at 50-60MPH on the Sandy River & Rangely Lakes while balancing on rails a mere 24 inches apart. The outside frame engines were reputed to be especially stable. Several of these Forneys have been preserved.

The Bachmann models represent typical inside and outside locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works from 1903 to about 1920. Bachmann characterizes these as stock catalog engines and that is true in that Baldwin was building locomotives of this basic type, style and configuration in gauges from 24 to 36 inches. While the inside and outside frame Bachmann offerings differ from the Maine 2-4-4 locomotives in a few details and the obvious difference in gauge (30” vs. 24”), they are excellent representatives of Sandy River & Rangely Lakes #8 and sister engine Bridgton & Saco River #6 (both inside frame). The outside version closely resembles SR&RL #9 and Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington #7. SR&RL #10 and B&SR’s #7 and #8 were also similar but had Walschaert valve gear rather than the Stephenson found on the other engines. So, if you’ve a hankering to model the Maine Two-Footer’s in On30, Bachmann has given you quite a jump on your roster. These types of Forneys were also used in commuter service and on industrial lines.

I am developing a pavlovian response to the green and gold Bachmann On30 boxes. Each time I open one, the contents is better and more exciting than the last time. The locomotive is safely cradled between two clear plastic cases inside the box. This prevents damage from both rough handling and abrasion to the paint and lettering. My sample is lettered “S.R.&R.L.” in yellow-gold and the tank has the water and coal capacity. The locomotive is painted in the satin black finish that Bachmann has used for their last several releases which is a nice color for an in-use engine. The smokebox and firebox are finished in a dark gray, which is a great match of the oil and graphite treatment railroads used at the time Baldwin built the prototypes. Brass colored pop valves, whistle, bell and builders plate along with a red number plate on the smokebox front complete the paint. The lettering on both the builders and number plates is legible.

The model comes equipped with outside bearing lead and trailing trucks, steel cab and “modernized” tank, switcher pilots front and rear, operating cab doors and windows and E-Z Mate® couplers mounted at standard On30 (HO) height. Detail parts are well-proportioned and correctly placed and include a SR&RL style headlight, single Westinghouse air pump, governor and air tank, turbo generator, brake shoes, cylinder cocks, steam piping and sand lines. The back head features freestanding turrets, steam valves, reverse quadrant, throttle, injectors and piping. All in all, a very impressive array of components makes up this model. Following the tradition of Bachmann’s earlier releases, there are some additional parts included in the box. These include a wire spark arrestor for the stack, spoked wheel, inside bearing lead truck, oil burner firebox door, two wire jumpers for converting to decoder-less, straight DC operation, and a bag of loose coal particles.

Per Bachmann’s custom in On30, the locomotive comes in a number of different versions and this can be a bit confusing to those not used to this kind of choice. Please refer to the matrix below that shows the various configurations. Note this is based on actual models as delivered and not the catalog or pre-production samples.

When Bachmann first announced the production of the Forney, I had some reservations about their choice of prototype. While Forneys had many positive operational attributes, running through tight radius curves was not one of them. Since many On30 modelers are attracted to the scale for its ability to take tight turns, many wondered how the relatively rigid design of the Forney would translate into model form. Bachmann’s engineers were able to lower the feasible minimum radius by making the rear truck of the Forney not only rotate like the prototype, but also allowing its kingpin to slide from side to side under the tank. Just as important as the locomotive’s ability to stay on the rails on smaller radius, is the swing of the coupler. Couplers swing towards the outside of the rails on curves and that swing is a factor of both the curve radius and the length of the locomotive. It is therefore possible for a locomotive to physically traverse a particular radius, but be unable to pull or push a string of cars through it. With that in mind, I’m pleased to report that the locomotive has no trouble in either direction with Bachmann’s longest cars on the manufacturer’s stated minimum radius of 22” and the appearance was not objectionable. Knowing that the typical On30 modeler likes to push the envelope, I then tested the Forney and passenger car on 18” radius curves. The couplers swung to the absolute limit of their operation, but the train stayed coupled and on the rails. Quite impressive when you consider many HO trains can no longer navigate an 18” radius.

The locomotive weighs 14.5oz. Electrical pick up is through all four drivers and the tender tank truck. All locomotives come equipped with a DCC decoder: The regular decoder is manufactured by Bachmann to a Lenz design, and the sound decoder is a Bachmann/Soundtraxx collaboration. The locomotive operated smoothly through all speed ranges, although I found the motor noise to be slightly higher than I’ve become accustomed to from other Bachmann On30 locomotives and the starting speed is slightly higher. This is more of an observation than complaint as these locomotives retail right around what the last few sold for, so you are getting a “free” decoder to operate on your DCC layout right out of the box. It will also operate on regular DC and the decoder assembly plugs into a standard NMRA 8 pin plug, so if you want to change to a different style or brand of decoder, that is easily accomplished. I give Bachmann a heartfelt “atta-boy” for offering the consumer as many choices on the inside of their locomotives as they offer on the outside.

Bachmann Trains 1600 E. Erie Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124 On30 Baldwin Forney 2-4-4T w/DCCZ - MSRP $275 On30 Baldwin Forney 2-4-4T w/DCC and Sound - MSRP $400

Before you attempt to operate the locomotive, be aware there is a small piece of black foam wedged between the pilot truck and deck to prevent shipping damage. This must be removed with tweezers. Also, I’d polish and lube the rails beneath the tank that the kingpin slides on. A few moments spent here will ensure your Forney’s rear truck tracks smoothly and stays on the rails. The Forney was an interesting and successful locomotive and Bachmann’s model Forney follows suit. They captured the look and proportions well, added an impressive amount of detailing and locomotive style choices, while handling the difficult engineering issues with aplomb. On30 modelers looking for new motive power should give these new Bachmann models serious consideration.

On30 Baldwin Forney 2-4-4T
w/DCCZ - MSRP $275

25476 -- Sandy River & Rangely Lake - Outside Frame

25477 -- Sandy River & Rangely Lake - Inside Frame

25478 -- Painted, Unlettered - Outside Frame

25479 -- Painted, Unlettered - Inside Frame

On30 Baldwin Forney 2-4-4T
w/DCC and Sound - MSRP $400

25494 -- Sandy River & Rangely Lake #12 - Outside Frame

25495 -- Sandy River & Rangely Lake #11 - Inside Frame

25498 -- Painted, Unlettered - Outside Frame

25499 -- Painted, Unlettered - Inside Frame