Thanks, Sam. I have zero experience with brass engines. I do find that SP AC-1 2-8-8-2 inspiring. Makes me want to chase after building my own somehow.
Is the helper on the tender necessary? Never seen anything like that either.
I also wanted to ask you, since you have a large layout running some big trains, how often do you have derailments? Are there any spots on your layout where you can't reach the tracks?