My Lionel 1931810 New York Central J3a Hudson #5415 from Mr. Muffins Trains is perfect.
I checked the boiler front and there are NO flaws, divots, or scratches at all. Can you believe that John Rowlen actually got a perfect engine? The graphite boiler front is the same color as my Challenger #3985, though the paint has a little shine under lights. The Challenger is completely flat - no reflection.
All features work well after an hour and a half run time. The engine is pulling five NYC Milk Cars and ten Pennsylvania 21" passenger cars on my minimum O-72 curve "Valley of Bridges" layout.
I will shoot a few more pictures and post them when I go back down stairs to get the wash from the dryer. I tweaked my right knee when I was out raking leaves. Trips down the stairs are at a minimum. Aspirin is at a maximum.
Sincerely, John Rowlen