This is the all black version with the red cab roof. I missed out on this engine when MTH first cataloged it in 2005 and subsequently purchased a 3rd rail version off ebay a few years ago. The 3rd version has the green boiler and red roof. I’ll eventually dig it out a do a side by side comparison but that will have to wait for another day.
This is my first new MTH steam locomotive that I have purchased new since 2001. I did pick up a NP Z6 Challenger from the 2007 VI catalog last year on the secondary market. There is not much difference between the S2 and Challenger. From a distance they are both good looking models.
I put it on the track and gave it quick spin around the layout before parking it. I need to give it a thorough lube job before operating it anymore. Since I don’t run smoke I can’t tell you how well it works. If that’s not boring enough I even turn the sound down so that it is not overwhelming. The whistle and bell both sound very nice.
Andrew
