The MTH Baldwin AS-616 is affordable O-Scale fun!

Inflation Buster indeed!  The same AS-616 retailed for $299.95 in 2003, that's $500 today adjusted for inflation. Definitely a good deal at $369!

Nice! I suppose the entire price point discussion could be considered the "BFIMO" segment. As you mentioned, those graphics/paint sure look great.

@Tuscan Jim posted:

Nice! I suppose the entire price point discussion could be considered the "BFIMO" segment. As you mentioned, those graphics/paint sure look great.

Yep, that's why I didn't do a specific BFIMO segment. The price is the BFIMO.

Great video, Eric, as per usual. I have the previously released Erie Lackawanna version of this engine, 30-20590-1, purchased new from a Forum Sponsor, and have been very pleased with it it. One unusual plus, that I have yet to duplicate with any other MTH PS2, or PS3, engine, is that the horn will deliver reasonably brief blasts, (but not as rapidly as the programmed sounds from the soft key), such that the 2 blast forward signal, and the 3 blast reverse signal, can be almost duplicated by using the whistle/horn button on the DCS remote. On any other MTH engine, this needs to be done using the soft key, because of the delay intrinsic to sequential rapid button pushes. Was wondering if you’d noticed that also?

I saw Legacy Station had these for $295 but out of stock now. Hate I missed it.

Brad

I wish they would either put flanged wheels on all axles, or at least not have the two inner ones (nearest fuel tank) as blind

Or put two axle trucks under this model and call it an AS-16 or a DRS-4-4-1500.

Then I’d be a buyer.

While the price is great, I do like the SP Black Widow Paint Scheme. I wish SP had kept that livery. It's my second favorite US train livery after the Santa Fe Warbonnet.

The Train Loft did a recent custom run of these in the original NS line that ran between Norfolk and Raleigh. The lightweight and 6 wheel trucks were forgiving on the rails over the sandy soil found on their lines.

I wish it was available in 2 rail.

Great video and in depth review as is the usual case with Eric!  Thanks Eric for bringing this engine and its' price point to our attention.