If you have one, can you tell me if the driver axles are mounted on bearing blocks like this? The reason I ask is that based on the Rail Baron GS-4 I purchased a while back (pictured above) I was assuming that all the Rail Baron 4-8-4's had bearing blocks. However, there now seems to be some question about that as I've received an email from a guy who claims to have a Rail Baron S-2 that does not have them. And since Con-Cor did make some tooling changes for the GS-4 and the "war time" 4-8-4's, I suppose it's also possible that they decided to add the bearing blocks at the same time. Note - I'm talking about the Chinese-made Rail Baron S-2 and not the earlier Kato-Made S-2. Thanks, -Mark
Well I not sure if my 4-8-4 is a S-2 but it is a Southern # 1494 Rail Barron made in China. It does not have bearing blocks in it. I have the same GS-4 #4449 and it does have the bearing block you picture. Hope this helps Doug
Just checked my Rail Baron Wartime GS-4. Mine has the brass bearing blocks. I know a couple people in my club have Rail Baron GN S-2s and I'll let you know whether or not theirs have the blocks or not.
I'll be darned, just when you think you know everything... looks like I'm going to have to acquire an S-2 and have a look-see. Thanks for the help! -Mark
Pretty sure the blackened wheels are a good indicator of bearing blocks? I'll check my 3-4 CC Northerns and get back to you.
