I have tender-driven Fleischmann engines (DRG 41 and 18.5) as well as loco-driven Brawas, and although they are all good performers, I strongly prefer tender drive.
In case of maintenance, I won´t have to disassemble a delicate steam engine, piping and all, but merely need to take off a tender shell. Neither my Fleischmann nor my Rivarossi (I) engines ever got pushed with their wheels stuck, so I really can´t comment on that. Still, the rather voluminous tender body allows for larger flywheels, giving the engine a smoother ride. And, you get a real good "see-through" engine frame.
My 2 Eurocent.
In case of maintenance, I won´t have to disassemble a delicate steam engine, piping and all, but merely need to take off a tender shell. Neither my Fleischmann nor my Rivarossi (I) engines ever got pushed with their wheels stuck, so I really can´t comment on that. Still, the rather voluminous tender body allows for larger flywheels, giving the engine a smoother ride. And, you get a real good "see-through" engine frame.
My 2 Eurocent.
