Details
The SS9G's are Bachmann China's second electric mainline passenger locomotive, although I'm a little puzzled in the model choice - this being the second electric locomotive which fits in the same era as the previous SS8 release and does the same work (if a little more wide spread). I'm guessing these were made to satisfy the domestic market. The first production run was released with eight different road numbers, two each for the four major bereaus that operate the class.

The details on this locomotive is realy very well done, asides from the windscreen wopers which look very thick. I love the roof details on these, which are a major improvement over the already very nice SS8's. The bogie details have a nice level of depth. There are many other nice little touches, for example the e.m.u. plugs on the cab ends and the fine scale air hoses on the pilots. The major disappointment with the engine for me is the ultra high gloss finish over the otherwise very nice paint work. Even the bogies have an almost radioactive glow.

Performance
These locomotives are super smooth, quiet and strong. While they do lack the weight from previous releases (a tiny bit less than a DF4B), the high speed motor makes up for it so hauling long passenger trains, at least on layouts with minimal gradients, should be no problems.

Electronics
The locomotive can be run via the pantograph or rails, there is a selector switch on the PC board. Installing a DCC chip is very easy - with the 8 pin plug, but a Bachmann chip (or larger) will only fit directly above the motor. The lights are nice and strong; headlights are still the annoying blue for the headlights. Reverse lights are different on these locomotives with one side red and the other yellow.

Coupler Conversion
The SS8's can take Kadee #5/#58/#158's for nice close coupling, although for those with layouts with very tight curves, I would recommend using #56/#156 long shank couplers to prevent jack-knifing.

Other Notes
A very nice modern electric locomotive for mainline passenger work.