Hans showed and ran both of the S-2 prototypes. I helped man his display table and we honestly did not get any negative comments about the green boiler. If people had complaints about the color, they did not share them. A number of folks, myself included, actually prefer the black model, but the green model is very handsome. Do note that the black version will not have a red roof; only the green one will have that. Of course Hans has photographs that show all 12 engines in the series and even the color of the smokebox changes, so there are lots of prototypical configurations for us modellers to choose. Hans ran the green S-2 one evening and pulled three of the new Kern Valley coaches. Together they made an impressive looking combination -- just wish we had more coaches to complete the image.
The S-2 model has all the latest Aster improvements and more. It does have drain cocks that work well without eating up boiler pressure. It's axle pump is so efficient it can overfill the boiler if you don't pay attention. It's new innovation -- that admittedly should have been on Asters' past, is the gauge glass blowdowns. I know that some British Aster models have that appliance, but none of the recent US prototypes have until the S-2. The boiler too is very efficient and the engine goes from light-off of the burners to pop-off in less than five minutes. The engine will hold pressure -- and pop-off -- while hauling a good load and going up a 1% grade with the drain cocks open. Like most Asters it will still require a bit of blower while running light to keep the pressure up, but with a good heavy load, you can close the blower and just let the engine work.
One note for those that want the black version. Hans will be ordering enough black versions to fill pre-orders (with deposits) that have been received by the end of February. The finished kits (both versions) are expected by the end of April.
If anybody has special questions, post them and I'll try to answer them.
Ross Schlabach