Im thinking of buying the Spectrum Acela set from trainworld. If anybody has one could you give me a report on the quality of it. Since Bachmann products are sometimes hit or miss I want to make sure I get my moneys worth.
I’m not sure how they have done with the Regualr Acela trainset, but MR gave a strong positive ( as always) review to the less glamorous HHP-8, also by bachmann, and acela
Joe I have a Bachmann Acela set, it runs very nice even on my wee temporary setup.
The front of the loco is very low, so any switch machines which stick up will catch it, and any dips in the track too. You would have to avoid tight curves (probably min 22" ) as it just gets pulled off the track.
I fitted a TCS decoder and can run it at 3/4 throttle without derailing ( fun )
I have two loco’s and a six car passenger set I won on ebay ($150)
The wheels are all in gauge and all is about the right weight, the couplers do pull apart again if you need to but it’s designed to stay together.
I think that covers it
Ken.
OK, you think the nose would hit on the entrance to a 2.5% grade?
I have one of these Acela sets and love it. At the moment, I don’t have any inclines on my layout as of yet. So I can’t help you too much with that. I know that they can take some serious inclines though. You might have to ease into them though.
Check out this guys site. I’ve seen his layout in person, and he’s got a lot of inclines on his layout. I think he uses the Woodland Scenics inclines so I would guess it would take at least 2% inclines.
http://community-2.webtv.net/AcelaTrains/TheAcelaTrain/index.html
Actually, I just was looking through his site while typing this and on page 6 he says he’s using 4% inclines.
I say get it. How much are they at Trainworld? I’ve been debating on getting another one.
Kevin
If the grade transistion is smooth enough then no worries!! It sure can climb, nice and heavy loco.
Ken.
My Spectrum Acela goes up the transition onto a 3% grade (using Woodlands Scenics risers etc.) with no problem. As everybody else says, it’s a smooth runner.
Another great Bachmann product is the Series 500 Japanese Shinkansen made by Bachmann for the Tenshodo Model Shop in Tokyo. I got one of these sets from Trainworld and must say it’s one of the best train sets I’ve ever bought - like the full size original it goes like the klappers and hugs the track as though the wheels are glued to the track. I’ve run the model at full speed and I’ve not had one derailment!!
Ok, I think Ill go ahead and get one then, by the way they are $175 at trainworld.
Be very careful with coupling the units together. Bachmann uses a snap-in drawbar connector that seems to be rather brittle and easily broken. There are two different lengths of these connectors used on the Acela, too, and getting a replacement from Bachmann takes quite a while.
But the units run smoothly as long as you keep the wheels and your track clean.
My set came with replacement drawbars. They are either being generous or they are knowen to break!!
Ken.
If you haven’t already ordered the set, I would order it from wholesaletrains.com. they have the lowest price and will ship next day!.
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160Set&ID=200300880
Hope this helps,
Sean
Nope havent ordered yet. Thanks for the cheaper link![:D]