What is the Bachman 70 tonner like? Is it accurately modeled and how does it operate?
TRNJ
Very accurate scale model. Two versions are around, an older version with two motors and a more updated drive. Both are good runners and pretty good switchers, like the 44 tonner.
On my logging railroad in HO, I have 3 of them because I like them so much! Two of them are the new ones that are DCC equiped (although I don’t use DCC) and I have 1 old 2 motor Bachmann 70T. The older one is still on order from a hobby shop, and I’m going to paint it into a Medow River Lumber Company paint sceme. The whole reason I bought 2 of the new ones is because the Green/Unlettered paint sceme is exactally the paint sceme that I use on all of my engines. I wi***hey would have a better motor, such as a flywheel drive, but you can’t get everything you want in life, can you… They also have directional lighting, which the lights are LED. I’ll have some pics on my homartinlumbercompany Yahoo Group, once I actually get some time to update it, so look there in the near future for some more info, and detailed specs.
Hope this helps…
Phil
I have two of the older 2-motor versions and I like them both. They’ve been very good as switchers. I’ve heard stories of motor burn out but I’ve had no problems so far. The only glitch I could find is that the grille is too high on front end as compared to the 'Cyclopedia plans. Though I only noticed because I’m back-dating one with a blanked out front and round lights. You can find both on e-bay quite often.
I have the new DCC version, the Yellow unlettered one. It runs good but mine is noisey. Other than that it is fine.
I also have the 44 ton switcher that is quiet and runs great. It is a Spectrum and is DCC ready. I don’t understand why Bachmann makes the spectrum versions and does not install DCC in them, yet they put DCC in the regular version loco’s. You would think it would be the other way around.
Bill
The Spectrum line predates the standardization of DCC, I think…plus it allows them to keep the price around $70 for a new loco.
The two-motor 44 and 70 tonners were notorious for burning out motors, but I like them–the new single motor version is better. Not much room for a flywheel in there, unfortunately. The 70 tonner represents the later twin-headlight version of the 70 tonner: earlier models had a single headlight. I modified one to resemble the earlier version by shaving down the twin headlight mounts and adding a pair of scrounged single lights from a spare 44 tonner.