Bachman N scale DDA40X Locomotive

Comments MRR
1

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Bachman N scale DDA40X Locomotive

2

I’m very pleased with mine. It can easily pull 40 cars on level track – and probably more. I agree that the couplers are a weak point. Even so, I will probably get another one, and replace the couplers with MT.

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Can the couplers be replaced with Micro-Trains couplers?

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I got my DD40AX about a month ago, and it is a great improvement over the earlier Bachmann versions. As mentioned before, the coupler looks oversize and clunky, and that can be taken care of. The truck side frames look like they have less detail then the earlier version side frames…in this day an age…thats a big step backwards.

My only other gripe is that the end platforms are mounted to the truck frames, rather then to the body, as on the prototype. I guess this was to keep the “train set” folks happy when they want to run them on a 9 inch radius. I plan to remove the platforms and using styrene, fill in the gap, and attached them to the body. That should be a major improvement. I would like to get a second unit and run the two back to back, as was common when they were in service on the UP

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I have 2 of them and i agree for the most part about the DD40AX. I thought the truck side frames could have used better relief and of course the couplers. Mine so far is with a couple of hours of run time still have a growl though not too bad. But for a street price of around $75 w/DCC and some great detail it’s worth having. It looks great, runs well and at a decent price you can’t go wrong.

Dave

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I subscribe every word by Dennis and add I have already the two past editions of the engine wich are bulky and rough in respect of this last one.
This DDA40X and the GE 44 Ton are the best new engines on the market for the money/quality ratio.

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I agree with Dennis and Michele. I was concerned about its trcking ability but it tracks well on Kato 15" radius curves. I should have bought two. The gear noise is considerably louder than Atlas and Kato diesels and it tractive effort is somewaht low in comparison to its 174.5 gram mass, but I suspect this has to do with four axel ridgid trucks and the very long center to center distance between trucks. It pulls 13 cars with trucks of poor rolling quality up my 2.5% grade. It will probably pull 2 to 5 cars more with better quality trucks. A GREAT BUY imho.

Rick

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I have one and concur with the other comments. It runs well and looks quite acceptable, especially considering the price. I have converted my unit with Micro Trains couplers and this minor alteration helps both looks and operation.

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Looks like an impressive model.I’llhave to go down to my local hobby shop and check one out.

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Hi Raymond,
You bet the couplers can be replaced rather easily. Stop into your “friendly local hobby shop” and ask them exactly what you need.

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Ive not bought one yet dont really know how it would cope with the rathole but it would be something different for what my wife calls my only true love ever have a woman think you love your layout more than her its a delicate world around here

12

I’m a member of Central Indiana Ntrak . One of our members purchase this locomotive to run at the GTE in January. What an impressive purchase. This loco pull 60 thats 60 Atlas Coal cars and did not slip. The locomotive is a buy and must have. Way to go Bachman!! I Just wish it came undec so I could detail it and paint it.

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I love my Bachmann DDA40X! It runs and looks very well. Try the new Bachmann Geeps! They run and look great also.

14

I had one but fell onto the hard floor of a garage. Bad things happen to good people.

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I just purchased one off Ebay and am waiting anxiously! It will be my first DCC locomotive. It’s actually my first locomotive purchase period. I am very new to the hobby and have only a Bachmann 0-6-0 steamer that came with my Bachmann starter set. I’m hoping it works as well DC as I’ve heard on does on DCC. Loved the article!