In the 2006 Bachman Catalog, In the N-Scale Spectrum sections, there is some fine print on some of the Locos, both diesel 6-axle and many of the steam engines state that the locos run best only on 19 inch radius curves…
Has anybody run any of the Six Axle Bachman Spectrum N-Gauge on less then 19 say about 15 inches, and if so how well did they work? I would like to do about a 12 inch radius for some stuff and 15 for passengers and steam locos…
Thanks
Save your money and buy QUALITY!!! You won’t be disappointed in the long run.
Botchman is about as bad as it gets!!!
gtr
gtr…
And, just who do you recommend for “QUALITY” N scale products?
.
I recommend Kato and Atlas, but my first train sets were Bachmann. If I never had bachmann, I wouldn’t be into model railroadering today!
Atlas
In my experience Kato, Intermountain and Atlas are consistently the best. I’ve had decent luck with Life Like FA/FBs and switchers (SW9s).
Obviously, “gtr” doesn’t know what he’s talking about…
Bachmann has two lines of engines: “standard” and Spectrum. While the standard line is hit or miss, as are their Spectrum diesels, their Spectrum steam line is first-rate (and the question WAS about their steam line after all…)
Spectrum steam can be run on 9" curves. The 4-8-2 is happier on 11" or greater, but it WILL run on the smaller curves. The 2-8-0 and 2-6-6-2 do just fine on 9" curves.
As for quality N scale steam, Kato is #1. Bachmann Spectrum is #2.
I thought he was asking about diesel, since he specified six axle.
I’ve got an older Spectrum Dash8, and it goes around 9 3/4 inch curves just fine. The biggest problem with Spectrum is the gaping holes in the pilots, for the truck mounted rapido couplers. (unless this has changed, in recent years)
I have two of the Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2’s and one Spectrum 2-8-0 in N scale. Mine run great, though I have heard some say the quality is a little spotty. Just like all loco purchases, try before you buy. They handle 15 inch curves with ease, though they look better on larger.
The Bachmann Standard line has done more to keep people OUT of model railroading than any other factor IMHO. The Spectrum line is light years beyond the Standard line. Only buy the Standard line for yard queens or if you like frustration and hate money.
After being in this hobby for over 40 years and running a hobby shop, I can assure I know what I’m talking about…
Botchman is pure JUNK!!! It got so bad that we finally refused to sell it as about 98% of what we sold was returned DEFECTIVE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX…
Atlas and Kato are probably 2 of the best in terms of QUALITY. Yes they cost a little more, but you get what you pay for…!
gtr
I have a couple of Bachmann’s standard N scale diesels, and they’re actually very good runners. The engines are an F9A and a Streamlined Trolley (diesel drive). They have 8 wheel drive and electrical pickup, skewed armatures and very heavy metal frames. They both run fine on a 9" radius. I’d recommend them.[:D]
True, true, save you money and buy Kato, Atlas or InterMountain. Cannot comment on Bachmann steamers but their diesels (whether it is their standard or Spectrum line) are just junk.
Cheers,
Cliff
http://cliffordconceicao3310.fotopic.net/c328807.html
Well, I’d say that with such wide opinions, the one thing we can agree on is that quality control is spotty. Some of us have done well, others have not. Really echo’s the words I spoke earlier;
Try before you buy!
THe Bachmann Spectrum steamers are better than their diesels. For new steam, I’d rate them 2nd behind the Athearn/MDC Consols. Athearn should announce the Moguls soon. In the meantime, the Challenger will be released in August.
Bachmann diesels rate behind Atlas, Kato, Lifelike. Athearn has only 2 models, too soon to rate. IMR seems to have good detail for their 3 models.
The good news about Bachmann is they stand behind their product with customer service. THe bad news is you might need it. Please try before you buy. THe worst news for Nscalers is it appears Bachmann does a better job with larger scale modelers.
Might need to post this on another forum to get a reaction from Gscale fans.
Thanks for the inputs alll… Bought at an Atlas GP-40 over the weekend and tried out on some KATO Track… Runs really well, handled some nice inclines… Thanks again for the input.
Ryan
I would prefer if you tried Atlas code track since I have tried Kato and one of my coal cars kept derailing off the track. When I had Atlas code track for my HO layout it worked like a charmer and nothing derailed off the tracks. So I would recomend that you would try using N scale Atlas code track and see how it works for you.
I have two N scale Bachmann Spectrum Dash 8-40CWs. I run them on the 12" radius EZ track, and they handle it fine. I haven’t tried them on anything lower, because it is the only track I have to test them on. I also have a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation, and it is an excellent runner, and handles the 12" radius without any problems as well. I would recommend any of these locomotives. I only had a slight problem with my first Dash 8, which is of the original run. It was over lubricated and greased, and needed cleaning before it ran at my standards.
Bachmann Spectrum; [tup] from me.[8D]
N Scale Bachmann Spectrum steam locomotives are some of the finest N scale North American prototype steam available, but as noted, build quality control is spotty. The 2-8-0 Consolidation will outpull any Kato diesel except perhaps the PAs, E8s and P42s. Both the Connie and the 4-8-2 Mountain will operate just fine on <11" curves, converting them to use Micro-Trains couplers is a breeze, and both are two of the only three currently available N scale steam locomotives that are designed for DCC installation.
I’ve bought Bachmann spectrum, standard and UK outline. Not very convincing in regards to quality IMO.
I’m also not convinced that one should try before buying- there should be a commitment to quality- wouldn’t it be in manufacturers’ own best interests to produce items of good standard? I’ve never had the slightest concern with Kato, Atlas or Lifelike, for its price.
All the best
In regards to Bachmanns quality control, I agree it’s hit and miss at best, especially in the N scale products. But…
If you want the finest steam locomotives built in N scale (outside of brass of course), the Spectrum line up is tough to beat. No other manufacture has paid attention to the small stuff like Bachmann has. Things like separate pipes and grabs, see thru clearance under the boiler, side rod driven axels and DCC ready frames and wiring are not to be found on any other manufacturers products. Most of the running problems are simple to fix as well, and when you consider the price these locomotives can be had for, it’s pretty tough to complain about a tweak here or there. Once dialed in, they run as good as anything I’ve seen with a motor mounted in the locomotive. Admittedly the Roundhouse 2-8-0 with the tender drive is still the smoothest N scale steam locomotive I’ve seen, but the Spectrums are close.
Jeff