Bachman Sharks

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Apparently Bachman is making sharks of which I was totaly unaware. I have heard they are using new tooling. Any comments, details, etc.?

2

Based upon a report at http://www.peachcreekshops.com/ it does appear that the Bachmann Baldwin Sharks are using a new tooling - there are some photos provided at that link to compare the Bachmann to the Roco models, maybe that will help.

3

I picked up one of these at a train show this weekend and its not a bad model. It runs fairly well, a small bit of nosie but not too much. The handrails are wire and not molded on. The price was reasonable. Put some weathering on it and it will be fine. All things considered I’m satisfied and I will probably get another.

Jim

4

I’ve contributed to the comparison on the “other” forum if you’re interested …

http://forum.atlasrr.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=41438

(can I do that ?) [:-^]

Mark.

5

I’m waiting for the PCM sharks. I have a few Bachman diesels and I’m very disappointed to say the least. Last word on the streets for them are this summer so I’ll rather wait, and yes, I’ll wait another year to if necessary! [:D]

Magnus

6

Anyone notice how low the pilots are? I looks like they actually touch the rails. That could be tricky starting up a grade. I’ve had some Bachmann F units that had the same problem and I had to trim a little off the pilot so that it didn’t drag on the rails.

7

I didn’t know they already came out. When they come into my LHS, I’ll see if I can get a part number for a undecorated shell and order a couple. I already have two painted E-R/Roco Sharks, one of which I tried to strip and superdetail. The E-R shells are a pain because they molded some of the grabirons right onto detailed areas (like side panel battens) and even heavily diluted paint stripper eats away at the plastic.

8

Here’s my answer - Model Power shell that was detailed, painted and decaled, then mounted on a shortened Atlas RS11 chassis with the original Model Power tank added.

IF I hadn’t already built these, I would still go the same route using the complete and finished Bachmann shell.

Mark.

9

Mark,

You did a great job with those Roco shells. Did you use the Microscale set?

I was wondering if you originally started with the later drive - low gearing, large flywheel, goofy fuel tank, better runner or the early version - no flywheel, loose body on frame, better fuel tank?

I have 2 of the DH Model Power sharks with the later drive. They run real nice but I am currently making new fuel tanks and adding details.

I saw the new shells at the NMRA show and have to admit at first glace I thought they were warmed over Roco shells. Looking at the comparison photos it certainly appears to be new tooling.

I read the Atlas thread and its sad that the Buckmann would invest money in new shells but skimp on the drive/trucks/fuel tank. Typical, but sad nonetheless.

Jim

10

Jim - I started with the early run Sharks and try as I might I could not get them to perform to my satisfaction - even with adding flywheels ! The decals I used ARE the microscale set - unfortunately, they don’t include the thin yellow stripe along the bottom so I had to find a thin yellow stripe else-where and paint the curve at the front corner freehand. The first run of those decals by Micro-Scale DID have the thin stripe with the curved piece, but my original sets were so old they all broke apart so I was forced to use the newer release.

Mark.