Im tempted by these- http://www.ehattons.com/stockdetail.aspx?sid=18394&img=1#imageblock
Their cheap but whats the catch?
Do they have twin flywheel drive?
The ends look abit basic,
where can i get some detail parts like brake pipes and MU cables etc?
My current roster consists of P2K, Tower55, Atlas silver & gold and Athearn. What can i expect in comparison before i buy?
The new Bachmann SD40s don’t have flywheels, but they do have a high quality motor and drive system, and a very heavy frame. They also have a decent shell that looks like it can be easily modified.
You can get some pretty good detail parts from manufacturers like A Line, Details West and Detail Associates.
Compared to P2K, Atlas and Tower 55, they’re certainly not the best you can get, but they are decent engines that should run great, and also look great once they’re detailed.[:D] I have one of the new GP30s, and even though there are no flywheels, it’s a nice smooth runner with a good quality mechanism and pretty decent detail.[:D]
If you want DCC, make sure you get the SD40 without DCC. The Bachmann decoders are cheap, and the Bachmann engines don’t run as well with them. Installing a high quality decoder yourself would most likely make it work a lot better.
The reason they are so cheap is because that’s exactly what they are! JUNK!!!
Remember, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!
Gary,
Athearn BBs are good quality locomotives but they won’t compare to the Proto 2000s, Tower 55s and Atlas’ that you have. If price is an issue, you can find some great deals from Trainworld and M.B. Klein, as well as eBay.
As with any potential eBay purchase, you need to shop “wisely” and know what the current price is going for any particular item you are interested in. That’s why I always check out the above places before placing ANY bids.
Tom
[Oops! Sorry, Gary. I just realized that you were talking about Bachmann, not Athearn. When I see “BB”, I immediately think “blue box” and Athearn. In that case, I would stay away from the Bachmann diesels.]
Gary,
I checked the link you provided, with the Bachmann SD40-2 going for 38 pounds. With a conversion of 1 pound = $1.961 US (had to check Google on that), that would come to $74.52 in US dollars.
I just picked up a DC Proto 2000 GP38-2 from M.B. Klein for $68 and it runs flawlessly on DC. (Can’t wait to put in a decoder.) Course, that doesn’t take into account what you might have to pay for import tax, if you order something from “across the pond”. Even so, what you save in price might offset that enough to still make it worthwhile. Proto 2000 S1s are still going for $29.99 from both Trainworld and M.B. Klein. I have three. [:)]
Tom
Thanks guys, i get what your saying Tom, it all depends on how high one sets their standards and what your personaly willing to except in a model. These are probebly OK for the money but i cant reckon on them competing with what i already have in looks and performance,think i may give these a mis for now[;)] You get what you pay for!
$75 US for that is not a good price. Some of the newer Bachman shells have pretty good detail. I’ve got a GP35 that runs and pulls well, but It only cost $35 US. No fly wheel and the motors only fair. I like their Spectrum line better.
[#offtopic]
Tom,
GP38-2? How does that fit with your steam & early diesel roster? You going to run multiple eras on your layout? Just wondering.
Jon [8D]
Hey, Jon!
Nope. I only bought the Geep for running it on the club layout, in anticipation when we have one of our “all-modern diesel” nights, or if I’m over running trains on my friend Carl’s DC layout. I have no plans for it being on my New York Central home layout.
Since I’m partial to the NYC, I did go with the black and white scheme of Norfolk Southern. I have done my homework though on #5534 and added the appropriate detailing for that particular road number. It in NO way replaces my fondness for steam and early diesel.
Tom
P.S. Jon, I did bring the GP38-2 (as well as my Proto 2000 0-8-0) to the club work night last night and the President’s jaw hit the floor when he found out that I actually bought a modern diesel. He kept saying, “You bought THIS?!?” I REFUSE to go 6-axle though…[:)]
I buy these Bachmann units and run them til they drop. I then pull the decoder and it in one of my more expensive units, usually one of my Proto 2000’s.
I have seen the newest GP30 and GP35 run at the modular club…They are very smooth runners.
I have one of their GE70 tonners and it was very noisy when I test ran it…Upon investigation I found the unit lacked lubrication of any kind.I lightly oiled the unit and now its a smooth and quiet runner.
I beg to differ…My Spectrum 0-6-0T was a smooth runner from the box.
Before you past harsh judgment you should investigate the newer Bachmann locomotives especially their steam locomotives. I know my eyes was open.
Tstage, how bout an RSC-2? thats old/3 axel.
I love my two Bachmann GP38’s. They are really smooth and quiet, only draws about 2 volts if not less for starting crawl. I am going to try to find another Chessie shell for the one (its a UP, my first good purchase when I was first into the hobby, but its story is its leasted to Chessie, and with some Chessie cab decals, it works). The price, could be a little high on the other hand. I paid $30 for both of my DC models, and I’ve heard Bachmann decoders are crap, so addition price for that shouldn’t be that high. Mine lack the little details, but once everything else is out of the way, I’m sure superdetails will come sooner or later.
-beegle55
i have several of their standard gp40’s and they are extremely quiet and run excellent.they are as quiet as any loco i have.i have two of their new sd45’s.excellent runner’s and they look just fine to me as im not into detailing.i put in nce decoder’s in the sd45’s and they are sweet!.terry…
Tom,
Never say never! Besides ALCO’s PA-1 was dubbed an honorary steam locomotive. The lines can get fuzzy before you know it. [:D]
Jon [8D]