This review is on Bachmann’s most recent update of their HO GP30, which includes dual-mode DCC.[:D]
This GP30 uses the same shell developed in the late 70s for the original Bachmann/Lionel GP30, but for its age, it’s still a pretty good shell.[:)] The castings aren’t quite as smooth and sharp as what’s on newer diesels, but they still look pretty good. The first two fan vents can sort of be seen through, but the last two can’t. The grab irons are still blackened wire, but the black doesn’t look so bad on the darker color used for B&O. They are mounted straighter than on the older Spectrum GP30s. The engineer’s window on the right side is open for some reason, and there’s no optional glass to close it with. The engineer and fireman figures that were in the Spectrum version are now gone, revealing a pair of square holes in the sides of the frame which are visible through the windows. There are movable coupler lift bars on each end of the engine, which is a nice feature, but they’re mounted with steam engine stancions that make them stick out too far. The handrails are pretty decent, but there’s a lot of flash on them which makes them look rough. The two main windshield wipers on the front are molded onto the glass, but the outer two are separate parts, and are also pretty thick, with wipers that would be too small to be useful. The trucks are very well detailed and have separate brake cylinders, and are also smoothly painted. The number boards are lighted, and have sharply printed numbers that match the engine’s number. The paint is smoothly coated, and the lettering is nice and sharp and is done in a flat color, so it isn’t any shinier than the rest of the paint. The shell is now mounted with two screws in the fuel tank, instead of being snapped on like all the older ones were.
[img]http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/DarthSantaFe/BachmannGP30chassis.jpg[
