Bachmann DCC On Board locos

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have one Bachmann Spectrum, a K4 Pacific, it runs great. I am curious about the HO Bachmann steam locos that are the DCC On Board series, do they run as good as the Spectrum? Not too concerned over the shell details, more or less their smoothness and pulling ability.

Thanks.

2

If they’re made like the DC ones that I have (0-6-0), you would be disappointed. The pulling power isn’t all that great, maybe 10 cars on level track, much less on a grade.

3

First of all, the Bachmann DCC locos are the Spectrum series. They come DCC ready with a NMRA connector, DCC on board with a NMRA connector. I have a Spectrum 4-4-0 and Spectrum 4-6-0 that run very nice. They do not pull as well as the Roundhouse DCC steamers but I am satisfied. The 4-6-0 pulls a little better than the 4-4-0.

Rich

4

Note that both Spectrum and Standard steam engines are offered with DCC on Board. I have several of the Spectrum DCC on Board and they run fine.

The engines I have with DCC on Board are the 4-4-0, 2-8-0 and 2-10-2. The 4-4-0’s are my designated passenger trains and I am pulling four of the 60’ Rivarossi passenger coaches up 2% grades without any problems. Keep in mind these are not light coaches. The 2-8-0 is a great puller and I use it for freight, it out pulls a Proto 2-8-4 that I have.

I do not have any of the Standard steam engines that are offered with DCC on Board.

I have read on various forums that some ownerss swapped decoders as they were not happy with the Bachmann decoders as they are not full featured as to programing options.

Decide which steamer interests you and what is the price. Note that DCC decoders are becoming cheaper as well. Swapping out DCC decoders would not be overly expensive.

5

During our Train Show open house back in April I saw a Bachmann Santa FE 4-8-4 run 5 hours nonstop pulling 10 Athearn passenger cars.The cars was not weigh to RP20.1

This engine was a very smooth runner.

6

I went to the Bachmann site and I see the standard engines with DCC. I have not looked at the standard line in quite some time. Nice to know.

Rich