bachmann EM-1

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello everybody,

I am on the fence with regards to purchasing a Bachmann EM-1. If you have one, what is your impression of this locomotive? I would appreciate a review from a forum member being that I have a huge amount of faith in the reviews from members on this or any other product related to our wonderful hobby.

Thank you

Frank

2

Frank, at the B&O Yahoo group we are all waiting w/ the same anticipation. One member has reported his EM1 runs quite well, pulls 40 cars on level track. Starts off and will creep, does report that the top speed seems way too fast. (doesn’t matter, don’t run it that fast better than way too slow) Couldn’t check on grades due to clearance issues of that small branchline. Has negociated his 24" curves w/o problem. The paint and detail is quite good. No traction tires. He is waiting for the sound module so no experience w/ the sound yet.

3

I am surprised there is no review in the magazine

At least not when I search

4

Several people in our local group already have them, very nice. As noted they run well, good slow speed. Detail is super, even if not perfect in every regard.

Pulling power is similar to what was noted by bogp40, and one reported about 24 cars up a 2% grade.

One of our members bought all four B&O lettered versions, when our meeting night is at his house I’m sure we will got a good deminstration.

I am waiting for the unlettered versions for my ATLANTIC CENTRAL which do not seem to be available yet.

I may also get a few in B&O. I think this is going to be a big seller, and since it comes from Bachmann, we know they will just keep cranking them out as long as people keep buying.

Sheldon

5

I’ve looked at pictures of them compared to a DMIR Yellowstone, also produced by Baldwin at about the same time with similar mechanical statistics, also a 2-8-8-4. It looks like a good basis to start a Yellowstone project as there is a strong family resemblance.

I’m also eagerly awaiting a review on how they run.

6

Biggest obstacle (I’d think) to doing a Missabe one would be the huge 4-10 tender…although come to think of it, they were pretty close to those used on the UP “Big Boy” and several manufacturers have done the UP engines.

I’d be interested to see how the B&O engines compare to the ‘original’ Northern Pacific Yellowstones too.

7

One on line source I buy from has the DCC ready for $266. With Tsunami sound, $340. Different sand dome options also.

Rich

8

It just hit the streets a few days ago. This has been discussed in the Bachmann forums.

Rich

9

Reading notes like these are killing me. I’m still waiting for mine. Walthers always shows them as Adv. Res. and nothing changes. I am wondering when Walthers is going to get them?

I’m guessing the people that got them already either ordered them direct from Bachmann or from a dealer that is a Bachmann dealer.

I can’t wait to see these bad boys on my layout.

Tom

10

Here

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-2-8-8-4-s/3325.htm

11

Stix:

I think turning an EM-1 into a NP Z series 2-8-8-4 would require almost a total re-build from the drivers (spoked on the NP) on up. It would probably be much easier to do a Missabe M-3/4 as the frame and drivers on both 2-8-8-4’s are almost identical. In fact, when Akane was producing both their Missabe and B&O brass Yellowstones back in the 1960’s, all they did was substitue different boilers and superstructures on the same set of driver mechanisms.

Who knows, maybe Bachmann will do the same thing later on, if the EM-1 sells well (which I think it will),

Tom

12

I already have them on order from a dealer that I am friends with so I won’t be doing that but thanks for the link.

I like to support my local dealer. [:)]

Tom

13

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/HO-Scale-2-8-8-4-s/3325.htm

Also Micro Mark.

http://www.micromark.com/SearchResult.aspx?deptIdFilter=0&searchPhrase=em-1

Search Micro Mark for:

HO 2-6-0

HO FA2

HO FB2

HO Alco S4

Bachmann is also shipping a DCC ready and sound Alco RS-3 but Micro Mark does not show it right now.

Wait to you see the Bachmann 380-TON SCHNABEL TRANSFORMER CAR at Micro Mark.

Rich

14

Tom, good for you, you must have a lot of money or your dealer is willing to sell you stuff at no profit.

Because if your dealer is buying Bachmann from Walthers, he is paying too much, and likely so are you.

When I buy mine it will likely be from one of several brick and mortar stores, but they buy Bachmann direct and have prices at or below all those mail order prices.

I support several local shops, but not to the tune of paying $400 for something that can be bought for $265.

I will likely ger mine at Star Hobby in Annapolis MD, he has great prices on Bachmann.

I use to run a train department in a full line hobby shop years ago, I know the whole deal, I support my local dealers as much as possible - but they in turn must be competitive with the changes in this market.

Sheldon

15

Tom

Did the Akane model have the correct cross heads on the M3? I have a picture of the Akane EM1 and it seems to have the correct laird slides, but I don’t have a picture of the Akane M3. The boiler difference in size and other details would make a very hard kit bash. I picked up one of the Samhongsa built Westside models of the M3 last summer. Now it needs to go to the paint shop in the spring! CZ

16

CZ:

Both the EM-1 and M-3/4 Yellowstones came from Baldwin with Walscheart valve gear, and yes, Akane got that right on their models. In fact, sometimes when I look at my M-4 and compare it with my Akane AC-8 cab-forward, I wonder if Akane didn’t just use the same frame and mechanism for all THREE models, LOL!

Tom

17

Found this close up of my Akane M4…Is the cross head correct?

18

I absolutely love this loco. It runs great, and looks better. The only complaint I have about it is the decision by Bachmann and Soundtraxx to exclude the N&W 1218 hooter whistle on the sound module which would be correct for the B&O EM1. I bought the sound module, but I also have the Tsunami large steam sound decoder which has the hooter. I’ll probably offer up the module in the near future since it isn’t right for me. I plan on getting two more before they’re gone. Here are some pics of the 7600 weathered on our layout:

-Stan

19

Looks like you have a nice layout for that EM to run on

20

Stan - WOW that weathering on the EM-1 looks terrific!!! (so does your layout). Can you weather my EM-1 for me? I’m too scared to even try. LOL

I just had a Titan professionally installed, and I’m not too happy with QSI right now. It took me 3 hrs to get it all dialed in with correct running, and sounds. And I’m using JMRI. (thread about it in the DCC forum)

My EM-1 is running and sounding fine now, but boy what a pain it was to get it to this point.

From now on, only Tsunamis…