Hello to all, I was trying to find some info about Bachmann FT units (DCC equipped), but no luck. So, can somebody share few words about them?
I have Spectrum GE 44-tonner, and have also seen non-Spectrum 70-tonner. So, can you compare FT with those Bachmann diesels?
I am aware that Spectrum is more detailed, but want to know how is technical stuff on new non-Spec. models (electromotor, flywheel, pickup, slow speed running, etc).
Thanks!
Thommo,
The Bachmann FT comes with a can motor and 28 speed-step capability. It should be a decent locomotive.
With that said, Thommo, if you really want exceptional low-speed response at a reasonable price, you might want to look into the Stewart FTs:
For a little more money, you can have one terrific locomotive. They absolutely crawl! And decoder installation is a breeze.
Tom
Thanks, Tom. I am trying to find some early B&O diesel as I plan an interchange of some kind on my fictious PRR branch. Proto 1000 B&O F3 are also in contention! [:P]
Can I buy Stewart FT-A only?
Do you have some links to look on Stewart prices?
Well here’s a link to the Bowser/Stewart site:
http://www.bowser-trains.com/Stewart/Stewart%20FT.htm
The prices shown are the list prices, if you’re patient you can usually find what you want at a decent price at a flea market or online.
Stewart FT’s generally come in A-B sets with the A powered and the B a dummy, but it’s pretty easy to get a powered chassis if you want both powered. The real FT’s were designed to be run as A-B sets with a drawbar between them, or as an A-A set. Originally, there wasn’t even a door you could close between the A and B units!!
If you look at the model pics, you can see there’s an overhang that allows couplers at only one end of the units, although ATSF and/or GM worked out a way to jerry-rig a coupler at the other end. EMD later came out with the FTSB (FT Short Booster) which allowed them to create A-B-A sets. You can do something similar if you really want to run an A by itself, but it’s easier to just run the A-B set as it comes. (GM’s F2 and later F units could have couplers at both ends.)
One problem with the FT was that you had to either run two (A-B or A-A) or four (A-B+B-A) but you couldn’t run three together. Since it turned out that the horsepower of three units was ‘just right’ for a lot of applications, after WW2 a lot of railroads that had FT’s bought F2’s or early F3’s to put create A-B-A sets.
As far as the Bachmann FT’s go, stay away from them. I have four of those things and they’re all crap. All they’re good for is to rip the decoder out and use it in a better loco. I’ve put three into some Athearn BB locos that I have, an F7, a GP50 and a PA2. They all three run well on DCC. The FT’s are in a junk box in my closet.
What is it with Bachmann? Do they have a hit and miss QC? I seen the GP30/35 combo run for hours during the week of the county fair.My GE70 Tonner is a smooth runner(after lubicating the gears-bone dry from the factory).I seen the newer N&W J and it to ran during 3 of 5 the open houses.
I just don’t understand…Really.
The Bachmann FTs are great runners, but they lack accuracy in detail. I like the one I have, since it’s a smooth runner with low current draw and good power, but if you want one that really looks like an FT, the Stewart model is the best choice.
I see some members here don’t have the best feelings about the Bachmann FT.
I bought an A & B unit and haven’t had any problems with them. True, they don’t have the best details and the decoder lacks some features you get with basic Digitrax or NCE decoders. However, I have had good luck with all but two Bachamnn loco’s.
I don’t know just how slow a crawl is but the ones I have creep along just fine. The DCC system I have is a NCE Power Pro R. Maybe that has something to do with the fine tune of the speed. I don’t know?
In my opinion, Bachmann’s standard line with DCC on board is a good deal for the money.
Bill
I have to disagree…I have an A-B-A set with DCC that has never had a problem…they run flawless and will pull MASSIVE amounts of cars at the club layout up any grade…I actually had them running for about five hours straight at a show and the never quit…I will say that Bachmann has inconsistancies from engine to engine…I just got lucky…
I must have gotten a bunch of duds.
Trust me…I’m no Bachmann fanatic…quite the opposite…but a bunch of us from our club bought some from a guy at a local show that was selling them wicked cheap…he had a whole table full of all the Bachmann DCC engines…none of us have had issues with their operation…I didn’t say details…but they are a great engine for someone new to DCC and wants to learn how it works…turns out…these babies can really pull a string of cars!!!
Jeffrey, if you don’t want them, you can send them my way! [:D]
Rotor
PM me your mailing address and I’ll send them to you the first chance I get, most likely arouynd the end of the month.
PM sent, Jeffrey!
Rotor
Hey, opened the topic to see are the Bachmann FT’s any good, and now they are sold for 1 PM! [D)] [(-D]
Is this 1 “Pakistani Mark”?! [:-^] [}:)] [:)]
Thanks for help, guys! Even though I am not more smart on FT’s than before! [:)]
Rotor, good luck with the engines! [tup]
Thommo, you don’t want these four that I have. They are pure-dee junk!
Rotorranch: I returned your PM and included a photo of what you’re getting. They all run, but not well.
Jeff, do you have any more “pure-dee junk” I can have?
Jeffrey…thanks again. Maybe I can tweek them into runners!
Thommo…thanks for the words of encouragement. [:)]
Rotor
New Haven: Looking through the depths of the junk box I find that I have another Bachmann FT that’s in very rough shape, a Model Power Hustler switcher (haven’t used it in years and don’t know if it runs or not), a Proto 2000 GP30 that has some pickup issues. It runs but not well. It has no light board and the intake vents and windows are gone. I also have an assortment of Athearn rolling stock. Two John Deere flat cars, four thirty foot two bay hoppers, a three dome John Deere tank car and a Roundhouse thirty foot old time flat car.
What would you like to take a crack at?
P2K GP30. Is it free? Do I have to pay shipping?