Hello. I’ve thought about having FM H16-44s on my roster but Atlas doesn’t make the correct model type I want (the Atlas one is for early production H16-44s). Does anyone know what the running quality of the Bachmann model is and whether its wroth it to buy it or not?
I have two of them that run fine with no problems. They run as good as other Spectrum line engines. Shop around and they can be had at deep discounts. I would purchase more.
Bob
Two thoughts if you are modelling specific prototypes. They are fairly close to the CN version, except CN came with a small fuel tank. CN also did some modifications over the years to headlights and also moved the bell. CP had the bigger fuel tank, and the few equipped with steam generators appeared even larger. Headlights varied with the different orders. CPR had a unique arrangement for the radiator fans, which will soon become easier to model since Athabaska is about to release a kit to modify the Bachmann.
Both CNR and CPR used the forged drop equalizer on the trucks (with the ribs) as seen on the Proto C-Liners. Unfortunately I don’t think they are interchangeable, which is a pity since the CN C-liners should have the flat plate drop equalizers that the Bachmann H-16-44 already has!
I have several H-16-44s, just awaiting the Athabaska kit, but have not actually run them so I can’t comment on operation. Major house renovations are planned before I can rebuild a layout.
John
I’ve picked up a few of them and have no complaints as to their appearence or running qualities and as was earlier stated they can be had pretty cheap. I bought mine for $20 a copy, pretty cheap in today’s market.
Mark
It seems like these engines are worth the investiment. I might try and pick up one or a pair sometime if I can. How are the headlights on the locomotive? Are they LEDs? Plus is there any grab iron detail?
I have some they run well and I have run them with Proto 200 GP9s , Proto 100 RS11s and even Hobbytown units. They are a little faster but they still run ok with other engines.I have also run them with a Redball brass H-16-44. I model New Haven, looking at photos of their 1600 series H-16-44s there are no hand grabs going up the hoods like on the GP9 and RS11 . I don`t know if other railroads were the same way. The headlights are bulbs directional and dim unless at full speed. I think I may use LEDS and fiber optics. There is limited space at the rear unit due to the slanted fan assembly under the screen. The Number boards are the wrong style for NH on these engines ,so I will modify that in the future.
I dont do DCC so I cant help you there.
I want my models to represent the H16-44s that the Virginian had. Unfortunately, no one makes the correct model that matches the Virginian H16-44s. The Virginians were built with in a phase that is different from the Atlas and the Bachmann models. Although the engine has mostly a flat walkway like the Bachmann model, the walkway has steps and lowers about 3/4s away from the cab. This makes the model different enough that it doesn’t match the Bachmann or Atlas versions. Does any one know what phase the Virginian H16-44s are?
I have a Bachmann PRR that has been is storage for years never run
Just checked and it makes a grinding when running and is missing a front hand rail section
Don’t know how you are at modding or overhauling running gear but you can have it for shipping costs
Actually, the VGN had two body styles of H16-44 per my book “Virginian Railway Locomotives” by Lloyd D. Lewis (1993 TLC Publishing). The Bachmann is correct for the full walkway version and I bought two for this since the price was right. As for the “cut down” walkway version, use the radiator from the Atlas body shell (correct including length). Cut the Bachmann walkway down with a razor saw and re-use the walkway tread surface. Remember to trim down/angle the pilot tops too. Use styrene to fill where necessary. Since the Bachmann mech fits completely within the shell, you are free to cut the walkways without interference. Hope this helps.
As for reliability, I’ve had no problems, since I use less expensive models on my HO and N scale layouts for interchange service only. My VGN H16s interchange with the Norfolk Portsmouth Belt Line.
MRR magazine has had an article about converting those Bachmann VGN road switchers to DCC (they are not drop-the-decoder-DCC-ready). The engines will be used for MRR’s new VGN project layout in 2012.
The article was part of MRR DCC Corner column few months ago, I think June or July.
Thanks for the kitbashing tip. Is it hard to make those or not? I’ve done some more research on these engines and it seems that a lot of the Bachmann H16-44’s are from the spectrum line. Are all of the Bachmann H16-44’s apart of the spectrum line or not? If you use VGN H16-44’s to interchange with the Norfolk Portsmount Belt Line, do you model the NPBL then?