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Bachmann HO scale “Van Sweringen” Berkshire 2-8-4
This is an excellent engine. I own this model myself. The one thing that Bachmann made on this engine is that the reciprocating part on the fireman’s side is off to the prototype. To fix it, you would have to unscrew the part slightly, move it to the right position and then tighten it. It also has a slow start but I usually think it does that when going up a grade. But still, it’s a great model to have!
I purchased the Pere Marquette version of this locomotive through the internet just prior to the review in the October edition of MRM. The only negative comment I have is that in the MRM review, the author (D.K.) mentioned motor noise. I don’t know if he was using DC or DCC, but I use strictly DC and mine is as quiet as the top-of-the-line BLI locomotive. It is a beautiful locomotive in both appearance and performance, and remarkably affordable for the limited income hobbyist. Way to go Bachmann. What’s next?
My C&O K-4 Kanawha (C&O-speak for Berkshire) runs reliably. Experts say that the pilot needs replacement, but otherwise its configuration is correct in the low number 2724. I’m delighted and will look for suitable sound when my finances permit. Noise isn’t an issue when running with a sound source! (Currently that’s an IHC or Tyco car).
Looking forward to getting one (or two)!
I have lettered an undecorated model as NKP 763, and added a few details in the cab. Including seats and a crew. The model runs great and was the talk of our open house at our club last May. Was pulling a 25 car freight train of mixed cars on the layout.Great work from Bachmann.
My unit on DC would only run in reverse and the started to run forward after stopping it in reverse–It is intermittent in the forward mode --When it doesn’t start forward if you run it in reverse then stop and start forward it works --In addition when it works in forward the light sometimes comes on and some times it doesn’t
I also have the Bachman 4-4 and it is doing the same thing when it runs
My IHCs 2-8-0-4-6-2,-4-8-2 all run great
Any ideas on my problem
Don’t know what happened but the last 3 times running the Berk ran great
I am a happy man --especially since I frequently ride my bike in PA Amish country where the PA Railroad Museum is located
They have a Nickle Plate in the outdoor area and it can be seen from the road
Except for the pigeon droppings the model looks like the one in the yard
It is interesting that Bachmann came out with this locomotive. It has been done by almost everyone now and MTH is bringing it out soon. Rivarossi, P2K, Bachmann, MTH and almost every brass version has been made. LMB, PFM, Key, Overland, PSC, DVP and probably some others I don’t know about.
This one is detailed just above the Rivarossi and priced so every one should be able to afford at least one. It should be a hit.
I have a berk also and it is slow to start but runs well. I want a sound system for it but do not have the money right now. All in all I am very impressed with the model.
I have a Berk that i put ALL brass pipeing and fittings on except for the sanders it runs well still trying to figure out how to connect the cold water pump / Firemens side with the pipe that comes from the tender attached to the trailing truck anybody got an idea?iuse a 22 1/2" radius
2010 and 2011 were the years of the Berkshire for me. 765 ran from North Judson (locals call the town Juuudson) to LaCrosse Indiana. So for a few weeks a real live Berkshire was a half an hour from me. I’ve been to New Haven where 765 lives many times and have lots of detail shots. Bachmann did fine for the most part. A Berkshire has LOTS of lube lines running the entire length of the engine. Should they be represented? Now a days. yes. The technology to mold them exists. The other missing details are the piping for the injectors between the Tender and loco. Molded silicone rubber could work and be flexible enough to go through curves. The draw bar is about 2 scale inches thick. The real one is about a foot. All in all the engine is nice and weathered looks very nice. It runs as reviewed by Dana. And yes I’m about 4 years late but it is being reissued in august and I hope people get a chance to see the real 765 in action this year.
Im getting in on this late in the game. Just got two PM versions. Havent taken them out the box yet. Have 3 Riva’s (poor examples for PM versions!) sitting on the shelf. From what I see the difference is night and day looks-wise.
Im still in the dark age of straight DC. These are my first DCC. I hope they can meet or exceed Riva’s performances which were very good, operation-wise.
The only other horse in the stable is the Proto PM Berkshire… how does it compare to Riva’s and Bachmans?
PM Railfan.