Bachmann loco questions

Garden Railroading
1

I’m curious about a couple of the Bachmann locos – the 4-6-0 “Anniversary” models and the 2-6-0 mining moguls. Are these pretty good quality, reliable locos? The “anni” sounds especially nice for the price. Would they run ok on 5’ diameter loops? Could they be used with DCC or Aristo’s “onboard train engineer” systems?

Also, I’ve seen some Spectrum center-cab diesel switchers that look really nice – detailed interior, two motors, twin smoke units, working doors and windows, etc. Is this a good loco, and is it the same as the 45 ton GE diesel that Bachmann currently sells?

2

The only “Spectrum” (Bachmann name) center cabs ARE the 45-tonners.

Yes, they will work, but be advised, get the engine BEFORE you start construction!
They are quite wide, and need more clearance than small locos.

The 2-6-0 Industrial is a good loco. But it is VERY light.
Grades are not its strong point.
It can be easliy weighted.

The 4-6-0 uses an absolute minimum of 4’ diameter, doesn’t really like it, but does it, so 5’ should be better.

All can be converted. The 4-6-0 is NOT dcc ready.

TOC

3

I like my 4-6-0 very much. It’s smooth, powerful and reliable, not to mention very nicely detailed. I mounted an Aristo receiver and some batteries in the tender.

4

Thanks. How difficult is it to convert a loco to DCC or other similar system? Can the existing sound unit be used with DCC?

Also, I’ve been looking at the USA Trains NW-2. Looks like a nice short diesel – would it run ok on 5’ diameter curves?

I wi***he dealers would include the minimum recommended curves in the specs for locos!

5

What sound?
Factory noisemakers?
Probably.

dcc…let’s ee.
A quick beginner’s course:

2 wires to motor.
2 wires to track.
2 wires to headlight.
2 wires to backup light.

It is a tad more complex than that, and this is outdoors?
What part of the country?

Might want to re-think it.

TOC

6

I’m in San Diego. For now I’ll just be using basic track power, but eventually I’d like to switch to something like DCC so that I could run more than one loco on the same track, for double-heading, etc.

If the manufacturer says a loco is “DCC ready”, does that mean it can only run on DCC?

7

Nope! That usually means there’s a connector inside to plug your DCC deal into and go.

8

These double head all day long with no problem on TE controled track power,
the B&O has an LGB sound unit fitted.

Kim