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Bachmann N scale General Electric 44 Tonner w/DCC
It is an engine not available in N-scale before, and therefor it is better than not having one…it runs well, pushes a couple of cars, and it looks just about right…what higher praise…
OOP’s almost forgot to rate the product! RWB
I purchased two of these critters! The red one ran very well, but the yellow one derailed or stalled on my Atlas code 55 track. I sent it to Bachmann in Philadelphia and they replaced the mechanism. After 7 weeks, I receive the yellow critter back and it runs as nice or maybe a tad better than the red one. They also included a tube and applicator of Bachmann EZ Lube…nice touch!!! I plan on purchasing two more of these before they are sold out. Now lets all wish for the GE70Tonner!!! RWB
I added one of these little gems to my layout to use as an industrial switcher. The only problem I am having is it will balk on a crossing that is controlled by an AR1.
Anybody set up the 44 tonner for DCC? Would like to know the CV values you used to program the little beast.
Bachmann knocked it out of the park with this one, with the exception of the dummy (non-operational) couplers. It’s possible that they just didn’t have enough room for those, because there isn’t even room to substitute a Z scale coupler in the box without major surgery. That’s something I am reluctant to undertake. So far, I just use a manual uncoupling pick when I absolutely need to disconnect the loco from a car. Now if I could just fit a sound module in it… LOL!
I bought mine, a red one, DCC, from H.B.Peteson, for considerably under $100, at the All-N-Scale show in Bedford, PA this past wkend (Aug 28-30th), and it runs great - pulled 7-8 cars around our 8’ x 20’ (Twin Tiers) NTRAK layout several hours both days. DCC worked fine out of the box; reprogrammed the loco # with no problem. I’ll probably get a NH one as soon as I can (if they’re not sold out). Has anyone thought about how to put in sound?
Forgot to rate it - here it is. DB
I’ve bought two of these, and they are great. I only wish Bachmann had provided dual headlights like they show in the photos as well as the single lense option.
I can only agree. On my n-trak module which is mostly flat it works fine. However I tried to disassemble it. Some of the handrails came off really fine, while others were rather hard. In fact, one was so hard, it stretched and tore off, with the remaining bit in the hole! As the old saying goes: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Now I have to think about another way, how to re-paint it.
My 44 tonner pulled 12 weighted 2 bay hoppers on the level. dropped to 9 cars on a 1% grade and 3 on a 4%. Detail is wonderful; handrails are the finest I have seen; measured at .015
Coupler lift bar actually rotates. I repainted to the NYOW grey, yellow and red scheme. Great addition to my New York, Oswego and Western.
I purchased one of these fine units while on vacation in Oregon the shop tested it and the wife fell in love with it.
This has to be one of the best units ever offered by Bachmann!!!
The only issue that I have with it is the couplers!!!
I got a good deal on my GE44 at the Oaks, PA train show. The dummy coupler is a problem. It makes me wonder why Bachmann didn’t take the time to provide a functioning coupler on this first run before rushing it to production? Guess the figure if you make it they’ll buy it!
I PURCHASED ONE FOR MY S.C.UM LINES(SHUNK, COLLEY, AND UPPER MEHOOPANY) REPAINTED IT BUT HAVEN’T YET RUN IT. WONDERED IF ITS POSSIBLE TO CONVERT THE COUPLERS, THE ONLY DRAWBACK THAT I CAN SEE. MY DCC STARTER SET( MRC ADVANCE2 ) IS ON THE WAY.
Love it. Why didn’t they set it up with operating couplers, it is a switch engine after all. Now if Athearn would only offer a CF-7.
I love this 44 from Bachman. Bought it at MB Klein where they still have for 59,99
Has anyone out there successfully converted the dummy couplers on this engine to Micro Train/Kadee couplers? If so, which coupler kit did you use and how difficult was the conversion?
A switcher that doesn’t couple ? I’ll wait until it is capable of
moving freight and passenger equipment . I’m not able to rate
it until I have personally worked with it .
I contacted Micro-Trains (Kadee) and they said that their N scale coupler model #1015 will be able to be body mounted on this switcher.