Does anyone have any comments on this loco? Is it a good runner? Does it have a good decoder? Is there any resemblance to a C&NW 2-8-0?
Many thanks,
I got one.
It’s a nice little engine. Don’t expect it to be a huge puller but it will do what it’s suppose to. I recommend it.
Magnus
These are superb running engines.
I have some of the older DC units(DCC Ready) and also some of the newer DCC on board as well.
My present layout is essentially two layouts in one, DCC and also DC. Both versions run well, have good pulling power as well as slow speed control.
I would recommend these engines to anyone. For the main part good quality, excellent detail and moderately priced.
There is however a disclaimer- Beware Bachmann’s “Quality Control”.
Most Bachmann engines are fine but there are a few duds as well. If you get a problem engine they will replace it for you, they have a lifetime limited warrantee.
Best if you have the opportunity to first run the engine before buying. Some LHS will replace a defective unit, others like mine will only give a credit at best.
I do not like the whistle sound at all,and my 2-8-0 had a bad draw bar that was raising the front tender wheels off the rail.
Ron,
Draw bar adjustments are common on this and many other Spectrum engines.
Bruce–
Did you get one with DCC, or with DCC and sound? I got one recently with DCC installed, and it runs fine, but it runs MUCH better when I replaced the Bachmann decoder with a TCS T1. IIRC, the Bachmann decoder is a Lenz value-line decoder, so you can’t adjust the speed curve or any of the run settings.
I think the Spectrum 2-8-0 is a terrific loco. I can’t tell you how accurate it is for the C&NW, but maybe Ray Breyer, aka Orsonroy, would know. Shoot him an email and see what he says.
Thanks for the replies. The one I am looking at has DCC but NO sound. I do not particulary like Lenz decoders so I may as well buy one that is DCC ready and install my own. I would like sound however, and would appreciate any suggestions as to which one to put in a 2-8-0.
I notice that the Spectrum has a belt drive. Are there any issues with that?
On Spectrum engines, it’s also pretty easy for the cab apron to get stuck below the lip of the tender deck when putting the engine on the track which raises the front of the tender up. Always be sure to push the apron all the way up when putting the engine on the track, then reach in (with a small screwdriver or something similar) to lower the apron so it sits on top of the tender deck.
The Spectrum 2-8-0 tender is a little light(even with a sound decoder/speaker installed). After adjusting the ‘wires’ between the cab and tender, I added some weight to the tender and now both of my 2-8-0’s track fine in reverse. The problem was worse when shoving a train backwards.
Jim Bernier
Unless you just want to do a sound install, running wires… soldering… making sure the speaker fits right etc. etc. MicroMark has a deal that’s hard to beat.
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=83811
As far as the quality of the engine, I and 3 of my friends have this engine and no one has had a really bad problem. I’ve had none at all, one person had to fiddle with the connecting wires that run between the loco and tender a little. Now it’s fine.
The engine I got from MicroMark had the Tsunami sound decoder in it and if you’ve never had one of those you’re in for a treat. From reading the specs on their website it looks like this one does also. The Tsunami comes with at least a couple of whistles built in and you select the one you want.
The little engine quickly became the favorite of the many dcc/sound engines I own. No great puller… that’s true… but mine will put a string of about 7 cars up a 3% grade without slippage. My BLI 2-6-6-4 will double that easily without a strain but it’s a much heavier engine and much more expensive. Hey, the prototypes weren’t the same either! [:D]
JaRRell
The Tsunami sound decoder in the Bachmann Spectrum engines is a special one just for Bachmann. IIRC, there is a limited number of ‘chuffs’ and whistle/bell sounds. The good news is that it is a Tsunami decoder and has excellent motor control. Much better than the old Soundtraxx B280LC decoder they sold before for this engine.
Jim
Bruce,
I have one with the factory sound and agree with the others that it is a great little engine and the sound is great too. Now that it is broken in it will literally crawl. The only thing is that you may need a programme track booster to set the address and CV’s. Until I get one I am stuck with the factory settings.
I got mine from Mico Mark and was happy with the service. Although I live in Winterpeg too I had mine delivered to a friend in the U.S. but I don’t think you’ll have a problem getting it shipped here although I understand the brokerage fee is considerably less if you get it shipped by U.S. Postal Service.
CN Charlie
Not that I’ve heard of. While mine are DC, I have seven of them and they’re all smooth runners and decent pullers. Of the 7, 4 are in service and have had a bit of weight added - a pair of them will easily handle a 100 oz. train on a curving 2.5% grade. If I could have only one loco, this would be it. [swg]
Wayne
I operate on 3 different layouts who’s owners regularly run the Consolidateds and they are all happy with them and they’ve operated dependably on up to a 3.7% grade (I can’t remember how many cars but at least six.)
On a similar note I was wondering if someone could tell me how the Spectrum Light and Heavy Mountains and the 2-6-6-2s behave?
Oh Yeah, everyone in the operations sessions likes the lifetime warantee and even though they have other brands they bought mostly Bachman Spectrums or at least bought them lst due to the warantee.
I have one of the Bachmann Light USRA Mountains, which I modified a bit using a photo of a NYC Hudson for inspiration. I modified it with a bit of extra weight, too, and it pulls well:
Wayne
Thanks. She looks beautiful! I’m trying to decide whether to get the Consolidated 2-8-0 or the light or heavy mountain for my lst loco. I’d really like to start with an articulated 2-6-6-2 but we’ll see. I should
have 24" to 28" radii (hopefully even 30"). Articulateds are a huge druther for me so I’d like to hear about how the 2-8-8-2 Spectrum shapes up. I know the 2-8-0 would likely be the most versatile but it may be a l-o-n-g time before I can afford another loco after buying this next one…
The 2-8-0 is really nicely detailed and very pleasing to look at. I wish I could get my buddies to run some articulateds on their layouts but they’re not into them like I am.
Can’t comment about the Spectrum 2-8-0, but can address the Bachmann 2-6-6-2. I have the C&O H-5 version (with Tsunami DCC Sound added) and it is very nicely executed. Good runner - especially at low speed which is typical for the prototype, handles grades well (I use it on a branch with 3.5% grades) and can go around 20 inch curves with no problems. It is well suited to the mine branch its operated on with its tight curves, steep grades, rough track, etc.
Charles
I also have one of the Bachmann 2-6-6-2s, which I bought used. It runs very nicely, although it has some tracking issues with the tender - electrical plugs/wires interfere with the drawbar. It could also use some more weight. I haven’t yet decided on how far to go with the re-build, but I’ll definitely cast a new boiler weight and get rid of the plugs and wires. I also intend to shorten the tender so that the loco will fit on a 90’ turntable, and I’ll probably redo all of the piping and boiler details, too. Right now, there are a lot of other locos ahead of it on the list of rebuilds to be done.
Wayne
This site has them, Buy it now. I have bought from him, though not a 2-8-0. He has good service.
Rich
Thanks. 20" radius no problem…I think I’m sold.
I didn’t realize that the 2-6-6-2 would be short enough to fit on a 90’ t.t. without the tender.
That’s good news too just in case I can’t fit the 130’. Thanks guys.