The Bachmann 2-6-6-2 is a very detailed engine. It has excellent slow speed control even on DC. The 2-6-6-2 is not a large engine, just a bit bigger than the Mountains.
Oh, thanks Don7. I was thinking they were in the neighborhood of Challenger size…
Are Alleghenies larger or the same? I’ve only been able to see the Spectrum 2-6-6-2s online and not in the shops so far.
By the way Don in case you haven’t seen it elsewhere, the dividing wall in my future train room, I PMed you about, just got removed yesterday.
I have two of the Bachman 2-8-0 DCC and Sound equipped. They are good, smooth running locomotives. I have DC with power packss equipped with momentum switches and they take off really slow and smooth. Like another gentleman said he had a little trouble with the draw bar lifting the lead tender truck off the track., that is easily rectified by relocating the pick up wires slightly. I have listened to recording of s similar protype lco and fine the sound to be pretty acutate. I believe Bachman has really come a long way. I also have an Bachmann SP, GS-4 that is DCC that I has sound installed and ir is also a great running loco.
With the tender shortened to the same length as the one shown in my picture of the 2-8-0, the 2-6-6-2 will fit on a 90’ turntable. I plan on running it with an auxiliary water tender that can be easily uncoupled, should the loco require turning.
Wayne
Does the removal of the wall mean it is back to the drawing board for your layout or did you plan the layout with the removal in mind? I am still debating with myself as to a few changes in my layout. Want to add a short line for either a mine or logging camp for my Shay.
The Challenger and the Alleghenies are significantly larger than the Bachmann 2-6-6-2. Another 2-6-6-2 to consider would be the re-released Mantua’s 2-6-6-2’s with the tender. The feedback on them has been quite good. They too are a small mallet.
http://store.modelpower.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=107
By the way, I just picked up another 2-8-0 from of all vendors the Favorite Spot on e-bay. The current final bids seem to be around the mid $50’s for the 2-8-0 and around $60.00 for the 4-4-0’s.
I have two of the Bachmann 2-8-0s both with DCC and sound. Both run flawlessly and will even work well on a couple of 15" radius turns I have. Here is one:
This is the new Bachmann Shay with DCC and sound.
I have two Spectrum 2-8-0’s, one with DCC and Sound (Tsunami decoder) and one with the Bachmann DCC decoder. The DCC with sound is a very smooth loco that pulls very well for a small loco. The other runs OK, but the motor control of the loco with the Bachmann decoder leaves something to be desired, the contol over the speed range is uneven. Using 28 speed steps, the loco accelerates very slowly up to about step 14, going maybe 20% of top speed, then jumps and accelerates quickly up to step 28. Also, it draws about 1/4 amp up to step 14 then drops to about 1/20 amp at higher speeds. The decoder has minimal CV’s to the control the slow speed operation.
I have a friend who has replaced the decoder in one of his loco’s with a TCS t-1 and reports much smoother operation. I plan on doing the same or if I feel rich I’ll put a Tsumani in it.
While I’m new to the hobby, I have a couple of these, and while I thought they ran great out of a the box, recently converting one to a Tsunami sound decoder made and incredable difference in it’s operations.
Both of mine had the drawbar issue; the quick and two second fix is to revese the drawbar, so the larger hole that gets screwed into the loco fits over the tender pin. Works like a charm, and allows the tender to sit properly, no extra weight needed.
For pulling power, mine handle 8 cars up a 4 percent grade (22" radius). they may even pull more, but I currently have more loco’s than rolling stock…[(-D]
I did not know that the 2-8-0’s were capable of handling curves that small. Does the Shay handle a 15" curve as well?
Nice engines, especially the Shay.
It appears your layout is well underway. Nice weathering , looks good.
Thanks Don7. It’s still the same layout track plan (basically) I’ve settled on a “derivative” version of the Wabeek and Sunmount. I should have a “scale sketch” in another week or two. My local “guru” is incorporating a lift/swing gate into it’s extended length. We’ll see how it goes.
Thanks Wayne. Have you ever posted anything about your tender shortening procedures? It must take a
bit of steely nerve to saw through such an expensive bit of plastic!
Thanks for the 2-8-0’s grade climbing pulling ability info. I may have a similar grade so that’s good to hear.
Margarita man, I too would like to echo about the nice weathering job and your Pumpkin building looks great too!
Don, what decoders are you planning on using with the Mantuas? Have the new Mantuas been getting good reviews? I’ve heard mixed things and don’t know what the scoop is currently. PM if you’d rather.
I DID send you a scanned copy of the Warbeek and Sunmount right? If not, let me know.
Blind Bruce, thanks for your indulgence. Do you think you’ll get a Spectrum 2-8-0 now?
Thanks. While the 2-8-0s perform well on the 15" curves, the Shay barely handles the 18". It still is in need of some more run in and the front truck is still stiff. I’m sure it will loosen up some, but it will never be able to negotiate those 15"ers.
About the only tender work that I have any photos or comment on can be found HERE or HERE .Neither cover shortening the tender, but both show tender modifications, including open coal bunkers and, in the latter one, a revised side-sheet arrangement. All of the four Consolidations in service have had the Bachmann tender shortened by about 3’6". I used a razor saw to remove a section near the rear of the coal bunker, and cut the floor at a different point so that the joints would be staggered. A little careful work with a file and some sandpaper, then the sections were cemented back together with lacquer thinner. I braced the inside of the joints with sheet styrene, then used an X-Acto and a razor saw to open up the coal bunker, building bracing and new slopesheets from styrene strip and sheet material. I re-installed the circuit boards in these, even though I run DC, but the 2-6-6-2 will be re-done without the circuit board, as will a pair of Bachmann Ten Wheelers that I’m modernising with piston valves and other changes. I’m not too shy about modifying tenders or locos, whether they’re plastic, die cast, or brass. Incidently, that 2nd link is to photos of the re-building of a brass loco (and a Bachmann tender), but if you’re on dial-up, don’t even go there - lots of photos. [swg]
Wayne
Anyone have any experience with the Bachman 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain?
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1893
How will it do on 22" radius, and #4 turnouts? My layout has a 2.5% grade. I am not planning any long trains.
Change of subject.
The Heavy Mountain runs well enough on the 22" track, track must be well laid as this engine is somewhat unforgiving of imperfections. This engine pulls well so the grade is no problem.
Stay away from the #4 turnouts, recommend #6.
If you have a dedicate yard engine such as an 0-6-0 you could still get away with using the #4’s in the yard area as there would be no need for the Mountain to enter the yard.
Thanks Wayne for those links. I often forget that I have the zealot site in my bookmarks/favorites. I should go there more often.
Don7 I meant to ask, is the 2-6-6-2 going to be able to go through #4s in the yard ok? I wouldn’t ordinarily
run then there much if at all, but if that does end up being my lst and only loco for now…
I am very attracted to the Mountains as my second choice but I’m glad to see the #4 turn outs question
raised and answered here already.
If I had any sense I’d start with the Consolidation 2-8-0 but we’ll see…
How close is the Bachman Tsunami system to the regular system in sound quality? Is there a vast
(cheaper sound) difference? I sure wish the cost of decoders would start coming down more than they have.
The 2-6-6-2 does not, I repeat, run well through #4 switches. Same for the Mountain engines as well. Mainline engines only, stay out of the yard if you have #4 switches.
If the engine you want is expected to do yard work go with the Spectrum 2-8-0 it tolerates the #4 switches.
I’m seriously considering one also.
Hhhmmm this is a belt/flywheel drive.
Does anyone know if the belt dries out like the old rubberband drives did???
Thanks Don. That’s what I figured. Denial is a wonderful thing though…
Was derailing or shorting the major issue. Both, I’m guessing?
Did you receive the PM with the plan copy ok now?
Derailing only was the major issue with the #4 switches. I did successfully download the plan, had a quick look just a while ago. The plan has two #4 switches that both could be changed without a major problem. That would eliminate that problem.
I am impressed with your plan selection, looks like a great plan, you have both main line running and extensive switching.
A130’ Turntable should be 18". Can’t fit inside a 20 r curve? - try a 120’ (16.5") You would rather unhook a tender, & Lose power?