Never had experience with the Bachmann Spectrum line. Any good?
I’m looking specifically at this:
The description is here:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=256&PHPSESSID=61430ce73f177141be43fb27ae278959
The Spectrum is starting to enjoy an improved reputation. Bachmann made a number of upgrades to the appearance of the heavy compared to the light. My only criticism is the blue LED headlight . Check out the heavy (21 oz) in MR Oct 2004.Trainworld did carry the heavy for around $115.00. It’s a good performer for the buck. I’m DC.
Well,
I like the 4-8-2. But I had problems with both of mine. The front cow catch always snagged the railsheads on the curves. (Especially problematic on snap throw switches!) I sent the first back which was really bad. They sent me a new one which was better but still needed adjustment.
The wipers on the wheels are prone to being “off” on both I had. This is a common problem from what I read. They can easily be adjusted with needle nose pliers.
Surprisingly after this review I’m very pleased with mine. Their service department was very polite and expedient in handling my concerns. And after a little adjustment, I love how it runs.
My 2-6-6-2 is another sweet Iengine.
I’ve pulled 30 reefers with no issue on a flat surface with each…
ME TOO. Forgot I had to file down the cow catcher to eliminate the scraping.
Mine had a problem with its front truck, and kept derailing about ever other lap or so around my layout, and always in a different spot. I tried and tried to solve the problem by checking my tracks for anything that would have caused it, but finally gave up and sold it on ebay - and yes, I included that I was having a problem with it in the listing. Maybe I just got that one bad one in a thousand (?).
Tracklayer
I have one that I repainted into SooLine. I also had bother with the front truck but cured it by shaving a little plastic off behind the wheels and altering the back-to-back of the pony wheels
Jon
I have a light 4-8-2 and love it to bits. It’s quiet, smooth running and pulls a lot. #1 recommendation for an HO steamer.
OT-Wow nice photos! Is this part of your layout or is it a diorama? Whatever it is well done! Did I remember to say [wow]?
Jon
I have two of the J-2 C&O ones, there great runners and pullers. The only problem I had was one had a droppy pliot and had to be sent back to Bachmann.
I love my light 4-8-2, very smooth running and quiet - at least until I add sound to it !! I’ve found all the Spectrum steam engines to be good, any day now should have one of their new 2-10-2’s delivered !!
I have two of them. Bought one, very happy, bought another, still very happy. Great runner, great pulling power.
I have one and like it but it won’t pull much up my grades. I would like traction tire like the BLI.
love mine I have a red light in the cab
stoked
K
Thanks Jon.
Until last week that end of the layout looked like this
On January 1st, I ripped up some of the track and removed the 2 end buildings, to incorporate a 18" extension. It currently looks like this
Jon
PS - I’ll edit in a photo of my Spectrum light mountain when I take it later, so as not to seem to be hijacking the thread
I’ll add my voice to being very happy with my light Mountain. Good smooth runner and pulls well in comparison with other steamers I have for it’s size.
I’ve got two of the heavy mountains, and they’re great runners. They’re in storage now, waithing for their turn in the backshop to be converted into NYC L-1a’s
I love my Spectrum Heavy 4-8-2. It runs fantastic. Zero problems. I have one that’s lettered for the SP. It’s not an exact prototype SP 4-8-2 but that’s ok for me. The Vanderbilt tender sits a little high on the trucks probably so the trucks can swing clear on tight curves. My layout is modeled after a short line (1910-1920) that never saw anything larger than a light 2-8-0 on it rails. The Mountain doesn’t exactly fit in to the scheme of things but I plan to run it with some passenger cars once in awhile just for the fun of it. It’s a really good looking model as well. Bruce