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Bachmann Spectrum 44-tonner in N scale diesel locomotive
Hi, Dana. Thanks for that review. I especially appreciated the comment on the replacement couplers from Micro-Trains, since my ONLY quarrel with this model is the couplers. Bachmann hit it out of the park with this one, with the exception of the dummy (non-magnetic) couplers. Very responsive in DCC on our layout as well. Due to the speed control issue, several of us toyed with replacing the decoder, but relented and just set up maximum speed rules for the loco. Making room for another (“better”)decoder seemed to be too problematic. I still give it a “5”, in spite of the couplers and decoder issues. It’s that good…
I have three of these and all run flawlessly. While I agree that most of the measurements are a good match to the drawings in “Model Railroader Cyclopedia, Vol. 2: Diesel Locomotives”, I am somewhat surprised that the discrepancy in the width of the hoods was not noted: 5’-6" on the model compared to 4’-5" or 4’-6" on the drawing (i.e. over 20% too wide). One of my three will be kitbashed into a GE 65 Ton locomotive and, after I replaced the Bachmann DCC decoder with a narrow constant width one to get rid of the lateral extensions into the cener cab, the mechanisms of the other two are providing power for a pair of GE 70 Ton resin shells from Randy Gustafson.
I recently bought one of these units the review is spot on. The detail is great and the unit runs well. One thing the review misses is the two different versions of headlight insert which you can install in the headlight hole. Bachmann is definitely making better quality models.
No room for even an engineer figure?! I guess that means no sound either…lol
Two of us in our club have these, Bachmann have fitted operating magnetic knuckle couplers to the second run, whereas the first run model we have had overly large Dummy Knuckle couplers and has been fitted with Atlas couplers taken from Trainman Hoppers, these are a direct fit, but you must be careful not to overtighten the mounting screws.
We have found the models operate best on 128 speed steps for DCC (we use an NCE system), on DC the locomotives run very smoothly while on DCC, as mentioned in the review, they are a bit jerky innitially. (We have noted that from speed step 1 to 10 (on 128 setting) that speed does not appear to change, from 10 on it increases.
We feel the pickups could be a source of irregular running, as they rely solely on the weight of the locomotive (which is not much) resting on tabs on the trucks, we found that very careful adjustment of these pickups is important if your loco suffers from any hesitation.
The detail and finish on these models is astounding, the handrails being extremely fine while still seeming to be quite durable.
This is such a tiny model, don’t ask too much of it (just as the prototype) it has limitations, but fills an important void in the small switcher class in N scale.
Maintaining clean wheels and track along with keeping on eye on the pickups will ensure smooth trouble free running.
Ted (Teditor) Freeman
Secretary - Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc.
Toowoomba, QLD, Australia.
Thank you, I’ve been waiting for a reveiw on this model. It looks real good and I’m surprised at the number of cars it will pull for an engine that is so small.
I intend To use the 44-ton switcher as a yardswitcher in DC
(for now),But I lit-up like Xmas tree when I got my first two,
love’m.
A few years ago I watched the very last 44-tonner GE made (for the Danville & Mt. Morris) struggling to pull just three cars for the Bay Colony Railroad on a very slight grade next to the prison at West Concord, Massachusetts. The Bachmann model obviously pulls much better than that!
I’ve hoped Bachmann would bring out an N scale version of this loco for a long time; I had one on order when it was announced, and my experience with my unit matches Dana’s description (same paint scheme, too.)
Very handsome model, I have one and perform very well in DCC mode.
Veré si llega a mi país y la probaremos. Seria ideal contar con algunas para mi circuito que es bastante compacto y las 6 pulgadas de radio del test me ilusiona para usarla. Mario.
Dana,
Could you please explain how you converted this unit with Micro-Trains 1015’s. I must have a first run as I see no easy way of doing it. A local Hobby Store owner said he had to grind the frame to do it.
Thanks,
BDS
Hello everyone,
A note regarding installing MT couplers on this locomotive: This was supposed to be edited out of the final review, but I missed it. Although the 1015 couplers were suggested to me, when I tried to install them I found it could be done but definitely isn’t easy and does require grinding the frame. I’ll remove the statement from the review online and we’ll have a correction next month in the magazine. I apologize for the mistake.
Sincerely,
Dana Kawala
Associate Editor
I got one of these today and planned on converting it to HOn30 for use on my Narrow gauge layout. One of my smaller layouts has a curve with a radius of about six inches, and this locomotive derails on it, even with the body removed. The Atlas MP-15 and the H15-44 Chassis locomotives do not. I am some what disappointed with this as I hoped the small size would make a great light rail switcher . I guess I’ll have to relegate it to either my Point-to-point layout or keep it out of tight spots.
It does look great and run great other than that.
the united run will for me. I think the unit do’s for me will i ask of it. run it and have fun.
I received mine at the W/E from a well know supplier in Denver. It came with a note about running it for a few minutes each way. After that was done it did run better on both DC and DCC. I used 128 steps. The coupling which looks rather oversize works Ok on Atlas and Microtrains. It is without a doubt, in my opinion, way better that previous locos from Bachmann. I have no complaints. It pulls 2 loaded gons, two trainman hoppers and two box vans on the flat bits of my layout without problems. I guess that is the sort of load the real thing would be expected to handle. It is destined to be the yard switcher in my Naval Base.
Just one question: I couldn’t change the address on both of my GE 44’s, and a friend of mine couldn’t change his models either. We are using Digitrax systems. My friend is using it in conjunction with JMRI and a locobuffer. What are we doing wrong?
Otherwise a nice model, good runner.
its defiantly a light swicher. it can pull cars but not much if you dont have super super free rolling car wheals you will only be able to pull maby 6 cars and 2 or 3 cars if it is up a 1 persent grade. the loco needs to be heavier i belive that the drawbar pull will go up substantly but there is little place to put the weight never the less it can still find a home on any laout
I have 2 of these locos and after a couple of hours running them in both directions, they are still quite jerky and need to run them at higher speeds than prototypical to stop them stalling. Even on very clean straight track, they both have a hard time maintaining constant speed. Will run them more and post if the performance improves, but right now, I`m quite dissapointed. nice to read the good rviews above though!