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Bachmann Spectrum HO scale class H-4 Mallet
To MR, Have you ever reviewed a loco that you did not like or find some faults with?? I have had many problems with Bachman Spectrum steam locomotives.
The Cass “showcase” has an origional H-5 model (DC analog) that ran for five years and hundreds of real miles before the motor quit. After replacing the motor two weeks ago, I expect to get many more years of service from it. While the new locomotive no doubt has as much detail as the older model, its a real disappointment that Bachmann has compromised a fine running model in DC analog, by trying to make the new model DC and DCC together. I understand that the trend is going to move to DCC, but their are still more modelers that run analog than the manufacturers want to believe and are quite satisfied. It is refreshing to see that the locomotive is available without sound. While my statement will be met with a lot of boo’s & jeers, for those that run DC analog those people will truly appreciate not having the sound of the locomotive accelerating and no movement of the model. The revised model of the H-5 had these characteristics in DC analog, among other sound issues. When the showcase has a reason in the future to purchase one of the new H-4’s, I certainly hope that it won’t require the rheostat to be turned up to 3/4 just to get the model to move. This only gives an operator 1/4 of the rheostats range, in which to control the locomotive. That’s what you get when you try to compromise.
I have several Bachman Spectrum steam locomotives, and have run them for many hours, and have yet to have a problum with thair performance. The sound does not compair with the higher priced MTH locomotives that I run on my layout, however the performance and dependability do.
The dimensional discrepancies between the model and its prototype indeed concern this C&O steam fan, and this was my fear from the moment I learned Bachmann was planning the H-4. I had suspected from the beginning that this would be nothing more than a redetailed 2-6-6-2 of USRA origin. Not only are the domes spaced incorrectly, they are not correct in size and shape. The USRA firebox is not correct for the H-4, and the boiler sits too high off the rails…I could go on, as there are many more discrepancies. But in sum, the Bachmann model just does not capture the look of the H-4.
Bachmann has a bad habit of doing this. They did the same thing when they placed the AT&SF 4-8-4 boiler and cab on a 2-10-4 mechanism. What they end up producing however, is a Frankenstein’s monster, a totally incorrect locomotive.
In Bachmann’s defense…they did a nice job on the 12-VC tender.
I wonder how these match up with the N&W A class 2-6-6-2 Mallet locomotives? Larger, smaller, more pulling power?
Nice model…but when will someone make a decent WP Mallet???
F-units, F-units, F-units…alright already…we get it…WP used a lot of Fs…they did have REAL locomotives before 1940 ya know…
Bachman has been good about replacing the defective engines I have had over the past couple of years. The larger heavy Spectrum models have been more reliable than the smaller decopods etc. They tend to be nice runners for the money but they don’t perform like the MTH or BLI products in my experience. I do like their steam engines but Bachman needs to work on their quality control system to improve their reputation. This 2-6-6-2 looks very nice for the indiscriminant modeler and I am sure it runs just as smooth. The Soundtraxx DCC system is a welcome improvement but I would also like to see one tender connecter instead of two, better headlights and working marker lights. The list price suggests Bachman should start looking at these detail options on future runs to keep pace with other manufacturers. All in all, I like this model but the price seems a bit high for the feature set offered in my opinion.
I bought the undecorated for my freelance RR
So it is dead on accurate for my line
Only wish it came with whitewalls
Great runner so far
I Learned a long time ago that if you wanted a good steam engine get Mantua or Rivarossi if you wanted something for the kids to play with give them a Bachman
I wonder about some of the comments regarding reliability,out of the box.My model had a bind in the valve gear on the front engine. It took a while to find it and about 30 sec. to fix it and it runs like a swiss watch. I must be lucky as I have never had a faulty Bachmann but I have had to repair three faulty steamers from BLI brand new and more expensive too.My only criticism of Bachmann steam is their lack of pulling power.
Shame on Bachmann for trying to pass any ol’ thing off as a C&O H-4 Mallet.
This shows me that they are interested in making toys instead of fine scale models. There is nothing wrong with that, but just don’t try and demand high-end prices for a low-end product.
I have several spectrum steam models. They have been running a number of years without problems. I don’t know whether its the luck of the draw or not. In addition I also have BLI steam, and while they are great with sound etc. I have had some problems never seen in Spectrum.
Keep up the great work
I’m not going to rate this for two (2) reasons: 1 the min. raidist is not given. 2 I bought a pannsy K-7 in year 2001 It ran fine until April of this year, and then it started to slow down from normal speed and then stop. I sent it in for repair, and recieved a consolidation in the wrong road name, and the engines body separates from the frame. I’m not sending it back because I am showing other modelers t6he service they would get from Bachmann. Sorry Backmann but you did to yourself.
I recently purchased this locomotive. I am totally pleased with appearance, workmanship, and sound. I also own 4 Bachmann 2-6-6-2 C&O H-5 locos, 3 sound, 1 DCC w’o sound. I am happy with all.
For steam, Bachmann is a winner: decent steam products at a reasonable price. Diesel is another topic.
My 1st H-4 had to be sent back because of a plug wire that was not soldered and was hanging loose,on recieving my 2nd H-4 found it to be a faultless operating machine and couldn’t be happier.
As to Bachmann demanding high-end prices $259 with free shipping for a DCC Sound equipted articticulated seems awfully reasonable to my pocketbook.
While the B’mann EOM Tsunami is not near up to the performance of the full blown Soundtraxx TSU1000 hey for the money invested its still a bargain.
I have had a number of Bachmann engines over the years. Their service is top notch. I sent in a 20+ year-old engine when the motor started to go and they replaced it with a brand new engine for the $15 dollar service fee (limited lifetime warranty). Not bad. No other manufacturer offers that kind of service.
Recently, I returned a K4 Pacific 4-6-2 under full warranty because of faulty wiring (it basically fried itself on the inside). BUT I’ve been waiting for 8 weeks now for my replacement since Bachmann is waiting for a “redesigned” batch of K4s to arrive from Hong Kong.
This looks like an excellent model, but I’m looking for an 0-6-6-0 for my back-woods freelance logging railway. Does any one have an idea who makes any? Or how to do a conversion?
I have another question about Bachmann. How good is their quality? I had an older CN 2-8-0 from Bachmann, and the motor works, but the drive rods go all crazy, and it goes no where. After that experience, along with another older Bachmann that doesn’t work, should or should I not buy Bachmann?
I switched tenders on the H4 and H5 and it burned out the LED headlights in both. Don’t do it. Bachmann sent 2 replacements and I have replaced one but access isn’t easy.
I wasn’t satisfied with DC operation of the DCC H4. The DC H5 non DCC locos run like brass, extremely well. I wanted a Vanderbilt tender for the H5 and didn’t realize they had changed the polarity. Why?