A loco i have been wanting for some time is an HO Pennsy 2-8-0 and I only ever really considered Bachmann Spectrum. I see i can buy a new Bachmann Spectrum with Tsunami sound for just under $250.
Are there better options?
I have a Spectrum 4-6-2 Pacific and it runs flawless and i added WOW sound to it years ago.
As i understand Athearn Gensis offers a steam 2-8-0, not sure if in PRR. I know nothing about Athearn steam locos.
Are these Bchmann locos the same Spectrum from 20 years ago with hit and miss quality? Or a new release from Bachmann.
Appreciate any guidance.
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It’s my understanding that the Bachmann line, for the most part, kept the Spectrum drives but the detailing was simplified when the Spectrum line was rolled back into the standard Bachmann line, but apparently that’s not an absolute.
I have several Spectrums - a couple of Ten-Wheelers and a Consolidation, and they’re all excellent. I got a standard Bachmann Mogul a couple years ago, and it doesn’t run anywhere near as well as the Spectrums did.
Is the Pennsy Spectrum for $250 on ebay? Read the description and look at the photos real close. I’ve generally had good luck buying locos on ebay, but there were a couple times I got singed pretty good (haven’t really been burned yet, though).
I’m not a fan of Genesis steam at all. Had a bad experience with a Genesis Pacific that was made about 20 years ago. Basically it was junk. The Mikados they made in that same time frame are considered by many to be in that same category. Left a bad taste in my mouth, and I haven’t tried a Genesis ever since.
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Ok thanks. No it is not on ebay, it is shown on Model Train Stuff website.
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Except the Bachmann PRR 2-8-0 is not a PRR engine, no Belpaire Firebox, the only ones with the correct firebox are BLI,MTH and Brass.
Rick Jesionowski
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Rick, thanks for bringing that detail to my attention, i completely over looked it.
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You might want to check out the BLI model, which is closer to the Pennsy prototype. I have a friend who has one, and it is very nicely detailed with better lighting details than the Bachmann. Shop around, prices will vary!
The Athearn model is an old-time 2-8-0. A good runner, but more spartan and not prototype-specific.
My Spectrum 2-8-0 is an excellent runner, an excellent value for the price I paid for it.
Simon
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Thanks for the suggestions.
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To be clear about a couple things:
The Bachmann/Spectrum 2-8-0 has never changed in its design or quality even though it is no longer called “Spectrum” and does not come in an expensive large box.
Newer regular line Bachmann locos, specifically the NKP/C&O/PM 2-8-4, USRA 2-8-2, USRA 4-6-2, NYC 4-6-4, 2-6-0, and improved versions of the GS-4, PRR K4 and 4-8-4 Niagara all have drives similar in design and quality to earlier Spectrum models. And while the detail is good, it is not at the level of older Spectrum models like the USRA Mountains, 2-10-2, 2-6-6-2, etc.
The regular line NKP/C&O/PM 2-8-4 actually has more road specific correct details than the much more expensive MTH models. It does need a little weight which is easily added, as are a few simple detail additions line tender grab rails.
Not sure what would be the issue with the Bachmann Mogul, I have known several modelers who are very happy with them, I’ve seen theirs run, looked good to me.
Athearn Steam - First thing to understand - those 2-8-2’s and 4-6-2’s were made for Athearn by brass manufacturer Samhongsa who was about to go out of business and did shortly thereafter. This put Athearn in a really tough spot in trying to service these two poorly designed and built locomotives. All other recent steam from Athearn, small selection that it is, enjoys a generally good reputation for performance and quality.
Not being a west coast modeler, and not being a collector of model trains that do not fit my layout scheme, I have not owned any of the more current Athearn steam, just going by what friends and others have shared.
Sheldon
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Genesis does not offer a 2-8-0, Athearn offers in their regular line an old time 2-8-0 which is an upgrade of the old Model Die Casting model.
Sheldon
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About 5 years ago (maybe a bit more), Bachmann introduced a re-tooled 2-6-0. I have two, with DCC sound, and they are great little engines. The older 2-6-0s where variants of the 0-6-0, 2-6-2 and 2-6-0 family that shared the same boiler and mechanism. There were a few generations of these. The latest ones are decent runners.
Simon
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A quick review of my Bachmann catalogs show that:
The “new” Alco 2-6-0 from Bachmann was introduced in 2012, and the old model that shared the 0-6-0/2-6-2 drive and boiler was discontinued at that time.
The improved GS4, Niagara, and the introduction of the NKP/C&O/PM 2-8-4 goes back to 2008. And the transfer of the 2-8-0 to the regular line was done in 2010.
Time sure does fly by…
Sheldon
Thanks for checking Sheldon. Time does fly!
Simon
Thanks again.
When I was just starting back into model railroading as an adult hobby pastime I looked at Bachmann On30 as a possibility. I was ultimately disappointed in everything about the line of products. The overall quality was off, and they looked a bit too toylike for anything I would be happy with.
Deciding instead to move forward with Proto:48n3 as my scale of choice instead of On30 was a very good decision.
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I saw some of the newest Bachman HO and On30 Engines and they have much more and cleaner details then any of their early stuff.
I saw a few Engines I wouldn’t mind owning the only trouble is I only run HOn3 Colorado Mountain RR. Bachman just hasn’t got into the HO narrow Gauge business.
Dan
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