I recently saw a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, and was impressed with the detail and look of the engine…but how good are these? Does anyone have one? What are the pros/cons of these engines, and how do they compare to BLI or Proto?
Also, what does Spectrum mean? Is it DCC equipped already?
Thanks for anyone’s answers…
I have the Northern, DCC and the Climax, DC. They run fine and look as nice as my BLI though the good detail is in different places. They are amost as nice as my old brass and run better. Spectrum is the name of the high grade Bachman and sure looks better . I have no cheap Bachman. DCC equiped is only of value if you intend to go DCC. For now my DCC Northern runs well on DC.
WARNING. The priceing seems a little weird. There are things availible for less than 50% of list, so this is one thing you may not what to buy from your LHS.
I couldn’t agree with Art more. THe Spectrum steamers have the quality and detail of some brass units, at a fraction of the cost. Go get one.
Early on in my return to MRR I purchased some of the low end Bachmann stuff. It was awful and ended up being used for air brush practice. As a result of this, I did not go near any Bachmann product for a long time. Last summer I got a look at a Spectrum Climax running on a display layout at a train show and was very impressed. The bug bit and I am now the proud owner of an HO 3 truck shay in which I have installed a Soundraxx decoder. I am really impressed with this Spectrum steamer and would not hesitate to purchase another from the Spectrum line. It is a shame I had such a bad initial experience as I could have been a Bachmann customer years earlier!
I won’t buy another one. It’s a 4-6-0. Did a strange side to side motion as it went down the tracks and buzzed worse than a transformer ready to go. Cool looking steamer. Just didn’t run that good. BLI or Proto? Can’t say much about them/
While I do not have a Spectrum Connie, I do have a spectrum 2-6-6-2 and a Mountain. They are by far my best running locos. Beautifully detailed, and good pullers. I will buy more I am sure!
I’ve got 2 of the 2-8-0’s like you want, these are great running and looking loco’s, I could not be happier with them, am in the market to pick up a climax soon. I like the Spectrum line and think its a good product.
i have a Spectrum 2-8-0 i got as a X-mas present in 1998 and it hasn’t worked since day 1(didn’t really get into model rring until this fall) the wires that you have to connect to the tender were broke since day 1 - a few weeks ago i took it to the LHS to have it fixed and after that it still didn’t work- so instead of taking it back to the LHS i took it to the guy that fixes stuff for the LHS and hopefully it’ll be fixed in a couple weeks- i really like the detail on the 2-8-0- when she’s fixed she’ll pull a daily passenger train
True…Bachmann doesn’t make a bad anything…but they get the buck for it.
I have 2 Spectrum 2-8-0’s from the original run - they’re fine. I must’ve liked them 'cause I just bought 2 that are DCC equipped. They only came out about a month or two ago. There are PNP units from Soundtraxx that will be going into the first ones that I bought. So to answer your question, you can buy them with or without DCC units in them.
i have the spectrum 4-6-0 and 3 truck shay . both are great looking locos and run very nicely . i bought both off ebay for a lot less than my LHS is selling them for . at some time in the future i’ll probably buy one of the 2-8-0s
bachmann originally sold the 2-8-0 as DCC ready (all you had to do was plug in a decoder) Soundtraxx makes a sound decoder specifically for this loco , with the speaker right on the decoder board , very easy install . bachmann has recently started selling these with a decoder already installed (i’ve read it’s an inexpensive lenz decoder) , that may explain Arthill’s comment about pricing . some are DCC ready some are DCC equiped
either way it’s a fine loco
I don’t know about Spectrum diesels, but the steam engines are great. I’ve got five of the Consolidations, a pair of ten-wheelers, and a light Mountain, with two 2-10-2s on order. While the 4-6-0s are being modernized, the other six are hard at work on my layout. All of them run well and are great pullers, as I expect will be the case with the 2-10-2s. And check around for prices: my dealer is selling them for less than you’ll find on the internet.
Wayne
I have two now. A PRR K4 that actually belongs to my grandson and a N&W J 4-8-4 #611, that will be his Christmas present from Santa. I put Soundtraxx DSD-100LC decoders in both of them. They are well detailed and run nicely. The K4 has been on the layout almost continuously since it was purchased in July and has had its wheels run off. No problems. Bachmann makes good stuff. As to pricing, NEVER pay manufacturer’s retail. Even my LHS discounts the Spectrum line of steamers by 25-40%.
Buy one, you will like it!
I probably got a dud then. How would you fix the hospital wobble. or the buzzz? It is a detailed locomotive. I want to model it like the Mobile and Gulf’s No. 97. Heck Id like to model that whole operation.
I only have Spectrum diesels so far, but I like them all. They’re very smooth runners, they’re quiet and they’re well detailed.[:D] I have another one on my Christmas list that I’m really hoping I’ll get.[:D]
If the 2-8-0s are as good as I hear, I might just have to buy one. Then I might even review it for other people who are interested in them.[:D][:D]
i heard the 2-8-0’s have the motor in the boiler and use a belt to transfer power to the wheels-----would the belt slip? if it breaks, can i order a new one from Bachmann? could i replace it myself or just leave it to the repair guy? (mine has never even run and i’m asking what to do if the belt breaks)
I have a few and like them
K
The belt is a cogged belt, so it’s unlikely to slip. Replacements are available from Bachmann, and they’re not difficult to replace. I’ve not yet had to replace one, but I did take my locos apart when I got them in order to familiarize myself with their assembly. Much better to do this before you modify them or add a lot of details, or custom paint, as I’ve done with all of mine.
Wayne
The third set of drivers are the only ones with a gear, all of the other drivers are driven through the side rods. The 2-8-0 locomotives are notorious for having out of quarter drivers due to the fact the wheels are a press fit on the axles and can be turned with very little effort. Quartering the locomotive is easy as the only wheels that are affected by this problem are on the geared axle. Once these are back in quarter, the locomotive should run great!
I also second the opinion about the Spectrum steam locomotives. They are wonderful models with amazing detail for the price, and Bachmann stands behind it’s Spectrum product 100% so it makes it a no brainer to have a few of these in your collection… [:D]
Jeff
I have two Heavy Mountains, 1 2-6-6-2, 1 Decapod I swear by Bachmann Spectrum steam engines and I’m considering a diesel or two.They all have nice detail, smooth, strong pullers, quiet they beat the heck out of my Proto 2000 steam engines for performance. The Lifelike Protos have nice detail,quiet,smooth runners, but they couldn’t pull the skin off of a grape.