Hi all,
I’m planning to purchase either a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 or IHC Command XXV 2-8-2 in order to kitbash them into a D&RGW standard-gauge prototype for the dual-gauge section of my layout. Coming from N scale into HOn3/HO, I haven’t had experience with either of these brands in this scale. I was wondering, has anyone run these locomotives and if so, how do they perform?
Thanks in advance,
tbdanny
The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 is a very high quality steamer. It is currently part of the ‘regular’ line, but is still the same engine. It is offered ‘DCC Onboard’(Lenz decoder), and ‘Sound Onboard’(Soundtraxx Tsmani sound decoder). I have a pair of them and they perform very well.
I am not sure if the IHC engines are still available. I have seen no advertisments or web site for some time. The last ads had very meager inventory available. I have heard conflicting stories that Bernie Paul passed way, or that Menho(the maker) went bankrupt and the models were no longer being produced. IIRC, the Command XXV series engines were ‘DCC Ready’ with a NMRA 8 pin plug/socket configuration.
Jim
The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 has been a fantastic runner for most, including myself. Some have gotten bad ones, but Bachmann will replace any bad units with a new one.
I also have the IHC 2-8-2. It’s not the Command XXV version, but it’s still the same engine pretty much. It’s a very smooth and quiet runner, although I like the Spectrum 2-8-0 better. The IHC shell has been in use for nearly 40 years and is pretty outdated, but the plastic is rather soft and easy to work with.
I have both. Either is a good, mid-range steam loco. Installation of a decoder in the Bachmann is slightly easier (but I think they all come with DCC installed, now). Both of mine run smoothly, pull 20+ cars without breaking a sweat, and are nicely detailed.
Some considerations: Bachmann has a much better warranty, and since IHC is recently defunct, you’re on your own with that one (on a breezy corner with your pants down, as it were). I hear that the locomotives formerly known as IHC are still being made by a company in Eastern Europe, but I don’t know whether they’d honor an IHC warranty. My guess is not.
On the other side, IHC products can be had for fire sale prices (I paid $66 for mine).
Hi all,
Thanks for all the responses and advice. I’ve gone with the Bachmann Spectrum, DCC with no sound. Should be able to bash it into a D&RGW C-48.
Thanks again,
tbdanny
Have you considered a brass one? Trains, Inc. and Nickel Plate Products both imported the D&RGW C-48 2-8-0 and these can be found fairly cheap, especially compared to the price of a Bachmann with all of the extras. The last one I picked up cost me about $150 and it is “dead on” for the C-48, something the Bachmann isn’t even close to. That was a very large 2-8-0…the Bachmann might work for some of the older classes but not for the C-48.
Mark
TBDanny,
Since you have decided on the Bachmann with the non-sound decoder, you might want to check the post on removal of the RF suppressing capacitor(s) and consider a replacement for the low end decoder in the loco.
Joe
I found an IHC Mikado at a trian show a while back. I’m happy with the engine, but, as has been pointed out, IHC is basically out of business. The inventory seems to have been purchased by someone, but I doubt we’ll ever see these engines in production again.
IHC is out of business, but Mehano is still in, though concentrating on the high-end European market. The Mikado in question is no longer manufactured.
Caboose Hobbies has some interesting brass C-48´s for sale, for as low as $ 255.00
