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Bachmann Trains HO scale Electro-Motive GP9 diesel locomotive
Oh, if only they had dimples. I’m sure this model has the same gear and decoder as the RS3, which also comes without grab iron dimples or bolt heads. Alas. They run really well on the stock decoder. Smooth and slow. The most telling, however, are the trucks. Not very accurate at all, same for the RS3.
Hats off to Bachmann for this new line of engines. A DCC loco at a reasonable price. Back in the 60’s & 70’s Athearn sold their wide hood GP’s for reasonable and everybody loved them. Modelers spent countless hours super-detailing them, even with the wide hoods. It was a nice model that ran well and everyone could afford it. Now Bachmann has a $100.00, good running, DCC equipped model that has all the correct overall dimensions. Yes, it needs proper detailing but that is (or was) part of the hobby. Of course, for the non-rivet counters, it can be put on the rails as is. When moving along the rails, it looks just fine.
Thanks for a thorough and informative review.
This is a great model! Looks great, runs well and has very detailed lettering and would make a great addition to any L&N 1950’s and 60’s layout. Bachmann did their homework on this unit!
Does Bachmann plan to release this model in a C&O Paint Scheme?
Hi Dana! Nice review and it has me thinking about it (would like to see an undecorated one but that’s another story). Maybe, at the end of the review, you could give an overall product rating such as 1-10 with 10 being the Best?
Dan
well written and informative
Sounds like a winner right out the box, I will certainly be looking it up.
The lack of grab irons, molded or otherwise are a definite minus. The lack of these details does make it a an economical bargain. Wyen it was first announced I was tempted to purchase one until I found out about the lack of these details, I would prefer to pay extra for better detailed models such as Athearn or P2k.
Why no Milwaukee Road?
Limited road names available. The Southern Pacific, one of the larger users of that engine should have been offered.
Good review! Now the detail companies need to offer dress up kits for these locomotives and include printed ends with drill here marks to use as a guide, similar to the ones that come with snowplows.
Enjoyed your great review Dana! Looks like a good workable model for anyone’s layout. As for grabs, get a sharp awl and make your own dimples!
I agree with Mr. Steuer, SP would have been a logical choice for raod offereings. But it is still a very cheap way to get this engine on the SP if you don’t mind painting. However, it does not seem to have much room for sound. I might have to mill some room off the frame.
Ahhh, if only a Finger Lakes RR #1751 was made. It’d be a true one of a kind, as the FGLK only has the one high nose.
Is there room for a sound decoder?
I bought this model in the L&N black and tan about two months ago and have used it several times on a DCC layout. With the exception of slight motor noise at low speed, I am very pleased with the performance. I would like to see this model in SP Black Widow paint.
Gives me a warm feeling I was not the only one thinking about SP. Black Widows are a first love for freight hauling. They just plain look right for tough jobs. Bachmann will surely be coming out with them.
Also should have CB&Q Black scheme (Everywhere West/Way of the Zephyrs)