I have the plus 4-8-4
and have had some older units
but this
seems to be much better
whats up with buckie
it runs like a dream ’
pulled the wallpaper of the wall
K
I’m not sure about the smaller scales (although I do have some N scale stuff I like), but the Fn3 and On30 Spectrum stuff are some of the finest models available IMHO… [;)]
Jeff
Even the 4-8-4 Northern that came with the trainset that started all this runs pretty good. Not much on detail, but that’s why Details West and Detail Associates, among others, are in business, isn’t it. I bought a set of Pullman heavyweights for it to pull. It looks better as part of this train, instead the modern closed hopper, et al, that came with the set. I usually reserve running it for the times when friends drop by to check on the layout’s progress and they bring the “chirren” with them. They love watching the smoke puff out of the smokestack. It has to run a little fast to get any appreciable smoke, but the kids love it.
Has anyone ever put a Seuthe smoke unit in any BLI locomotives???
I think Bachmann has been making a good effort for a few years to make their line of items better. Some will still argue this, but thats fine. All of my Spectrum items run just fine, and adding details is know big deal for me. My best looking Spectrum and running loco is my 2-8-0. The other ones I own are GP30, GP35, and Baby Trainmaster. Still have not got the Climax yet, that is one of my next buys.
I too feel Bachmann is doing a good job produceing quality prducts in their Spectrum line. I’ve also noticed (not to take away from Bachmann) that motive power and rolling stock has basicly improved with other manufacturers as well. By the way, Marion-- great photos. Ken
I purchased a Bachmann covered wagon engine with knuckel couplers. It runs as well as my proto 1000 and it was not a Spectrum unit. Phil
I purchased a Bachmann covered wagon engine with knuckel couplers. It runs as well as my proto 1000 and it was not a Spectrum unit. Phil
GettING better? I’m not sure. GOT better, absolutely.
Over the long-term, since I started (70’s) Bachmann has dramatically improved. So have many others, but I’d say Bachmann has come the furthest going from one step above Tyco (and that barely) to quite respectable. The Spectrum locos are the best bang-for-the-buck out there, in my book. I think they give you 80% the quality of high-end stuff at 30% the price, a good compromise.
Sure, I have some higher-end “prized” locos, but I couldn’t afford to effectivly populate my roster with all BLI and up stuff. And I’d put the Spectrum 3-truck Shay up against darn near anything, especially for a street price of $99.
So they definitely “got” better in the last decade or two. Are they “getting” better from here on? Who knows. I’d be satisfied if they hold where they are rather than backslide. It would be too easy, as their reputation improves, to start cutting corners and depending on their laurels to keep it going. There have been some items out I don’t think up to snuff (the Spectrum doodlebug was a woeful throwback to the bad old days, for instance).
I’d like to see Bachmann focused on “staying good” as a mid-priced, good-quality, excellent value source. I don’t need another vendor selling $300+ locos.
ICRR1964, shop price before getting a Climax. SpaceMouse posted a link to $100 Shays and I found the Climax at the Great American Train Show at $139 in shrink wrap, in quantity. Both retail at $275 MSRP.
Budliner, the detail is certainly present, but I’d have to classify both my Spectrum geared locos as “satisfactory” runners. Both are a little noisy, not coffee grinder loud, but louder than my real quiet engines. The Shay makes a completely different noise when backing up as when going forward, which I am told is a sign of gear and bearing issues. I also have a Spectrum 2-6-0 which is a very silent and smooth runner, but I get some valve gear noise on 18 inch curves. Something’s just a little bit tight, clicking once per revolution, and I have yet to chase it out.
If I needed them, I’d buy more in a heartbeat, the detail is fantastic. But to a slight degree, they look better than they run, not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.
My 2-8-0 has been the biggest piece of sh** ,never run since day 1, had it fixed twice ,still is junk, it’s going off to Bachmann next week. I will never purchase another Bachmann prouduct. The quality control is too inconsistent. --Also does everyone here still think the regular bachmann engines are good? A few weeks ago everyone thought those $30 train-set DCC GP40’s were good quality.
Well Dingo, I own about 30 bachmann locos, none with any issues, so my perception of their quality control is pretty good. I know that others who have had issues in the past have gotten good response from Bachmann (i.e. typically you send it back and they ship you out a brand-new unit).
I was surprised at how well their Amtrak HHP-8 came out. But overall, i generally don’t think highly of their products in terms of detail or their running ability. Perhaps their most recent blunder was the release of new Amtrak Amfleet cars in which either the paint scheme or lettering were blantly wrong. I understand that their Spectrum Line is aimed for those modelers on a budget, but i think their main problem is that the quality of product of their product is inconsistant.
I’ve got a few newer deisels and they run great for the money. Two standards, one Spectrum. I guess you can get a lemon from any mfg. though.
Short answer; yes, they are. Their cheap GPs are very nice locos for the money (you won’t even get a little 4-wheel switcher for the same amount here, the only competition is Model Power and the Bachmann locos are a whole league ahead of those). You get a decent motor, smooth silent gearing, NS wheels with fine treads and flanges (handy for DCC as they don’t short on switches) - I’d take one over the Athearn BB GP40 any day. Just make sure you’re getting the type with the full pilots, and avoid the DCC-fitted units if you can afford to buy a decoder seperately. The factory-fitted decoders are not good - they have no BEMF and are very noisy, so if you can find the extra few £/$ to buy something better, do so. If Bachmann would buy in better decoders (Lenz Silver maybe?) they’d have a real winner on their hands.
I purchased the 2-8-0 and got rid of it ASAP. It was a generic model and did not represent what was needed at the time. I did keep the K4 and the latest N&W J, since they look good and make good display models, but they do not run well .
They seem to be trying to sell models, but do not want to spend the upfront money to make a high quality model. Their prices have gone up and should include higher level of quality also.
After trying out several different brands of steam locos, I have landed on the Spectrum series as the best all around value. I have 2 at this point, a 2-6-6-2 and a Mountain. Both are smooth runners, will out pull the Proto 2000 (beautiful detail BTW) and the Athearn, and don’t break the bank. I love the ones I have! Standard Bachmann… Ick!
My bachmann d-7 works perfect by itsself running cars with it derails every few inches.
I have had three SD45’s. The first was so-so but the last one (spectrum) was beginning to start looking good. On the other hand I have a GP50 that, while it runs OK, looks like a toy. Not even any doors on the cab. Bachmann steam is just about as good as any other in it’s price range.
Bob DeWoody
I also have a few 2-8-8-2 spectrum units and like five of the 2-8-0’s I did have to send two back as with copys of the locomotives on hand it was easy to see the problem units
service was a sword fight
if they think you dont know what your doing they will slip a lemon in the mix on you
I love them all
K
The Bachmann On30 Porters, Mogul, and Climax I have run flawlessly and look great. The Spectrum Series is a great improvement to what Bachmann produced in the 60s and 70s. I believe the quality of their future releases of their On30 locos will improve even further - from great to fantastic. Bachmann has done a great service to the O scale and narrow gauge community by producing high-quality, affordable motive power.