Diamond stacks of Bmann 3 Truck Clmaxes?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I’m contemplating a switch from N to HO scale. Been looking at the Bmann Spectrum 3 truck Climax locos and notice in the pics some of the ones with roadnames have diamond stacks while the undec has a straight stack. Do they come with both types of stacks where the modeler can choose or is the stack specific to each model? If I got one, I’d like an undec but I do like the diamond stacks.

2

I have two Climaxes that are painted, unlettered. They came with a straight stack installed and a diamond stack in the box, along with a small bag of coal. The 3 truck version runs very well through my 18" curves and 3% grades, although it does run very slow, which is prototypical. You should like the 3-truck version very well, but I would stay away from the 2 truck version that might be available on the secondary market—there were a lot of problems with gears splitting and drive line issues on the 2-truck Climax. .

Wayne

3

Very simple. Go to the source and look at the Climax diagrams. They show what comes with the locos.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

Rich

4

I guess I should give details. Many miss this. Click on Parts and Service. Click on Product Reference. Scroll down.

Download the diagram. Good chance Bachmann will delete the diagrams when they stop selling the loco. Bushman does delete the diagrams for some of their locos, periodically.

Rich

5

Thanks, looks to be a model number specific detail. Would have to decide which was a bigger

need/ want, the undec or the diamond stack.

6

Kodachrome,

I’m a little confused here, why would you think you have to decide between undec or a diamond stack? “As we speak” I have a new 3 truck climax, right next to my chair, in a nice bright red Spectrum Box, identified as Item No 82901, HO 70 Ton Three Truck Climax Loco DCC) Painted, unlettered (black). Inside this box, along with said Locomotive with a straight stack, is a Diamond Stack that can be added to the locomotive. Unless Bachmann has recently changed what they ship it seems to me you can have an undecorated 3 truck Climax with either a straight stack or Diamond.

Wayne

7

It was my mistake Wayne which is what I was just coming here to post. As suggested, I looked at the diagram on the Bachmann website and must have misconstrued it because I found the MR review where it is mentioned that both types of stacks as well as an oil bunker detail are included.

So thanks everyone for the info. I am still contemplating switching scales. MY N layout occupies an L shaped area roughly about 10 feet long on each leg but only about 32 inches wide. Not much room for 180 degree curves so a switching layout would probably be the only answer. I like multi level trackage so I’m looking at some variation of a switchback which of course the Climax would be perfect for.

Michael

8

Michael,

Glad everything got straightened out to your satisfaction. You are going to enjoy this locomotive, it runs very smooth and rolls through my #4 turnouts and wyes with ease. And it just looks so cool when running…

Wayne