Can someone point me in the direction of the hierarchy of the Bachman line of engines? I have an opportunity to purchase a Big Hauler set for under $150, is this a good deal? I am hoping to use it outdoors, temporarily each each during my Christmas Light display. Please be gentle with responses, I am a brand newbie!
My Light Display is at www.welovechristmaslights.com
Jeff
What vintage?
Sam’s Club had them for $135 or so.
You need to know vintage.
Seriously.
You do not want Versions 1-4.
Here’s how to identify:
How to identify 4-6-0’s in Large Scale:
If a Battery Big Hauler, Ver. 1.
If you can turn the wheels by hand (and hear the motor turning), Ver 2.
If the bottom is smooth as a baby’s hindquarters, and you can’t turn the wheels, Version 3.
If it has a single large hump on the bottom, Version 4.
If it has a small hump and a lube port plug, Version 5, and this is the same chassis mechanically as the Anniversary.
TOC
Well it is definitely not the battery version. Let’s hope it is a version 5. I’ll see in about a week.
Judging by price and features, it looks to me like the “Spectrum” locos are Bachmann’s top-of-the-line; and the “Anniversary” models are maybe a notch below that. Is this correct?
Yes, altho not in detail.
More of an adherence to scale.
The 4-6-0’s work wonderfully well with existing rolling stock.
TOC
Jeff, I enjoyed your Let It Snow video clip on your link!
On the topic of buying trains, I always deal with real train shops, many of which are advertised in Garden Railways, which can provide you with a receipt. I have found that this is important when it comes to having repairs made under the factory warranty.
Regards,
Bill
South Jersey
Thanks Bill,
Hoping that this works out alright. Thinking now maybe I should have just dealt with Caboose Hobbies out of Denver for $60 more. I used to be stationed there in Denver and loved just going down to Caboose to walk around for hours. Their selection of brass HO engines was spectacular.
Jeff