I am tossing around the idea of getting a CB&Q EMD E7 from Bachmann. They are on eBay for $140 and have sound. Are there any faults with them I should be worried about, also how are their shells?
Thanks for responding [:)]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjifED_CU7s
There might be a couple more there. There is also a Bachmann wesite with forums, Parts page, DCC CV page, loco Diagrams. A search will bring up the site easily.
Rich
I think I would try to pick up a Proto 2000 E7 - i.e. if one is available in that particular road name. While not with sound, I’ve seen them selling on eBay for very reasonable prices. And the detailing would be better than the Bachmann, along with a smoother drivetrain. But that’s what’s important to me. YMMV…
Tom
They lack detail (especially prototype specific detail), but are dimensionally accurate. They got the sound value decoders which basically give it horn bell prime mover sound.
If you dont mind the value decoder and detail isnt important to you, then its fine…but I agree an old proto 2000 model is far superior.
I have both. The Bachmann is a smoother runner, and side by side hard to tell the difference. The sound is very good. On start up, one engine starts, then the second. Speed is very smooth both up the throttle and down. Horns are good. Lighting is very good. I have multiple Proto E units, and now multiple Bachmann E units, which see a lot more track time.
$120 at Train World. I have some S2’s and they run and sound great and at 1/3 the price of an Atlas, never use any but basic sounds anyway.
One thing I have discovered about the newer Bachman Diesels including the E-7 . I’ve never had to clean the wheels on the units. I run 4 of them on a PRR/PC style Mail train. Have run it at open houses and afterwards take a look at the wheels for cleaning. Not one speck of dirt !!! This after 4 hours of run time. I love them. Not as detailed as the Proto’s but think of them as an old Athearn Blue box units with a good mechanism and great wheels. A good start for detailing .
Here is a short link.
Thre are a couple reviews at You Tube. I saw one out of the box;.
Rich
This is starting to turn into Anarchy
Seems interesting, but do they make them in Great Northern? I know they make a CB&Q one which is very nice looking
No Great Northern. The Atlantic Coast Line is nice looking. CB&Q model is very nice, they look great elephant style with a string of stainless cars behind.
FYI: There is a Proto 2000 E7 in CB&Q for $65.99 on Ebay.
Are the Bachmann E7s related to the Model power ones?
No.
That’s good, the Model Power E7 is very crude
$300 for a crappy decoder and non proto detail is deal breaker.
https://mrr.trains.com/news-reviews/staff-reviews/2017/03/bachmann-soundvalue-ho-scale-emd-e7a
First of all, they are not really $300. You can buy all the sound and value Bachmann E7’s you want for $180 each. And you can buy the DC version for $80 and put in whatever decoder you like.
This has been discussed over and over. OK, If you want a better detailed model get your wallet out and buy them, they are out there from other brands.
Bachmann makes trains for beginners on limited budgets, they make mid grade models for those not so fussy, and they make a few REALLY NICE high end pieces.
ALL with good mechanical QUALITY these days.
I have lots of Bachmann locos - but no mainline road diesels, because like you I want a little more detail. Unlike you I have no interest in decoders or sound.
My E unit of choice is the old Proto 2000 units, I have six of them, I don’t need any more.
I’ll tell you what E unit I would never buy, the over priced crappy, bulky oversized detail Broadway models with front couplers that stick out too far, oversized cou
The Model Power model was tooled about 40 years ago, and it was only “average” for that time. I know, I was managing a hobby shop train department at the time.
Sheldon
Ouch!
Dunno, Sheldon, that is a pretty harsh assessment of BLI E-units. I have 7 of them. Good looking, great runners, competitively priced. The Proto 2000 E-units are pretty nice as well, and I have four of those units. I would call it a tie.
Rich
Well, I was making a point. The Broadway E unit is not bad, but is does fall short detail wise compared to the Proto in my opinion. Sound and DCC aside, even if Broadway offered a DC version, I would pick the Proto E unit every time.
Do the Broadway diaphragms touch when they are coupled?
The diaphragms on the Broadway have zero detail compared to the Proto.
The front coupler is set forward - to avoid trip pin interference - but my Protos all work great with the couplers in the correct position.
My C&O Protos have the correct passenger pilot coupler covers - not the Broadway, just big hole with the coupler too far out.
C&O never owned E8B units, they ran back to ba