Okilly Dokilly!
Someone decided to mess with the Sheldon, and I think he finally broke the record for the longest quoted text (first post second page) [:D]
I dont see why these arguments consistantly persist, its very clear both parties are set with their opinions, and no amount of arguing will convince the other.
Both manufacs have their advantages and disadvantages. I think both are reputable manufacturers. BLI made a mistake and I think they are handling it very well. Bachmann models are generally less detailed but they have their reasons to be so sucessfull with their competative pricing and quality.
For the record I think its ridiculous if anyone is judging Bachmann by their MSRP. Everyone knows the MSRP should not be used to judge Bachmann’s models, I dont think ANYONE has paid $300 for a Bachmann E7. And if you have I feel sorry for you. Do some research next time.
Congrats on the purchase! Looking forward to your opinions on the model.
Charles
Thank you Charles. You and I do not always agree, but I hope you understand I respect your opinions and your knowledge in this hobby that you are on a constant mission to expand and share.
And you made my point, Bachmann’s pricing policies may or many not be the best way to do business, but it is well established none the less.
The difference between a fussy, semi rivet counting experienced modeler who decides he wants something more upscale and an elitist is that the elitist thinks Bachmann and others should not even make
It may take some time, considering the fact that America has turned into a popsicle
These arguments start when someone can’t handle a negative opinion about a model manufacturer. The OP asked for an opinion, and I gave mine based on research. Evidently Sheldon can’t handle negative opinions about Bachmann
I agree with that statement.
I did some research. I looked up the MR review. I did not know that Bachmann had to resort to being like the domestic auto makers in inflating the price, then giving large rebates to convince people to buy their product. And as I said, if someone didn’t get at least 60% of of the MSRP, I feel sorry for them as well. The model seem to going for around $160 dollars on eBay, so I will rephrase my original comment. $165 for a crapp
[quote user=“n012944”]
Trainman440
Someone decided to mess with the Sheldon, and I think he finally broke the record for the longest quoted text (first post second page)
I dont see why these arguments consistantly persist, its very clear both parties are set with their opinions, and no amount of arguing will convince the other.
These arguments start when someone can’t handle a negative opinion about a model manufacturer. The OP asked for an opinion, and I gave mine based on research. Evidently Sheldon can’t handle negative opinions about Bachmann
Trainman440
Both manufacs have their advantages and disadvantages. I think both are reputable manufacturers. BLI made a mistake and I think they are handling it very well. Bachmann models are generally less detailed but they have their reasons to be so sucessfull with their competative pricing and quality.
I agree with that statement.
Trainman440
For the record I think its ridiculous if anyone is judging Bachmann by their MSRP. Everyone knows the MSRP should not be used to judge Bachmann’s models, I dont think ANYONE has paid $300 for a Bachmann E7. And if you have I feel sorry for you. Do some research next time.
<
No one said that they are. I said it was not for me, and the price was a deal breaker. The price they are going for on eBay is a deal breaker. I find it ironic that you are quick to complain about a manufacture only offering a product that comes with DCC and sound, but yet take such offense to be saying a model is too generic for the price point.
Great. If you look at my avatar you can see I also have a domestic, I can assure you that Dodge did not have much of a discount on that car. That being said, that is the only domestic car in my house, and has been for 15 years. Since this isn’t the Car and Driver forum, I will not get into why.
No one said you were. You called me that in another thread. I found so much humor in it, that I added it to my profile here. Since you hinted that I am an “elitist” in this thread, I might have to update my profile.[(-D]
Anyone know what’s the minimum radius for the E7?
I can’t say for sure what the minimum radius would be, but I have run Proto 200 E7s and BLI E7s on 22" radius curves with no problems.
Rich
Yes, easily 22" radius, maybe even 18" radius.
Sheldon
[quote user=“n012944”]
ATLANTIC CENTRAL
AND, just because they choose to target parts of the market that don’t include your needs, or my needs, that does not make their products less valueable to the hobby.
No one said that they are. I said it was not for me, and the price was a deal breaker. The price they are going for on eBay is a deal breaker. I find it ironic that you are quick to complain about a manufacture only offering a product that comes with DCC and sound, but yet take such offense to be saying a model is too generic for the price point.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL
And, I drive domestic cars, and have gotten very good service out of them going all the way back to one of these:
Great. If you look at my avatar you can see I also have a domestic, I can assure you that Dodge did not have much of a discount on that car. That being said, that is the only domestic car in my house, and has been for 15 years. Since this isn’t the Car and Driver forum, I will not get into why.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL
And, lastly, I’m not an expensive model collector.
This discussion is going very poorly
Lol most threads with more than 30 replies basically end up like this, dont bother trying to fix it.
Charles
Come on crew, as an E-unit fan I’m certainly interested in a productive discussion.
Ok,
I’ve stated before that I have a fleet of LL P2K E-units that I’m converting to the SCL scheme and updating with DCC/Sound.
My questions are:
1. How do the drives between the Bachmann E7 and the 1990’s-early 2000’s production P2K E-unts compare?
2. Are the Bach’s just as heavy a the LL P2K versions?
3. Are they quiet, smooth runners?
By all accounts the drive in the Bachmann loco is pretty nice, weighs 1.5 lbs, smooth and quiet. Exceptional pulling power similar to the Proto.
I have seen them in person but not seen them run. Shell is not bad but lacks pilot detail, cut levers, etc. Lacks some of the finer detail of the Proto model.
Only model offered is the E7A, with several headlight and number board configurations.
Limited feature sound decoder like other Bachmann sound and value locos, and DC versions.
The biggest limitation is the selection of roadnames are not available in both DC and DCC - some road names are DCC/sound, others only available DC.
A review of the parts/instruction sheets shows a typical gear tower and drive like the Proto.
Sheldon
Does Bachmann offer undecorated examples?
No.
Have you looked at the Bachmann web site?
Sheldon
Sheldon,
Thanks for your response.
(for myself) PROS:
A) 1.5 pounds is “brick heavy” good!
B) I looked at the photos on the web link that you provided, expecting to be unimpressed. However, I have to admit that, to my eyes, they look “decent” as there are handrails next to the carbody and cab doors.
C) The nose and windshield areas are better proportioned than the 1970’s tooled Roco-motored Model Power E7’s. (I still own 2, which will be donated soon).
D) I just realized that these might have the same type of drive as my Bachmann GG1, which does run smoothly, quietly, and can pull a 10 car passenger train easily.
E) Already DCC/Sound equipped. That’s a VERY good one; which means that if a modeler doesn’t like the Sound Value setup, switching it out for a Lok or TCS setup would be much easier than hardwiring up an LL P2K unit.
CONS:
a) Lack of body detailing. I like lift rings, boiler stacks and air hoses, so I’d have to break out the Pin Vise, #78 drill bits, and gel-type CA.
b) Sountraxx Sound Value system: No info on which specific horn schemes are offered other than that 3 horn choices. Which ones??? Hopefully the Nathan M5 and Leslie A-200 “Honker” horn sounds are among the selections.
c). NO UNDECS. Bummer. Of course, SCL modelers have always had fewer offerings available. So a bath in Super Clean or 91% Iso-Alcohol is the norm. LL P2K undec E-units still show up on Ebay.
Overall (again speaking for myself) the pros outweighh the cons.
Hopefully James will post a review as soon as he obtains one. So far, “IF” the price will be as disco
[quote user=“AntonioFP45”]
Sheldon,
Thanks for your response.
(for myself) PROS:
A) 1.5 pounds is “brick heavy” good!
B) I looked at the photos on the web link that you provided, expecting to be unimpressed. However, I have to admit that, to my eyes, they look “decent” as there are handrails next to the carbody and cab doors.
C) The nose and windshield areas are better proportioned than the 1970’s tooled Roco-motored Model Power E7’s. (I still own 2, which will be donated soon).
D) I just realized that these might have the same type of drive as my Bachmann GG1, which does run smoothly, quietly, and can pull a 10 car passenger train easily.
E) Already DCC/Sound equipped. That’s a VERY good one; which means that if a modeler doesn’t like the Sound Value setup, switching it out for a Lok or TCS setup would be much easier than hardwiring up an LL P2K unit.
CONS:
a) Lack of body detailing. I like lift rings, boiler stacks and air hoses, so I’d have to break out the Pin Vise, #78 drill bits, and gel type CA.
b) Sountraxx Sound Value system: No info on which specific horn schemes are offered other than that 3 horn choices. Which ones??? Hopefully the Nathan M5 and Leslie A-200 “Honker” are among the selections.
c). NO UNDECS. Bummer. Of course, SCL modelers have always had fewer offerings available. So a bath in Super Clean or 91% Iso-Alcohol is the norm. LL P2K undec E-units still show up on Ebay.
So (again speaking for myself) the pros outweighh the cons.
Hopefully James will post a review as soon as he obtains one. So far, if the price will be as discou