My EM-1 touring the club layout (Photo Intensive)

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Been waiting quite some time for a manufacturer to produce a reasonably priced B&O EM-1. I am really happy with the detail and fantastic running quality of the new Bachman version.

Haven’t really shown any new pics of the clubs extensive layout for a while so here goes:

Heading out of Middleton yard w/ 24 loaded P2K 55 ton (quite heavy Hydrocal coal loads) and caboose

The EM-1 ran flawlessly right out the box, after a half hour of running cleaned the wheels (paper towel alcohol) a bit tricky w/ such a huge articulated piece. The tender does seem a bit light and wanted to derail when backing though a series of #6 turnouts. I believe part of the problem was the drawbar was placed in the inner/ closest position. OK when pulling through 30" radius but not backing. Added weitht may help.

The single loco could pull the 24 hoppers up a 1.5% w/o slipping. Stopping on the grade and starting did have minor wheel slip.

Overall I am really pleased w/ my new addition to the roster. Now I need to complete the I-5 resin Pacific Mountain Scale Shop caboose and loose that old Athearn stand-in.

&nbs

2

That’s one BIG, beautiful hunk of locomotive! Nice to hear it’s a substantial puller, also. Looks like Bachmann has a good-sized winner with this one.

Tom

3

Thanks Tom, I was really happy w/ the pulling power of this unit. I probably could run about 6-8 more loaded hoppers before needing a helper. The P2K 55ton are very free rolling, but the Hydrocal loads are rather heavy. Weight is weight on a grade regardless of just how great they roll. As long as you’re not dragging a couple of bricks of coarse.