N-scale Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern, salvageable?

One of the N scale locomotives that I really need to have in my roster to complete the picture of my transition era ATSF layout is a Northern. Unfortunately the Bachmann Northern has some notably bad molded on detailing. It’s not going to be a switcher so the performance at low-speed, etc. isn’t so much of an issue, but I’d love to know if someone does a replacement shell or something along those lines?

I guess potentially I could use a chisel-blade scalpel to remove the molded on piping and re-do in brass or somesuch.

Anyone have any ideas or experience?

Cheers!

Hello willayerst.

You’ve run into the same problem that the rest of us have that have owned the Bachmann N scale 4-8-4 at one time or another. I personally got so frustrated with mine because of the terrible way it ran and al that I finally gave up and sold it on eBay…

I do hope that some day soon a company out there will produce one of much better quality and detail. Until then if you want one you’ll have to go with a Bachmann.

Tracklayer

Did your ebay post accurately describe how lousy it ran?

Actually, yes I did. In fact I was right up front about every detail about it as I am with everything I’ve ever sold. Apparently the buyer was a happy camper because never complained and gave me positive feedback.

Tracklayer

I’ve read where the most recent release is much better drive, but I think the shell is the same old same old…

You could always endeavor to carefully remove the molded on bits and replace them with wire and castings…

Lee

ConCor makes a ATSF 4-8-4. and a 4-6-4.