Any thoughts on the new 2-8-0 that Bachmann has advertised in May, 10 MRR ? Lists for $165.00+ -.
Apparently it is not a Spectrum series.
It is EXACTLY the same as the previous Spectrum model - Only change is now it is not offered with sound and the packaging is less elaborate. Also there is no unlettered version currently offered.
Sheldon
This is curious to me. With some variation/errors from site-to-site, the Bachmann 2-8-0 in HO has, I thought, always been only the Spectrum version, and probably the hottest selling and most liked of all Spectrum steamers. Are we seeing something of a sea-change from Bachmann? Are they about to launch a new, more competitive range of engines, and are displacing their former Spectrum lines to something else?
Why is this not called a Spectrum engine any longer?
-Crandell
Hi!
The original Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 was without DCC or sound. Those options are relatively new.
It is my read that this new model has the body of the Spectrum 2-8-0, but the innards may not be. The ads and write-ups aren’t clear on this - i.e. is the motor the same, gears, etc.
I am sure the Mags and Forum members that buy them will let us know.
Mobilman44
Bachmann has clearly stated on their website that it is the same. It is not the first loco to “move” from the Spectrum line to the new upgraded Standard line. Same thing happened to the GE 70 tonner. In fact when the 70 tonner moved “down” it had a new improved drive line.
It has been replaced with something new now, but the home page message on Bachmann’s site had a informational ad about the new 2-8-0 release for more than 6 weeks, saying it was exactly the same.
We all know that over the many years this loco has been offered DCC ready, DCC onboard and DCC with sound. My point about sound was simply that the new standard line models are not offered with sound.
And actually it is not much less expensive than the DCC onboard version was as a Spectrum model - $171.00 retail in the 2007 catalog. Now $145.00 in a much simpler and smaller package? The reduction in packaging and shipping alone accounts for the price drop - three times as many will now fit in the same container from China!
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=113
AND, they can still be bought for the same price around $90.00 that they have been at for years.
Sheldon
My experience about 6 weeks ago. I returned a Spectrum 2-8-0 RI DCC under warranty. They had none of the RI so they sent me a Santa Fe instead and the loco I received was not marked Spectrum just DCC equipped locomotive with DCC on Board (Blue/white/clear box). I emailed and they said it is the same as the Spectrum.
I have to admit it seems heavier than the one I sent in. I am planning to add soundtraxx tsunami, so when I removed the cover of the tender it is set up to receive a speaker with holes drilled out for speaker sound and DCC plug etc. Also the chassis is metal.
I received it with the Bachmann DCC on board and the loco runs okay but would run better with a quality decoder. Hopefully pretty soon Litchfield Station will have in inventory the Tsunami sound decoder for it.
Barry
I am slightly confused-- have they stopped selling the version with DCC & Sound?
Yes, the sound equiped 2-8-0 is currently out of production. BUT, the new version does come with a sound ready tender so all you have to do is install the sound ready decoder and speaker of your choice.
I don’t use DCC or sound, but from what I hear from friends who do, they would often rather install the decoder of their choice anyway.
Keep in mind that Bachmann is NOT a “preorder” company and there are lots of products out there even if they are not currently “in production”. I’m sure sound equiped 2-8-0’s will be easy to find for a while yet. And, if demand warrants, I’m sure they will make more next year or the year after.
I like Bachmann because the prices are low, quality and detail good, and you don’t have to pay for DCC/sound. And the DCC models come with those nice little jumpers for removing the decoders!
Sheldon
Thanks for the info-- that means if I want to pick up more w/ factory sound I better get to gettin’.
John
Peach Creek shops still has a few with sound.
The new 2-8-0 looks exactly the same. Except it uses a tooth based belt drive instead of a direct gear->gear drive. It’s supposidly quieter AND it hides the drive gear better for more realism.
Bachmann has DROPPED A LOT of sound installed locos. I guess the market just wasn’t there to justify it. Or Perhaps they were having too many problems with the smaller Tsunami? I heard of a number of Shays with sound overheating and shutting down (some permanently)
This is not correct - the Spectrum and now standard 2-8-0 has ALWAYS used a cogged belt drive from the very first one that was called Spectrum. I have eight of them, covering just about every production run, they all have belt drives - always have.
Once again I will repeat, Bachmann has stated the new “Standard” 2-8-0 is EXACTLY the same as the old Spectrum 2-8-0 - drive and all. The only difference is the box and the roadname selection.
ONLY the pre Spectrum “plus” loco from some 30+ years ago was gear drive with a pancake motor.
Maybe sound is not going over as big as thought, maybe serious DCC/sound guys would rather install the decoder of their choice.
Sheldon
Yes they do, and if they don’t have what you want Star Hobby in Annapolis has a big stock of Bachmann as well.
Sheldon
I need to go back and look at my parts diagram that came with the engine. But I could have swore it was a direct gear drive on my sound equipped model. If I’m wrong I’ll come back and make a correction here. (I HATE it when I goof up.)
Installing a sound proof speaker baffle in a tiny tender if a bit of a challenge for most. Most that would install sound would appreciate the convienence.
Therefore, I think the economics of the time dictates this more than anything.
All of their diagrams are on their web site - all versions show the same drive with the belt driving a worm gear which connects directly to the axle gear.
In fact, the history of changes to this loco are all small - here is what I know has changed of the years:
Earliest models used different plugs for the loco/tender connection.
I do believe the electrical wiper pickup plate in the bottom of the loco has been improved over the orginal design.
Motors have varied from 5 pole to 3 pole skew wound to 5 pole skew wound with little difference in performance.
Circuit boards have been revised a few times.
And, when DCC and DCC/sound where added, headlights changed from 12 volt lamps to LED’s. This required a new circuit board as well.
Also, gradually after sound was available, new runs have sound ready tenders even if not sound equiped.
Painting details have varied somewhat, road numbers have been changed from time to time.
An internal valve gear version was offered in UP with Vandy tender in 2006.
But again, the drive has always been the same.
Sheldon
The Bachmann 2-8-0 with sound is still being offered for sale, but as a complete set.
The 2-8-0 is packaged as a freight engine and the controller is the Bachmann Dynamis. This is a wireless DCC unit.
Previously the 2-8-0 with DCC was offered as both a freight and passenger set. The passenger train set now being offered is a Spectrum J 4-8-4 DCC with 3 passenger cars. This set contains the basic DC controller, so the purchaser has to buy a DCC controller.
Bachmann has placed their 2010 catalogue on line on their web site.
upgrading the “standard” line…you wonder what is up their sleeve for “Spectrum”
If you examine the whole progression of Spectrum locos, especially the steam locos, each new loco has been better detailed and more road detail specific. Maybe they now simply feel that as nice as it is, the somewhat “generic” Baldwin Consolidation is not in the same class as the newer offerings, and offerings they may be working on.
This year the Bachmann HO line is a little weak, they have stopped production of a number of items. They may well be planning/tooling some big new surprises for next year. It does all take time dispite the “needs” of our ADD/ADHD, instant gratifacation, I want it yesterday, consumer culture.
I don’t own every Spectrum loco, because I only buy what fits my layout scheme. But I have way more Spectrum/Bachmann steam locos than any other brand of steam locos. They are in my mind one of the best values out there in HO steam.
Sheldon
While the HO portion of Bachmann items has been somewhat limited there certainly has been a lot of new items in their On30 line. The “new” HO offerings are more or less items brought back, in that were previously offered.
With all of the “sales” lately of the Spectrum 2-10-2’s on various online stores I had thought that perhaps this engine was being taken off the market. I was surprised to find out that both of the Spectrum Mountain, the Light and Heavy locomotives are no longer in production.
I can add only the following. As a Newbie I love the fact that I can buy a dcc and sound equipped steam loco that runs as well as the Spectrum 2-8-0. It’s my pride and joy. I hope Bachmann continues to offer the factory dcc and sound option. Simply for those who either do not have the know how, or wish to get the “bells and whistles” installed by a professional without sending it back out after receiving it.