I have seen a couple of small comments in other posts about newer Bachmann standard line locos (and Walthers Trainline) being very good, with much closer attention to detail and better mechanical/electrical operations. Is this true? Have any of you seen or operated any of these? As I have so often stated, I have to rely on mail order for purchases, so the ONLY advice I get is from this site. I cannot physically touch anything before purchasing.
Again, thanks for any help!!
Tim
Tim,As far as diesel locomotives I will give you my OPINION…I would go with Atlas,the older Atlas/Kato,Kato,Life like P1K or P2K,Athearn,Athearn/Genesis or Stewart’s.You will be better off buying one of those brands.
As far as the Bachmann steam I can say the Spectrum’s are very good runners from what I seen of them at the club on all steam nights.
Hi BRAKIE
I was given an Athearn F7A Superpower Flywheel in Santa Fe freight blue/yellow for a gift last fall and that got me started in this hobby. Since, based on recommendations here, I have purchased 3 P2K GP9’s, 1 P2K S1, 2 P2K GP30’s, and the matching F7B from Athearn. I am always looking for good looking equipment for some of the static display (engine house, roundhouse, maintenance sheds) that won’t normally be operating. I had considered the Walthers or newer Bachmann for these displays, but like I said, I don’t have the ability to touch them, so I don’t know how they look. Are the Athearn dummies decent pieces? Are the standard line of Athearn locos/dummies all pretty decent? I was happy with my first Athearn for the money ($19) but the dummies I see are usually higher priced.
Tim
The Bachmann “standard” line (non-Spectrum, non-Plus) is junk, IMHO. These are train set locos, made to be as cheap as possible with thick paint, thicker handrails, and the cheapest drive you can get. Prototype accuracy is not even a thought with these models. IOW, stay away from them (unless you like frustration). I had several of these as a kid, sorry to say.
Bachmann Plus locos are just a little bit better than the “standard” line. They have a better drive and all wheel pick up, but they do not seem to last. My two F7A’s started to screech after only a few hours of operating time. After adding oil, they stopped, then started screeching again after only a few minutes. The rumor mill had it that these motors did not have oil-impregnated bearings.
Bachmann Spectrum is the best Bachmann makes. The steam, when it is good, is very good indeed. Unfortunately, quality control is an issue, so they do release more than a few lemons, with out of round wheels, busted pick up shoes, etc. My Light Mountain 4-8-2 noses (hunts) from side to side when traveling at any speed. But other 4-8-2’s run like Swiss watches. Go figure.
The Spectrum diesels are hit or miss, some good, some bad. The Electrics are superb detail-wise, but the EF-4 (E-33) sounds like a coffee grinder.
Bachmann products are of questionable quality, and really should be tested before any purchase if you want to run them.
Walthers Trainline is actually pretty good, as far as the drive goes. A nice heavy frame and a nice can motor gives good operation, IMHO. The detail on these models is not there for economy reasons, but a lot can be done to these to dress them up a bit. Some people have had problems with long term reliability of the drive (those who operate them at train shows or in hobby shop display layouts have reported some problems), but these are run for 8 hours a day, sometimes more. I think standard running with regular checkups would make these last.
Besid
The current Bachmann regular line locomotives have drives very similar or the same as the Spectrum line, and the Plus line is no longer. The detailing has not had major improvements.
All mechanisms need proper lubrication, with appropriate lubricants. A very small amount is correct, too much is very very bad.
Many models come with far to much lubricant, actually being used a protectorant during shipping and storage. With any locomotive model, it is best to dis-assemble it, clean it with appropriate cleaners, re-lubricate and re-assemble. Some modelers are comfortable with doing this - and can make almost any model perform very well, others are not, and should seek assistance.
Tim;
What era and railroad are you looking for? With that, we can give you some specific recommendations.
Intermountain sell F unit shells, which are pricey, but top quality. Stewart, Atlas and others have shells at reasonable prices. ConCor offers NYC 4-6-4 and UP 4-8-8-4 static models.
Mid to late '70’s Santa Fe mainly. I read on this forum within the last few days that Bachmann has some very new products out with proper handrail size and finer detail. I am on a fairly tight budget, but I don’t want CHEAP just for cheaps sake. I do believe, however, that CHEAP and ECONOMICAL are 2 completely different terms, with CHEAP meaning poor quality, and ECONOMICAL meaning more of a bargain. I have purchased 6 P2K locos over the past few weeks at an average price of $30 each, so I may just use some of them.
Tim
Tim,The Athearn Dummies would make excellent static locomotives… Sadly Athearn has discontinue this line and they are beginning to get hard to find in some areas.Now,You could use the better grade of Bachmann for static display as they are runnable…