Just getting into Lionel O trains and I was wondering if other manufacture train worked the same as Lionel. I got the starter PA train set in a box and I have childhood experience with the Lionel. So I am looking for trains that operate I guess in the “old” style of (Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operations).
So I like some train from “Williams by Bachmann Train” like the Norfolk Southern GP9 Diesel Locomotive (BAC21415) and a switcher (BAC21611). But I can’t seam to find out if they work the same way that I want them to. Also is there a web site for this company I can not seam to find one.
J BTW this is my 3rd attempt at posting in the right forum, thanks to everyone for trying to get me to the right place.
www.bachmanntrains.com Will take directly to the Bachmann website without having to use the link from the old Williams site.
If You just want to run with conventional transformer power, rather than Command Control (TMCC/Legacy/DCS) then any 3 Rail locomotive should run fine. Most(if not all) Command Control locomotives are designed to run in conventional mode, unless they detect a signal from their respective Command Control system. The different CC systems operate enough differently that they will not aknowldge the other company’s system, Lionel TMCC and Legacy systems will operate each other, they are both from Lionel and are compatible, but TMCC can not access all of Legacy’s features.
Williams has a very good reputation for reliabity, that Bachmann appars to be continuing, their locomotives (so far) are not offered with CC, and will only run in Conventional mode, but can be upgraded with after market CC electronics if you wish to do so.
It sounds like Williams by Bachmann (WBB) would be a very good choice for you, in how you want to run your trains.
Welcome to the Forum, and Welcome back to the Hobby,
Welcome back! It too sounds to me like the Williams by Bachmann line would be a good choice for you. I too am thinking of going with the Williams line. For starters it’s in my price range which for today’s engines from companies like Lionel are a little pricey for me.
Just so you know Williams engines come with the True Blast 2 Digital Whistle/Horn, and Bell. If you are looking for a steam engine from them it does not have any chugging sound just the bell and whistle/horn.
My suggestion would be to check out there website and browse through their merchandise. It really is something. Good Luck.
Williams is definitely a good choice. K-Line (By Lionel) and MTH are compatible also. If you are only interested in running in the conventional mode, there is no reason to spend the extra money for TMCC, Legacy or DCC equiped engines.
Jaby, welcome to the forum. Yes, the Williams locos are made intentionally to appeal to the “old style” kinds of operators. The only catch with the Williams locos (new ones and older too) is that they have a 6 amp circuit board which controls the forward-neutral-reverse operation, so you may need a larger more powerful transformer. I know the postwar/MPC era Lionel 1033 90 watt transformer works. Maybe the new CW80 does too… others can chime in on that one. Otherwise, the Williams by Bachmann locos are a bargain and the GP-9 is nice and a tad smaller than the Lionel version, so IMHO looks better with the tradionally sized trains you get with a starter set.
Hey, running the old fashioned way is still good. Some really like the new digital controls like DCS and TMCC which is fine. But nothing wrong with the old style, which is actually called “conventional operation.” I’m a happy conventional operator with no desire for anything else, so you are not alone.
Other trains you might want to consider are Ready Made Toys out of Bloomsbury, NJ., often called RMT. They make some cost effective cars and locos… their “Buddy” is nice and trouble free. They have a lot of new items that are behind production schedule, but supposedly are going to be out this year, including their version of the K-Line S-2, which they call the S-4 “Bang” locomotive. They have a Norfolk Southern caboose available now and a pair of NS hoppers due this year.
K-Line by Lionel makes some locos like the S-2, MP-15 and Alco FA that will be right at home with your other trains. No Norfolk Southern right now, but K-Line by Lionel has a new BNSF MP-15 that has just been delivered to retailers. There is a NS flatcar available recently cataloged by K-Line by Lionel.
Lionel made an affordable NS 2-bay hopper a few years ago, which are now very hard to find as they sold out quickly. I haven’t seen them for sale in ages. Lionel tends
Thanks for the responses, this is what I was looking for and now feel confidant.
brianel027, I am defiantly a “conventional operation” guy. Not that the new stuff is bad, I just spend my days and most nights programming or working with some digital contraption I need to simplify a bit in my hobby. [:)]
Staying away from the Lionel’s or MTH CC systems will eliminate most of the frustrations in the electric train hobby. But on the other hand the CC systems offer a lot of operating opportunities that you will not get with conventional control. I have been running TMCC and DCS since the release of both systems many moons ago, for me, it is the only way to go.
Williams Locomotives and Williams by Bachmann Locomotives are terrific, you can’t go wrong with those guys. Another interesting twist, a lot of Lionel product is now manufactured by Bachmann’s parent company and manufacture, Kadar Industries in China.