Hi, I searched the data base on here to see if there are any reviews for the Bachmann HO scale 4-8-4s and HO scale Bachmann 2-10-4s. Decades ago I owned a Bachmann HO 4-8-4 in a Chessie System scheme. Needless to say, I do not own it any longer as the drive wheel shafts all cracked rendering the locomotive useless. This of course was before I found out that Bowser made a rebuild kit for these locomotives as it was a common problem with this model. I also have an original Bachmann 2-10-4 as well. It needs repowering because the motor is shot. My question is this. I am interested in possibly purchasing both of these new Bachmann 4-8-4 and 2-10-4 locomotives. How good are the new locomotives? Are they still having problems with the 4-8-4s like the older ones? Are the 2-10-4 locos any better also? I need some reviews from you all that have purchased these two locomotives. Thanks![*-)]
The older Bachmann steamers were terrible “rattlers”, just fit for running around the Christmas tree. That’s why the Bowser people made the repower kits. Those kits were kind of crude and not easy to install either! The later Bachmann steamers in the Spectrum line are much better but their major problem is that they are too light and the pilot truck on the 2-10-4 is prone to frequent derailments. Perhaps one of the other respondents knows a way to add weight which would improve pulling power and possibly tracking as well.
The new Bachmann 4-8-4 is quite better than the older one. Also has tender pick-up added. I have several of the new 4-8-4,s and i am very pleased with then.
When the newest Bachmann 4-8-4’s were first released they were reviewed by Model Railroad News and given quite good reviews, despite their not being Spectrum englines.
That quite surprised a number of people as Model Railroad News was known for honest reviews and they would point out deficiencies without hesitation on new products.