Hello All,
I have found a good deal on pairs of Bachmann Spectrum F7s and RF-16s in N Scale. Do they Run good? Also I am told the previous “bachmann plus” units have plastic gears that shrink over time, so do the spectrum ones differ?
Canadian Shield
I’ve several N-scale Bachmann locomotives, 2 F units and an SD40. All ran well, but were very pricy. Also the truck sideframes on the SD40 tended to break easily. I did have gear problems with one of the F units. One the worm gears stripped and had to be replaced. No problem after that.
A word of caution about any Bachmann units, even Spectrums, thier quality control is extremely spotty. LET THE BUYER BEWARE!
Bachmann Spectrum diesels, in both HO and N scale, suck. And I’m being kind.
I’ve owned several of their diesels in the past, in both scales, and the only one I still have is one of the newer HO 44-tonners, which is OK. All the others went onto the sale table at $5, and they took months to sell (because everyine else knows they suck too!)
I have a Spectrum SD45 and it runs great! They are nice little cheap loco’s not priced too high. the steam locomotives are some of the best out there.
I have a Spectrum F40 from the new tooling and it pulls 8-9 walthers budd cars sometimes for several hours and i have had no issue with it, plus it comes with flashing strobes so there is one diesel that doesn’t suck.
I have a lot of Spectrum steamers in HO and they are great. Good lookers, good runners,DCC upgrade a snap.I have 2 44 tonners and a doodlebug which are fine as well. But recently I purchased a Chinese prototype diesel outline loco, and it is just the greatest looking loco and runs like a swiss watch. I bought it because I have travelled behind it in China, but if this is the quality of later Spectrum diesels,IMHO they are fantastic. These are all HO, so a bit off topic,sorry !
i have a bachmann steamer and several diesels (mostly uk range but its the same motor chassis ect…) the older bachmann diesels suck. orsonroy was quite right there. but the new spectrum ones are fine.
MAKE SURE YOU SEE IT RUN as their quality control is often lacking. i have had loco’s that wont move and some that need the wheel quatering tweaked. but if you are going after diesels then you dont need to worry about that. i have never had a problem swapping them.
they are nice looking loco’s for a nice looking price. and will do good service on your layout.
but i have only used HO/OO not N
good luck with your purchase.
Peter
I have two of the older (HO) Spectrum 70 tonners which I like very much. I also have an HO Spectrum 2-8-0 which has proven to be the worst running locomotive I’ve ever owned, without exception. Guess I got a lemon. Yes, they may repair or replace it, but I thought the idea was to do it right to begin with.
I’d like to get a 4-6-0, but I’m afraid I’ll get yet another lemon.
Good Luck
smyers
can you get your LHS to test it with you stood there watching? its the only sure way not to get a lemon flavor bachmann. i have the 2-8-0 and its one of my best. i know its not very good but i am sure if they tested each and evry one they would have to put the price up a little and people would complain (including me!).
Peter
Even seeing the unit run is no guarrantee that it will runn well and continue to do so. I have given Spectrum diesel 3 chances w/ 3 different locos, only one ran OK but the paint and details were poor.(crooked grabs poor paint parting line etc).
I have no problem w/ Spectrum steam only the crap diesels.
Bob K.
Bachmann locos are a hit or miss deal. You can buy one and it will last 20 years. Then buy another and it will be a lemon. Unfortunately, there are too many lemons. The good news, in my experience, is that Bachmann does back up their products. It just a hassle to keep returning stuff until you get a winner.
My wife bought me this HO dash-8 a couple of years ago. She didn’t know I was modeling the late 60’s early 70’s Since I only have limited power (I’m wiring layout now) I haven’t run it more than a few feet back and forth. That being said I like the detail, and once I’m up and running with full power it may make an occasional appearance. I also have a friend at the LHS who has a spectrum and he is happy with it.
All commends are on HO !! Anyone tried the n Gauge ? Even I might buy them !!
I am not impressed with Spectrum diesels. Spectrum N scale steamers are another story. My Spectrum consolidation surpasses my Kato mike in both detail and running. Now that’s a good engine. I’ve heard similar reports on other Spectrum steamers but lousy pulling power sometimes comes up from those running long trains. As others say, there are quality control issues with Spectrum so test before you buy.
[#ditto] My spectrum 2-8-0 has been the biggest piece of [censored]
But I’ve got a pair of old Spectrum GP30s and they run excellent. Do a search, I reviewed it on here not too long ago.
my spectrum works great c40-8 NS in HO haven’t had a problem yet.
I would do that, Peter, but there is no LHS near me any more that is rail-oriented. On-line is my only option. A bit risky with the Spectrum products!
Thanks,
smyers
I JUST GOT STARTED IN MODEL RAILROADING AND I MADE THE MISTAKE OF BUYING CHEAP BACHMAN CRAP.
RIGHT NOW I’M READY TO TRASH EVERYTHING AND START ALL OVER, OR FIND ANOTHER HOBBY ALTOGETHER!
QUALITY CONTROL? WHAT QUALITY CONTROL.
AFTER TALKING TO THE GUYS AT A LOCAL HOBBY SHOP I FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE MORE PROBLEMS WITH BACHMAN THAN ALL THE REST COMBINED!
FOR THIS REASON THEY HAVE CEASED TO SELL THIS CRAP AND CONCENTRATE ON QUALITY MDSE. ONLY.
REMINDS ME OF A SIGN MY HUSBAND USED TO HAVE IN HIS SNAP-ON TRUCK,
“I’D RATHER EXPLAIN THE PRICE THAN APOLOGIZE FOR THE QUALITY.”
[#ditto]
My Spectrum steamers were great, the diesels, so-so.
Welcome aboard Powderpuff. Yes, Bachmann almost did the same thing to me and my kids but we got through it. If you have found a good LHS that will get you heading in the right direction then consider your Bachmann experience part of the learning curve.