My first foray into the world of Steam. (Presently I run modern stuff like GE B40-8’s and EMD GP38-2s, but am looking to expand my horizons).
I’m thinking of adding a few steam locos to my roster to run transition-era operating sessions, and to start I’m thinking of picking up an HO Bachmann Spectrum Pennsy K4 Pacific.
I’m sure there are owners of this loco on this forum-- Can you advise me if it’s a good entry-level buy, or should I be looking at something else? Basically I just need a reliable DC loco (DCC upgrade capability a plus) compatible with sharp curves for under $100.
The Bachmann K4 I bought was certainly not suitable for tight curves. (18" and 20" on a 4 x 8 layout). The front pilot wheels would short out on the inside edges of the cylinders which are part metal and part plastic. After a bit of work, I was able to tighten up the slack in the pilot axle bearings which improved it a little, but when it wasn’t shorting out, it waddled along like a sick duck. It is in it’s nice black box now and that is where it will stay.
I have one and it runs great, though it does have a slight squeak from somewhere. The most cars i have tried to pull with it is 20 but it wasn’t hesitating at all so im sure it will pull more, i usually just run it with 7-10 cars though. Mine is a fine engine and i would buy another if i modelled that time period. (bought it because i wanted to have one steam engine)
I have one of these from the first run and it runs fine. It will only pull 5 or 6 cars but thats all I want it for.
If the pilot truck wheels are hitting the cylinders, the curve is much too sharp for that loco. An 18" curve is too sharp for anything bigger than an 0-6-0.
Put electrical atape on the inside of the cylinder casting to keep the wheels from shorting against it. They should not be touching it anyway.
Years ago I bought one of the original production runs of the Spectrum K-4. My experience was pretty much the same as “bsurf’s” – minus the shorting problem. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for sharp curves. I used it as part of a trade for a GEM 0-4-0 brass camelback.[:)]
I can attest to this as well, I have both the first release and then another from the late 90’s, before the model was DCC ready. Both loco’s still run great, have run on both 18" and 22" radius and though they don’t look realistic on these curves, they do run.
They can’t pull much, my newer loco in particular sometimes slips on my club’s layout when pulling more than 5 cars so we generally keep it under that.
I’ve been thinking of converting them to DCC but since the ones I have aren’t DCC ready they will take a bit more work.
I knew I came to the right place! Thanks for all the info guys.
Just a few followup questions… How difficult is it to add weight to the interior of the engine? I’m thinking of using the good ol’ lead shot/epoxy soup method (mixing up lead shot with some epoxy glue and arranging the mix on the inside of the shell in areas where it will clear the mechanism).
The other issue I would have to address I guess would be the pilot swivel. I’m hoping a little work with a flat file on the inside of the cylinders might gain enough clearance?
Also, are there any other sub-$100 entry-level steam locos would you guys recommend?
I have a nice little Spectrum 2-8-0 that runs very well round my layout. Also an IHC 2-6-0 mogul that handles the tight curves really well. Doesn’t pull any more than about 7 or 8 cars though, but that suits me fine on a small layout.
I have seen a few K4’s in person, it is my humble opinion it’s not the best K4 out there, I would prefer the Broadway Limited’s engine for a few dollars more.
I once owned a IHC Pacific until it was destroyed by one of my cats (Lesson, keep engines in boxes until running) and it did ok but waddled at times like a duck.
The boiler and cab are both full of weight, which makes it quite a job to convert to DCC. It is posible though, but rewiring is necessary to isolate the motor from the track etc.
Mine is still a work in progress since I converted to DCC, however I am changing the tender to a Vanderbilt type at the same time. My problem is finding some very fine flexible wire to do the connections from tender to loco. The wire I have is too stiff, which causes derailments and all sorts of problems.
The Bacmann Spectrum 2-8-0 has DCC on board already.
You may wish to consider either the Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation 2-8-0 or their light “Russian” Decapod 2-10-0. Both nicely detailed, reasonably priced and good performers. The Grizzly Northern operates three of each, decoder equipped in the GNR’s shops.
Thank you all for the insight! It is certainly making my first foray into steam much less uncertain.
At this point I’m thinking about that IHC Mogul and the Spectrum Consolidation as per all your recommendations… Looks like I’ll have to wave off the Spectrum K4 for now.
I’m also looking at the BLI Hudson for the very high end-- It’ll bust my budget by another $40-50, but if it’s that much better I’m willing to spend the money for it.
I don’t want to dispute anything posted, but I’ve got 4 Spectrum K4 locos and they are fine runners, good haulers. I bought two, then another two as I liked them a lot…nicely detailed, good runners(no waddlers) and well priced. I’ve hooked up decoders - a 30 minute job - and I’m well satisfied. I have some Spectrum mountains and they run just fine, in fact I have quite a Spectrum roster and will buy more. Maybe one day I’ll get a lemon, but so far…