What are your opinions of the quality and running characterisics of the Bachmann HO locomotives?
You might want to be more specific. Are you saying those sold new today by Bachmann?
Simon
Most run quite well. I have some steamers. Couple diesels. The geared steamers have had cracked gears, some new out of the box. You can see that here and at the Bachmann forums.
Rich
Depends on when they were made. I have 21 Bachmann engines, steam and diesel, including two Spectrum models, in HO scale, and all run. My new and newer engines with can motors run smooth and quiet, I have no complaints about them other than my GS4, which tends to derail on the slightest track imperfection. Three of my Bachmann engines have the old pancake motors, and two of them run quite well for what they are, albeit somewhat noisy. The third runs a bit on the rough side, but it still runs. Hope this helps.
I’ve had a few that had that problem, but I was able to repair them all with a little bit of CA. I think there was a “how to” video on Bachmann gear repair on YouTube.
It depends on how you define quality.
And it depends on how old of Bachmann products you are referring to.
Bachmann is a company that makes trains for entry level, intermediate, and advanced level modelers. Not every product will suit every customer.
Some people define the word “quality” based on how well the intended product is assembled, painted, and how mechanically reliable it is.
Other people expect that, as well as a specific level of detail or prototype accuracy attached to the word quality.
About 30 years ago under the leadership of a gentleman named Lee Riley, Bachmann began a program of quality improvement away from just making inexpensive train set items and into lines of products aimed at more advanced modelers.
There has been a steady improvement in their products since that time.
Today, while not all their products are highly detailed, the operational quality of their products is quite good.
There have been bumps in the road over those 30 years. Not every product was perfect or trouble free, but that can be said about EVERY company in this industry.
Today even their “train set” items are operationally reliable, while they may not suit the detail or scale model accuracy requirements of some modelers.
Their line of Spectrum brand steam locos which have been offered over the last 25-30 years consists of many models that are extreemly good runners and well detailed for the price.
Their diesel locomotive models vary somewhat in detail level, but most from the last 10-15 years are good runners, as is most of the rolling stock.
If you have an interest in specific items, myself or others will be happy to offer our thoughts on specific items.
I personally have about 40 Bachman
I’ve a couple. An SD70ACe and a Berkshire. Red box ones less than five years old.
Both have seen significant run time at shows. No issues of any kind.
I don’t have any Bachmann locomotives but I did see a Spectrum 2-8-0 run a few years back it was VERY smooth. Like other manufacturers, Bachmann comes in various “lines”. This usually (but not always) transfers to the quality or detail within a given line so that you get an idea of what to expect.
And every manufacture has their studs and duds so it’s usually best to take them on a case-by-case basis. Is there a particular Bachmann locomotive you are interested in?
Tom
I was asking about the current versions of the Bachmann diesels. What about the Athearn and Roundhouse now Walthers diesels? The reason that I am asking is I am considering changing to HO gauge. I know Atlas and Kato are quite good. BLI seems overpriced. Information on other manufacturers of HO locomotives would also be appreciated.
Based on what I hear from friends the latest Bachmann diesels run nice, but what I said still applies, some are more detailed than others. Some are a little “basic” in terms of detail.
I model the 1950’s, so I only by models of older prototype diesels. I have LOTS of older, 20-25 years ago, LifeLike Proto2000 diesels, from before Walthers took over Proto2000. I am very happy with them.
DISCLAIMER - I run DC, no sound, no decoders, factory installed or otherwise.
I also have Athearn Genesis, Intermountain, and few newer Walthers produced Proto2000 diesel locos. They are all excellent.
The only Bachmann diesels I have are little switchers, GE 44tonners, GE 70 tonners. They are fine.
But it will depend a lot on what era you want to model as to which companies will offer the best products for your needs.
I don’t have any Broadway diesels. I have always felt they lacked detail for their high prices and that they are more about selling the “sound experiance”.
Sheldon
Atlantic Central:
I model the BNSF, so that would include BN abd ATSF locomotives. The GE 44 and 70 ton locomotives will work well in my steel mill working the blast furnace. Some older locomotives that these railroads had or have may be included as well.
OK, beyond that you will need some suggestions from some others because I don’t know much about more modern stuff that would be correct for BNSF.
As I said, I model the 50’s, but more importantly I don’t really keep up with present day railroading, or even railroading 25 years ago when BNSF was formed.
Sheldon
I have only a thirteen Bachmann locomotives, all steamers, and have no complaints about any of them. They’re smooth runners and decent pullers, too. And like Sheldon’s, all are straight DC - no sound, all strictly business.
Wayne
The newest are great but the detail on some is less than others. Like was said, they make all qualitys and many scales.
My idea of “quality”.
I will use automobiles for my example.
A car company builds two different “models”, a basic version, and a luxury version, on the same chassis, using the same engine and drive line.
This chassis proves to be extreemly durable and reliable for many miles, with very low repair costs for the owners.
The “basic” model lacks features like heated power seats, in dash navagation, sunroof, etc.
The luxury version has all that and more, all the latest stuff, plus extra appearance upgrades, fancy expensive wheels, better styling, etc.
Both cars are built from the exact same mechanical parts on the same assembly line.
Is the luxury version of higher “quality” than the basic version? Not in my mind.
Both are of the same “quailty”, the luxury version simply has more “features”.
So for me, when it comes to models, higher detail, or even higher prototype accuracy, is not something I would use the word “quality” to describe.
Just my view…
Now, if the more correct or more detailed model also has a better motor, or better driveline, than it may well be of higher quality…
Sheldon
I have two Sound Value S4 switchers, one Sound Value 2-6-0 Mogul and one DCC On Board 2-8-0. The Sound Value locos are wonderful performers. However, the 2-8-0 is nearly a shelf queen. Not being able to afford one of the Spectrum 2-8-0 locos, I finally found an affordable on-line price for the DCC equipped “standard” version a couple years ago. The first one ran so poorly that I sent it back. The second loco was better but still nowhere near as smooth as the Sound Value 2-6-0. I had read that most of the problem was due to the basic DCC decoder Bachmann installed and so I replaced it with a sound decoder, changing out the abysmal headlight and adding a back-up light at the same time. It runs better now but I think I’m going to have to find a quartering tool to get this thing to run smoothly. BIG disappointment for what originally was a “Model of the Year.”
While they’re too old for the time frame, you’re proposing to model, I’ve got 2 Bachmann “DCC onboard” Baldwin Sharknose locomotives (10 years ago??) that were consisted and have run faultlessly (touch wood) from new, at a number of train shows amassing around 100 hours of running.
I’ve read that they run far better with the original Bachmann decoder swapped out for something better, but as an “ain’t broke, don’t fix it” chap I haven’t! Still running with the original Bachmann Easymate couplers as well!!
My only regret that I didn’t buy a couple more. As for detail, they look Good Enough for me at 3 feet.
[2c] Cheers, the Bear.[:)]
I am not aware of any duds among the diesels of the above makers. Athearn offers the Roundhouse line, which is less detailed but solid running. Bachmanns are also solid and smooth, but below Atlas silver and gold lines. I think Walthers are in the same category as Bachmann. Athearn is one notch above. You generally get what you pay for…
Simon
Wrong, what someone is willing to pay has little correlation to the quality, especially in trains. Just look at when Ertl entered the market, premium price, premium detail, 2nd hand graphics and proubly the worst wheels for accually running, plus other issues. I could go on and on, just in model railroading, let alone the 1-1 world.
I’ve got a Mikado, an 0-6-0 tank engine, a Peter Witt trolley and a GG-1. All of them work fine. I have replaced a number of the junk box couplers that the engines came with, but I have to do that with most engines.