Question about Bachmann Single and Three dome HO scale Tank Cars

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have been looking at some of the Bachmann single dome and three dome tank cars on various sites. They look to be about as detailed as the Walther Mainline tanks cars (which I have two of and really like them). Does anyone have any of the more recent Bachmann releases? If you do, how would you describe them as compared to the Walther Mainline ones?

Thanks!

2

DRfan,

I don’t have either but they look pretty much the same to me. And I don’t know about Walthers but Bachmann will slap just about any road name on them and charge way too much for it.

For example, the NYC never owned or put their name on any tank cars but Bachmann has an “oldtime” version for $37 MSRP. For that amount I can purchase a VERY nice and WAY more accurate single- or 3-dome tank car from Tangent. I can also buy two - even three Proto 2000 tank car kits for that price; again, way more accurate and detailed than anything Bachmann can offer. Even discounted, the Bachmann offerings are not worth the price to me.

Tom

3

The Bachmann silver series tank cars are available for about $15 on line. They are comparable to the Walthers cars.

4

Tom,

I did not ask for a judgement of the manufacturer, I asked if the (single and three dome) tank cars were comparable to Walthers Mainline. But since you state that you has neither own the Bachmann or Walthers models, I am confused as to why you replied. The street price for Bachmann is around 15-17 dollars (check out model train stuff.com). You also brought up your concerns over a different model than what I asked about which again I find confusing.

5

Hi Floridaflyer,

Thanks!

6

The Bachmann three dome tank car is a very old set of tooling, dating back to the 1960s. Most of the detail is moulded on, rather than attached. That said, it looks the part and in more recent paint schemes shows up well. I’ve found the Silver Series car to run and track very well. The same can’t be said for those cars offered in train sets, which should be avoided. The single dome car is a slightly more recent design, but hardly state of the art.

But I have one of each lettered for “Shell” in Silver Series and I’m keeping them.

Peter

7

I commented on both models from what I’ve observed while shopping for rolling stock and they appear similar to me. So, I did address your query - whether I actually own any or not.

The Bachmann Silver Series NYC tank car I mentioned I quoted directly from the Bachmann site itself and it’s $37 rather than $15-$17. If you peruse eBay then you’ll notice that the prices for Bachmann tank cars “trends” at $25. Yes, you can find a few at lower prices but most are $25 and >. Walthers Mainline appear to be a little higher on average than the Bachmann.

Anytime you post a query on a forum you may end up with additional comments. So, take what’s said for what it’s worth…

Tom

8

Tom,

The prices I quoted were from modeltrainstuff.com as listed today (11/24/2017). I am asking input from owners as I stated "Does anyone have any of the more recent Bachmann releases? If you do, how would you describe them as compared to the Walther Mainline ".