So what's the real word on Bachmann?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

So, getting back into the hobby as I am, I’ve been looking at not only track plans, but rolling stock, locos, kits… all the stuff that goes with it.

As far as locomotives, my planned layout calls for steamers of the American (20’s - '30’s appearance), Ten-Wheeler or Consolidation variety, and perhaps even a Mike or Berk as a through-freight for flavor.

As I’ve been researching, it seems there aren’t many manufacturers in the steam locomotive game anymore, and all of the types I want are made by Bachmann, some exclusively. At least, those carried by Walther’s, Modeltrainstuff.com, and other sites or elsewhere that I can see listed as easily obtainable.

The problem is, I’ve seen mixed opinions on Bachmann equipment, from “it’s trash” to “it’s way better than they used to be”, but most trending negative, which makes me uneasy, seeing as my motive power needs mean I’ll probably need to buy Bachmann locos at some point.

So, is Bachmann equipment really as bad as I’ve read, or are these mostly sour-grapers with older units? Should I prepare to have my locos spend more time on the bench than on the main? Should I just skip them and limit myself to BLI’s offerings (when I can find them in stock, which is telling in itself), or wait until someone else makes a production run of something?

For the record, I own two Bachmann engines (a Prairie and a Hogwarts Express set) and had no issues, but I could just be lucky. So what’s the real word on Bachmann locos?

2

I have several Bachmann engines and they have never given me any problems at all. They are good looking, have plenty of detail and have decent power.

Bachman did have a reputation as “junk” some years ago, but I have nothing but good things to say about the engines I’ve bought from them.

3

There’s Bachmann train set stuff, and then there’s Bachmann Spectrum and Plus. It’s like they aren’t even the same manufacturer. Just like Life Like and Proto 1000/2000 (now Walthers). The old train set level stuff is just not worth the effort, but the Spectrum stuff is good to excellent.

–Randy

4

On the steam engine side, there really isn’t a distinction anymore. All of their steamers are reasonably well made, have good detailing. Some better than others, but all passable. They have solid motors. The 2 knocks on Bachmann are that some of their locos have suffered from cracked gears. I believe their more modern stuff has solved this problem, but you may still encounter cracked gears. This is a relatively easy bench repair, but still annoying…but again, you may never hit it and it I think has been solved. The other knock was that up until quite recently they had some very sub-optimal DCC decoders. But that has largely changed. Do check on any model you wish to buy, but the new units have quite good decoders. Of course, changing out decoders is pretty simple on these.

5

Bachmann, especially Bachmann Spectrum, is certainly not trash or junk.

I do prefer BLI which, in my experience, has beem less problematic.

If you can find what you want in BLI, you should get it. But if what you want is only available from Bachmann Spectrum, then get it.

I have both brands, and I like them both.

Rich

6

Bachmann Spectrum steam engines are some of the best around. I have a number of them and have been very happy with them. I can’t comment about the diesels as my era is well before they arrived.

7

Mechanically, I think they are as good as anybody else with the exception of manufacturers that still use kato-based motors, which in 2018, may only be KATO.

But I think their OnBoard DCC (nonsound) decoder is inferior to others, as well as nearly all aftermarket decoders.

The OnBoard Sound Value line has a scaled down Soundtraxx Tsunami-ish decoder and is as good as any other Tsunami as far as sound quality and motor control, IMO.

As far as the detail of the shell, different models have different levels of detail, so check each loco to see if it meets your standards. I don’t think a blanket statement about Bachmann can be used to describe it accurately.

8

110% True.

9

I’ve found that Bachmann tends to lean towards generic prototypes to maximize on sales - e.g. 2-8-0, 4-6-0, 4-6-2, etc. BLI also does that but I don’t think to the extent that Bachmann does. I model a specific road so many of the Bachmann offerings are noticeably different than the prototype.

That said, their Spectrum line is quite nice. I saw one of their B&O 2-8-0s on a layout and it ran very smoothly. How accurate it was to the actual B&O 2-8-0, I don’t know. Nonetheless, it was a fine running locomotive.

Tom

10

I have to agree with Doug. I have 2 Bachmann Spectrum and 1 Sound Value Bachman locos, 6 BLI, 2 Rapido, 3 Athearn Genesis and 1 Proto 2,000. I find all the others have better decoders (sound, motor control and selections). The Bachmann RS Units and the Athearn GP7 do not have good pulling power. The BLI Mikes can pull an apartment building as can the athearn F9 and the Rapido FL9.

I am however looking forward to getting the Bachmann 2 Truck climax and adding the Tsunami decoder.

11

Lonehawk, I am fine with Bachmann. Only steam I had where there Speterm GS-4 engines. Never had a lick of a problem with them. Only reason I sold them I just got into DCC and did not want to install a decoder.

Everyone of my BLI steam engines have gone back to BLI for repairs!

If you go DCC get there Sound Vaule engines! The DC on Board decoders suck rail spikes! Love there Sound Vaule engines!

Cuda Ken

12

I have some Bachmann steamers and diesels. They are just fine.

You should also look at the Bachmann website. There are forums with company reps, catalogs, Parts list, Repairs and Replacement pages, loco diagrams, DCC info, etc.

Be advised, Bachmann does not use the NMRA wire colors. Not a big deal if you know the NMRA DCC standards and know how to use an ohm meter.

Rich

13

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE steam locomotive is my Bachmann EM-1 2-8-8-4. That beauty runs better than a fine Swiss watch!

Almost all my steamers are brass, but the Bachmann 2-8-0 and 2-8-8-4 look just fine in the group and are right at home. No complaints.

-Kevin

14

I have, I think at last count, 35 Bachmann steam locomotives, most from the Spectrum line, and several of the newer regular line.

They include the following wheel arrangements:

4-6-0

2-8-0

2-10-2

4-8-2 Heavy

4-8-4 N&W J

2-8-4 Berkshire (I converted mine into freelance 2-8-2’s)

2-6-6-2 (both versions, H-4 and H-5)

2-8-8-4 B&O EM1

I have multiple copies of most all of these. All are good runners and well detailed.

Most are very acurate for their intended prototypes, some are “generic” but still capture the flavor of the road names offered.

Out of 35 locos, several did have problems, Bachmann replaced them no questions asked.

Here is the thing with Bachmann, they make products geared to every “level” of the hobby, from beginner to highly advanced. So not all their products will be the same detail or accuracy level.

As for quality, most of the bad stuff you hear is left over bad experiances from 20 years ago, when they made mainly inexpensive “train set” quality stuff.

That has changed completely, but it did not happen over night, so along the way some items have been better than others.

One big mistake people make is they have a hard time understanding that not every product from ANY company is always the exact same “quality” as some other product from that company.

Again, with Bachmann this is still party true as some items are made for the train set market, some for more advanced modelers…

But overall, even the train set level products from Bachmann are now reliable from a mechanical standpoint even if they are not the most detailed or accurate models out there.

Also, respectfully, some of the comments above are based on the limited experiances of those individuals, with a limited number of Bachmann items. And some items have been less than perfect. That should not stop you from buying the others…

15

I had heard from many sources Bachmann has really improved over the years. I decided to give them a shot. I purchased a Bachman 4-8-4 Great Northern - northern. I hate to admit it but the thing runs smooth as silk at creepy crawler speeds and I’m actually debating if it runs quieter than my Kato I just purchased.

[:|] Track Fiddler

PS Sheldon. You must be extremely satisfied with modern day Bachmann products. That was one heck of a review. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bachman calls you in a few days to offer you a job. If you’re getting older like me that would sure beat the heck out of doing construction. [(-D][(-D][(-D]

16

My [2c] worth, I have a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, with DCC and sound, and I think it’s great.

It runs great, even in “creep” speed, and I think the sound is way cool, BUT, I’m NOT a steam expert, as alot of guys on here on. I ended up with this loco from a close friend and neighbor at our place in northern WI, as he has moved on to N scale.

I’ve always had good experiences with Bachmann Spectrum, and Bachmann Plus.

I don’t know if they even have the trainset “pancake” motor anymore. I’m sure they are still out there.

Mike.

17

Mike. You’ve been here long enough. I’ve seen your pictures. Give yourself some credit. You’re an expert.

Track Fiddler

PS Yup Like how about those waterfalls, I looked for them. I could not find them on your site?

18

Old Bachmann was indeed “cheap”.

New Bachmann is no better or worse than other brands, be them BLI, Athearn, Walthers, or any others that make steam.

I have a few of their diesel locomotives myself. No issues there.

However, I will say that BLI Mikes have the big issue of the chuff sensor burning out repeatedly and quickly, so my BLI Mike will be getting a different decoder and a totally different chuff sensor installed. (If I ever get around to it… [:-^])

(Not knocking on BLI, but the design choice of a miniature magnetic reed switch as a chuff sensor was really bad.)

19

Well gee, Track Fiddler, I don’t know what to say, in the immortal words of Elvis Presely, “Thank you, thank you very much”. [:$]

I was relating to my knowledge of steam locos. What I’ve learned, I’ve learned in here from guys like Randy, Tom, Dr. Wayne, Sheldon, Ed, and a list of others, sorry if I left anyone out, and books I’ve read, and currently reading.

What I’ve learned in modeling, in general, is from the same group, adding Frank, and others. Just too many excellent talented modelers in here to mention.

I was born in “49”, so the transition period was well underway, and I was not around railroads. I was on a farm. WI., IL., and Iowa.

Any of the first two links under my name gives you full access to my Photobucket account, for pics of the waterfalls. You have to get by all the ads and pop-ups, and check out what you want.

Mike.

20

Actually, I knew Lee Riley, the brains behind the creation of the Spectrum line, way back in the day before he worked for Bachmann…sad he is gone now.

Yes, I do construction, but, I am “working boss” doing very specialized, mostly historic restoration work…I try not to work too hard…

I would consider such a position if it was offered, no question. I would be flattered

Yes, I think Bachmann has done a great job over the last 20 years.

Sheldon