I’m returning to the hobby after a 40 yr. absence. I am interested in buying a nicely detailed Steam loco with DCC and sound so I have been checking out the Spectrum Modern Amereican 4-4-0. I noticed that Trainland has one for $250 and another one for $200. Does anyone know what is the difference? They also have a Spectrum 4-6-0 for $150. Does that have the same quality of detailing and performance as the 4-4-0? I’m on a tight budget so getting the best price/quality ratio is important to me. Any feedback would be helpful.
Hi, welcome back to the hobby. I have several of the Bachmann Spectrum sound equpped 4-4-0’s and 4-6-0’s.
These are both excellent runners and both have the same level of detail. I, myself, prefer the 4-6-0’s, just love watching the valve gear.
Note that the 4-4-0 being lighter will not pull as much as the 4-6-0 engine.
Note: there are two versions of the 4-6-0, one with the 52" drivers and the other with the 63" drivers. I use one of the 63" versions for passenger use and the smaller 52" version for freight.
The 4-6-0’s were around for a long time and were used equally for passenger and freight service.
Check the details in the ads. With Tsunami, they will say, With Tsunami sound. I recently purchased a Spectrum 4-6-0 with Tsunami sound and the ad said, With Tsunami sound. Ask the vendor will also work.
Couple years ago I purchased the 4-4-0, DCC ready. These locos are also sold with DCC on board which is a non sound low end Lenz decoder.
All ads for these locos I have ever seen tell all the specs. Ebay, you sometimes can never tell without asking the seller.
Thanks for the feedback guys. It was helpful. I think I’m going with the 4-6-0 with 52" drivers. The price of $150 for a DCC with sound seems unbeatable. Boy, I wish I had kept my brass PFM 2-6-0 I had as a teenager in the 60"s !!!
The Spectrum 4-6-0 has been around a few years longer than the 4-4-0, so it has a little less detail (and I mean a little). Other than that, the quality should be equal. Both have Bachmann’s smooth and reliable cogged belt and worm drive, as well as metal construction and durable detail. I have the Spectrum 2-8-0, 2-10-0, 0-6-0T, and 3-Truck Shay, and all are very smooth runners with great detail.
Call them. I ordered two a couple of days ago through their web site. First I received a confirmation email. Today I received a second email saying “CANCELED - out of stock”… The web site still shows them as available and lets you place the order. Hopefully your roadname is still available “for real”.