I’m new to N scale, and I’m finally at the point where I’m building up my locomotive fleet. I’m been looking for mostly Conrail locomotives from both Atlas and Kato. So far I have a Kato SD70MAC and an Atlas Dash 8 40-B. As I have noticed, Altas doesn’t make the Dash 8 40-CW’s that I am after, so I’m thinking of turning to Bachmann (the Spectrum product line) to make my numerous purchases of CW’s.
My question is, does the quality in Spectrum in HO scale locomotives carry over to N scale? More specifically, do the Spectrum locos operate as quietly as the higher end Kato and Atlas models? Also, do they operate as smoothly as Kato/Atlas?
I plan for lashups CR Dash 8 40-CW’s to be standard power on my layout, so hopefully I’ll get some good feedback!
I’m also an N scaler, and own several Spectrum 8-40s. The only way I’ve found to keep from having problems with them is to keep the tracks and wheels as clean as possible, and run them often…
Don’t mistake the quality of Spectrum in HO, or in N steam, with the crap they pass off in N scale diesels.
That’s not to say there isn’t hope. Their recent H-16-44 isn’t a bad runner, and the detail of the shell is well above par. However, the older C-40-8W’s are about 1/2 step above their train set crapmasters. The castings are bulky, ill proportioned, and the drives are terrible. They draw way too many amps for most decoders (if you’re so inclined) and they are geared tight as a drum compared to the smooth silky drives of Atlas and Kato.
Get some B-40’s from Atlas, and hold out hope that one day they’ll come to their senses and give us a real C-40 you can count on.
If you want to enjoy your hobby lay off the Bachmann diesel engines! They are just horrible.
Stick to the Kato/Atlas for smooth running and good details. You could take a look at InterMountain engines, they are as good as Atlas. As for Conrail, I believe Kato is doing a rerun of the SD80’s, you could look at this:http://www.nscalesupply.com/KAT/KAT-LocomotiveEMDSD80.html
Bachmann Steamers are a try before you buy. The new J may be their best loco. You can get some good ones. While some standard line models have been updated with new motors/frames, they need better tender pickup to operate properly.
Bachmann hasn’t announced any new product in a long time. I don’t know what they may have ready for the Detroit National Train Show. The Spectrum line has been an effort to make better quality product. It hasn’t always worked. It’s difficult to reccomend any Bachmann product without some track testing or a liberal return policy. The good news is Bachmann does have a good service department. The bad news is you may need it. They have recently changed their warranty policy so you can’t just buy any loco & send it in for a new one for $15-20. Keep all receipt or warranty cards on hand.