Here is my scenario. I currently am operating a DC layout. One day I wish to start a new layout (as in the next 5 to 6 years or so) and run it on DCC. There is a certain particular Loco that is DCC equipped that I plan on purchasing for said layout. I am wondering if this loco will be around in 5 to 6 years when I want to purchase it, or will it be discontinued. Should I purchase it now and wait to use it on the DCC layout? What I also am wondering is warranty info. as in if it does not work will the company still guarantee it. Will DCC locos work on DC layouts (could I use it now to be sure) and install a decoder or what have you to make it DCC compatible with my future layout?
Knowing what seems to be the trend to produce to order these days, if the loco typically is of the type that has an MSRP over $299, I would get it while the gettin’s good. I know that Bachmann has done yeoman service the past couple of years producing nice engines, and now with sound, but their own costs are beginning to creep up. They can’t give them away. In the meantime, Atlas and BLI, top quality in diesel and steam respectively, seem to be leaning toward what the market seems to show for interest. Walthers is another that comes in steady waves…so far.
Then again, I thought the last HO Pennsy Duplex had left the pallet, but now BLI has them coming in Blueline, which is the same as “has them coming” again. So, what do I know.
Ok, I’m looking at a N&W #611 with sound (I think they have made one of those, I tried looking online for it thus far and Bachmann’s site is down) from Bachmann Spectrum.
That model was from Broadway Limited and they are all sold out. Factory Direct Trains may have some left in stock; try their web site. Broadway Limited’s web site does not indicate any future rerun, at least not in 2008.
Most of todays DCC locos will also run on DC. 5 or 6 years from now the price is likely to be a lot higher. I have been reorganizing and cleaning up my train stuff for a possible move an was amazed at prices I paid some years ago for things - Prieser figure sets foe $3.99 - Merten fig sets for $1.99 - I don’t want to think of future prices!![:O]
Yes that is it. Now to make it more complicated, I would like to try to find one that is the 1950s version instead of the excursion (80s-90s) version. The 50s version is flat black and the excursion is gloss. (I know I’m a pain). I have seen them advertised in MR from Trainworld/Trainland (trying to go $$$ cheap here) but when I look up the product number one does not exist. Confusing…
I can’t find any listing for that in HO. Either it’s no longer in production, in which case you probably should snag one when you see one. Or, it was never done by Bachmann in HO.
I don’t have my back issues of the Walthers book handy, so I can’t check those right now.
Bachmann did make the excursion service J with Tsunami sound in the Spectrum line, and I think they still do. I don’t know if Tsunamis’ are DC / DCC but as the majority of factory sound decoders are, I’d say they would be, shouldn’t be too hard to check online and see. I have 2 without sound ( they are DCC and sound ready, ie holes in tender base ) that are the freight version with doghouse and long range water tender. The finish on those is NOT a gloss finish, it’s definitely a satin finish.
BLI did the “in service” J with QSI which can be run on DC or DCC without any mods. Check ebay as BLI are sold out of these. You can usually find them listed for around the same price most of the time.
Also from my own experience with the Spectrum, if your curves are under 24 inch you need to do a fair bit of modification to the tender bottom and draw bar to get it to stay on track. The draw bar is a real PITA design, it’s kinda like a weird triangular sandwhich setup with 2 pins on the engine and 2 on the tender that slide . I’ve been told the BLI draw bar is also very similar to the Spectrum but it uses a spring as well to help it centre properly, don’t know what was wrong with a normal draw bar that 99% of other steamers use !
Well, I bought my BLI 2-6-6-4 years ago, its still available. But I never had a layout to run it on, so it sat. Now my layout is in construction and I made a temp loop and got it to run. YAY!!! Bachmann EZ DCC, no prob.
If you don’t buy it now, it may show up on ebay if not continued, like old brass, they get a second life you know…
I have a lot equipment I have been slowly acquiring for my layout, so when its built, kazow, I’m ready to run.
Most the new loco’s that are DCC will run on DC. I had the same thought’s with my layout with my future expansion converting everything over to DCC. I have 2 bachmann spect’s PA1’s that run just fine on DC.