Nice sound, but too bad they didn’t spend the time to update the shell. Open plow, outdated truck side frames… This is the same unit that has been around since the 80’s…the Athearn version is by far the better way to go for this engine.
I like anything with sound, although I’m a steam fan. I just got started back in the HO train world. Things have really changed in the last thirty years, I’m in the process of learning to install sound in my Bachmann steam and diesel loco’s; Bill
Enjoyed the video!
The sound quality is a definite turn off. Hopefully that’s from the mic being used, because I’d get a headache running this. Thing is, the steam sound systems don’t come across as bad. 90% of what comes through sounds like a turbine engine winding up, get none of the deep beat of a diesel.
Is there a video of the Athearn sound equipped DDA40X. I would like to watch one video and then the other before I decide which one I liked better.
This loco is what it is. A value for money DD40 to run on my layout. Mine runs well and the sound is good. It does exactly what it has to for the price. I think $150 is better value for me than $450. Bachmann are filling a niche in the market for us ,financially restricted, happy model railroaders.
Nice model and the sound is OK I have a few of the Bachmans and they all run pretty good , a decent price for what you are getting , the full sound models ar starting to get a little pricey
I think it would be great to have all the sounds and whistles etc. but my train set is still in it’s box with no track laid and no scenery. It still runs in my dreams but I am the only one who can hear or see it.
From down under, very nice, runs smooth by the video and sounds like the real loco.
I have a DD40AX 2002 model and mine runs well for its age, even has 6936 running numbers. My layout is only DC at the moment, will change to DCC one day.
This one can’t top the Athearn DDA40X but what can? However it’s a nice engine for the price and it seems to run well and sound good.
Great Video
I really like the sound that comes from the DCC. I can’t afford to buy DCC I’m working with only my pension, but if I ever win the lottery watch out my layout will have a lot of changes to it. I’d hire a pro to start with. I agree with the comment from Mr. John Flaherty from Connecticut some units are getting very pricey.
Very realistic. I am in the process of building my layoutand will be going with a DCC setup.
I noticed only one side of the front number boards lit up plus the beacon is awful ( no detail and way too large). I think I’ll pass on this one.
good job
yay iv been looking foward to this one just have to start saving
even if it is from bachmann
Looks great, sounds great and runs smoothly with quite a lot of power. My curves are too tight, but it handles turnouts well.
Keep the articles coming.
This is a great engine for the price, not bad sound either. You guys that commented on the open plow, could use a plow from details west or detail associates. Not be so lazy, and add maybe ditch lights, or whatever you want to add. Im sure you should be able to reset some cv’s and value settings as well to suit your own personal taste. Maybe even reset the beacon, and place a collar at the base of the beacon, with a small washer, or a detail part from details west. So quit bashing this unit and buy one, go to the work bench, for a few dollars you can have as good looking of a model as the athearn, maybe place better speakers in the unit for around twenty dollars or so. You may have another thirty dollars total in the unit, and still keep the total price under $200.00 Dollars. Get busy and happy railroading.
Great value for the money
I saw that it had some cylinder looking thing in the middle where you can walk between the two motors if they can get around that ill save up for it.