Hi, I am new to these forums and just getting into model railroading after taking possession of a set my grandfather put together when we were much younger. What I am looking for is reviews/input on a particular brand/model of locomotive I am looking to purchase. Being on a budget to say the least, I am limited on what I can buy right now, but I need something to fill in for the ailing 1946 model Lionel 2020 I currently have. So, the unit I am looking at is a Williams by Bachmann SD90 seen here:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=2437
Anyone have any input on the quality of both the train itself and/or the mechanical parts (motor, horn, trucks, etc)? I realize this is on the low end and don't expect anything exceptional, but just wanted to make sure it wasn't a waste of money if I can pick this up new for @ $150. Thanks for any input!
You may get more responses from the Toy trains forum.
For what its worth I had the old 2020 turbine when I was just a wee lad. It was a great loco. It still had the smoke bulb and to change direction you had to swap a wire on the motor inside the cab. We also had the 671 turbine with an E unit but the 2020 ran so nicely we ran it more. Sometimes I miss the old Lionel. Wish I still had it all! Never give anything to your brothers!
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
What you're asking about is a 3 rail O scale locomotrive. People over on the Classic Toy Trains forum will probably know more about it than those who use this forum. Users here are mainly HO and N scale.
Williams has been owned by Bachmann for less than a year.
Hey welcome!!
Why is your 2020 ailing? I'm sure with some tlc it will run for another 50 years. What's up. Probably needs basic maintenance.
Mike s.
I was with Wes Whitmore when he purchased a SD90 at York this last fall. It was a real nice locomotive. Maybe he will see this post and give you a performance description.
For what it is worth, the only engines that I own that have not been in the shop are my Williams. I run them hard and they have lasted. I have never even replaced a light bulb. Many of us that buy Williams use Ma & Pa Jct. for our purchases http://www.mapajunction.com/ Marty has always had great prices. JUSTRAINS is another great place to purchase Williams.
If you click on my website below and go to the video, you will see the Wabash FM Trainmaster, Amtrack Genesis and the B&O Sharks running. They are are Williams models. My Monon BL2 , another Williams, may be in a still photo.
Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum.
Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..
Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR
TCA 09-64284
Thanks for the replies, sorry for posting this in the wrong forum, I'll cross post into CTT.
I am looking for an everyday loco since right now I am just running the train on a basic loop for my 2 year old son. He absolutely loves to watch it go around! I do plan on taking the 2020 in for service and will run it on a second line once I get all of the old track and switches cleaned up (rusted from 30+ years of storage). The engine runs "OK", but it does need servicing and I would like to have a modern diesel to run since that his what he sees on the "real" tracks around here. Thanks again for the responses.
Williams from Bachman are pretty good engines for the price. I work 2 blocks from there HQ in Philly and stopped in a couple of times. They are nice people and are very helpful and gave me a tour of the place. They even showed me the Top Secert lab where they were coming out with the new DCC Locos in HO. I suggested they put it in the O gauge line. Anyway they were very helpful when I asked how to fix things and for parts even for the Williams engines I had before the takeover.
Bachmann does sell the Williams trains now. Have you looked at their website? They have a complete set for around $300.00, engine with three cars plus track and transformer. The track they offer in the starter sets is made by Atlas Trains. www.bachmanntrains.com then click on the Williams logo, may have to choose USA first.
You mentioned about having some older track, look at the tracks, if it has a lot of rust underneath the track you may want to replace it. On the topside of the track you can usually clean the rust off pretty good. With older switches you will want to test them first before using on a layout as they usually have a few little things to be worked out from sitting around, sometimes just a little oil at places will bring an old switch back to life.
Lee F.
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