LGB Pennsy Steam vs Bachman Annie

[timd]

I am planning my first train layout.  I was going to use LGB #72120 Pennsy Steam set; but with the current LGB situation, would I be better off going with something like Bachmann's "Annie" locomotive. When looking at the advertisements all I see is "large scale or G scale".  How do you know if the locomotive is 1:20.3, 1:22.5, or 1:24?

I live in south central Kentucky.  Does anyone know of sources for garden railways in this area?  I have tried the Nashville one & the Crossville one in TN but unable to get a reply online.

Thanks for your help.

Tim Hume 

 

[SNOWSHOE]

LGB makes a better product but their not as detailed as the Bachmann and much more expensive.  Bachmann has better detailed, cheaper but more fragile.  From my personal experience I like the bachmann because they are much more affordable for me. 

As for scale LGB is usually 1:22 as well as the Bachmann Big Haulers.  The Bachmann Spectrum series is 1:20 scale.  Go to Bachmann web site and they will tell you if it is 1:20 scale.  Stock that has no scale is 1:22  Try Ridge Rd and St aubins on the web, they have the best deals. 

[altterrain]

The LGB Forney is an oddball scale like 1:19. The loco it is based on is the Sandy River & Rangley Lakes Forney which is a Maine two foot gauge railroad (yes the track is only two feet wide, not three like other narrow gauge or 4' 8 1/2" like standard gauge). More on the SR&RL here - http://www.srrl-rr.org/. The prototype is a small loco and LGB scaled it so it would fit with their other trains sizewise. Other than its oddball scale, its a fine little loco but so is the Annie and either would work well for you.

-Brian 

[Great Western]

I have no experience of LGB, but I do with Bachmann Annie (1:22.5) scale locos.

 I have two Annies, they run well here: in fact I got the second because I was so pleased with the first one.  The disadvantages to me with an LGB loco was that it was more expensive and as Brian commented unusual in scale. Maybe that is why some LGB locos look stunted to my eyes.

People tell me that a loco may last 30 years or more - I haven't got 30 years left I don't think (unless some guy invents a re-juvenating fomula that I can afford) so I am more than content with what I have.

[lownote]

Like others said, LGB stuff is very very solid. It's well designed to run and run. I find it kind of toy like though--odd indeterminate scales and a relatively low level of detail. I have  abunch of LGB starter set engines and they look charming  but kind of toy like, they run well but don't pull very hard

 The Bachmann Annie is, IMHO, the best bargain in large scale. It has amazing detail for the price. It's very big compared to the LGB starters, and sometimes has trouble tracking--the front pilot wheel come of for some people, though mine rarely do. It runs well and pulls well--not as well as Bachmann's Spectrum stuff, but mine pulls three Bachmann J&S long coaches up a 5.5 % grade with  no problem at all

 I think they both have advantages. If you want charm and cute and reliable, LGB is great. If you want  an big impressive old west look, with lots of detail, go Bachmann. The Annie looks better on bigger curves

Pictures of my Annie are on my website

[vsmith]

I have two Annies, but would love to get an LGB Forney, even with the long term questionablity of warrenty. Both are great starts, honestly, I would opt for the LGB, mostly because it may be your only opportunity to get one, Annies will be around for a very long time to come.