Bach 0-4-0

[SNOWSHOE]

Just wanted to see what everyones thoughts are on the Bach 0-4-0.  How is it power wise.  I am looking for smaller engines or larger that wont break the bank.  Since I am just starting out I want to save money.  Im still in the process of getting track.  I am ordering a little at a time.  I want to have at least two engines-more logging type that can run on 6.4 turn-I know is under the 8 that is recomended. I saw Ridge Rd had them for around 130.  They also have the 4-6-0  Ann ed for around 160.  I currently have a 4-6-0 Big Hauler but want a backup engine. Does anyone know of a site I can get either for cheaper than ridge rd.  I looked all over and cant find anything cheaper.  Bach site actually went up to 330 for the Ann ed.  They were almost a hundred dollars cheaper a few weeks agao.  What other engines are decent in other brands.  Would i be better off buying another set for under 200.  That way I get more rolling stock? Thanks for all the help 

 

[GearDrivenSteam]

Are you talking about the Bachmann porter? If so, I've heard from this forum that they are very poor performers.

[SNOWSHOE]

Ya it is the porter.  I guess that answers my question.  Is there anything else out there that is decent for a good price?

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Might want to check Aristo 0 4 0 as an older one has just done over 15 days of 24/7 running at Dover Downs in a display in the hotel lobby, the BA--m--- starter set they bought for the display gave out after just a few hours!

[GearDrivenSteam]

If you can find an LGB porter, they pull quite well for their size. Don't expect to get one too cheap. Since they're no longer made, they're kinda hard to come by. If you bide your time though, you can get one right. Also, probably the best puller for the size is the Hartland Big John. It's a kinda Dunkirk/Climax looking thingie that's really cool. They ain't cheap, but they pull like gravity. Here's one:

[SNOWSHOE]

If you can find an LGB porter, they pull quite well for their size. Don't expect to get one too cheap. Since they're no longer made, they're kinda hard to come by. If you bide your time though, you can get one right. Also, probably the best puller for the size is the Hartland Big John. It's a kinda Dunkirk/Climax looking thingie that's really cool. They ain't cheap, but they pull like gravity. Here's one:

 

Thanks.  It has be cheap.  Cant afford anything expensive or I wont be running trains at all. ANything else that is priced low but works well.  only has to pull a few cars 3-4 and possibly a small grade less than 3%

[Curmudgeon]

I have a second generation (metal rods, better gearbox) small Porter running for many years on the CCRy.

Radio/battery.

I have a new 1:20 Porter, radio/battery/sound all on-board running this year, no issues.

OLD ones were BAD.

[GearDrivenSteam]

Then the old ones must be what I heard about. Sounds like as long as it's a newer version, it'll do what you're looking for.

[vsmith]

I would clarify that a bit, the 1st Gen sidetander with the plastic siderods were pissers, but the 2nd gen sidetanker with the metal siderods is a champ, the later 1/20.3 saddletanker actually eliminated some of the better features like a front axle design (that was terrific on  rough track) to make room for all the prerequisite electric mumbo-jumbo all engines seem to come with today. The latest gen 1/20.3 sidetanker is basicly a rebodied sidetank version of the saddletanker.

Personally I think the Porters today are still terrific little engines.

[GearDrivenSteam]

Snowshoe, budget is a big issue with me as well. My attitude about it is that I would rather have one or two good engines than three or four not so good ones. There are plenty of good ones to choose from. Keep in mind, you ain't modelin HO scale. Because of the size, large scale is generally more expensive. Look at some of that Accucraft stuff. With some locomotives over five grand, that kinda brings into perspective that maybe 200-250 bucks ain't so bad for a nice little loco. Just a thought.

[Anonymous]

Snowshoe,

My thoughts , buy one and see for your self.

I have to say my Bmann Ten Wheeler I got last Christmas (from Sams Club) is a new one or should I say new geared and rethought out one.

Another thing is you have to hear what ole C man is talking about, man knows alot and I call him when I have questions I stuck with.

[GearDrivenSteam]

Yup. I've talked to the "C man" myself. Real knowledgeable guy. Nice as they come. Toady's right. You won't know till you get one whether it will work for you or not. Since you say you'll only be pulling a short train, my bet is that it will.

[grandpopswalt]

I'm a little confused. There are two versions of an 0-4-0 porter made by Bachmann that are currently available. The first is a saddletank (round tank wrapped around the boiler tubes and the other is a side tank version (two rectangular tanks, one on each side). They both have metal side rods and they are both advertised as being 1:20.3 scale. Are we saying that they are equally robust or is one supposed to be be inferior to the other?

Walt 

 

[Great Western]

Hi Snowshoe,

          My first loco (18 months ago) was an "Annie".  I got it because it seemed good value at the the time.  I was so pleased with it when I wanted another steam outline loco, having bought a diesel as my second loco. I looked at what was available and got another "Annie" with a different road name.  The other choices were small, poor pullers or large and too expensive for my budget.

    Just be certain you are getting an "Annie" and not something out of a set with plastic side rods.   I don't think you will regret it.   

[SNOWSHOE]

Hi Snowshoe,

          My first loco (18 months ago) was an "Annie".  I got it because it seemed good value at the the time.  I was so pleased with it when I wanted another steam outline loco, having bought a diesel as my second loco. I looked at what was available and got another "Annie" with a different road name.  The other choices were small, poor pullers or large and too expensive for my budget.

    Just be certain you are getting an "Annie" and not something out of a set with plastic side rods.   I don't think you will regret it.   

 

Thanks.  I am strating to lean more towards the Annie ANN ed.  I have one of the Big Haulers from the set.  I like the engine a lot except for the palstic side rods.  I am the same way.  I cant see spending hundreds of dollars on a loco.  If I had the money to spend I would do it but that will never happen living in NJ (Highest property taxes in the nation  My main concern is to get my set up and running for the summer and have an extra engine on hand. Once I have everything set then I might be able to start focusing on a RC  Battery engine.   Thanks for all the help. 

[on30francisco]

Are you talking about the Bachmann porter? If so, I've heard from this forum that they are very poor performers.

I'll second that! My Bachmann porter ran poor right out of the box and its performance has deteriorated after that. Can't blame mother nature as I model indoors. I recently sent it to Bachmann for repairs. The LGB porter I have is an excellent performer! LGB may not be quite to scale but their equipment is built to last and is extremely reliable. With some aftermarket details, it can be made to look super.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Don't try to use Bachmann track outdoors, wont last long at all!

[GearDrivenSteam]

Are you talking about the Bachmann porter? If so, I've heard from this forum that they are very poor performers.

I'll second that! My Bachmann porter ran poor right out of the box and its performance has deteriorated after that. Can't blame mother nature as I model indoors. I recently sent it to Bachmann for repairs. The LGB porter I have is an excellent performer! LGB may not be quite to scale but their equipment is built to last and is extremely reliable. With some aftermarket details, it can be made to look super.

I am delighted to hear that about the LGB Porter. I just recently got one. Although I have run it, I have not pulled with it yet.  

 

[SNOWSHOE]

Don't try to use Bachmann track outdoors, wont last long at all!

 

My Bachmann track I use only indoors for around the tree.  I have been ordering aristo brass track. Im hopping to have all the track I need by spring.  Wanted steel but again money is the issue and trying to convince the wife is not an easy task.