Old Bachmann Radio Control Trains any good?

[Train 284]

So are they? I am considering purchasing a one. It is new, but are they any good?

[Curmudgeon]

Depends.
If you want something to just run in circles, pull up to 2 cars, glitch in certain applications, plastic drivers, wheels, handrails, only metal being actual axles, screws and motor itself, plus absolutely no parts available for repairs for over 10 years, you'll be fine.

TOC

[toenailridgesl]

Matt,
everything Dave says is true.
However!
If you get it cheap enough (& I mean cheap!!) they are fun to have, if only for letting visiting kids loose on the GR. I used mine to death back when I still had track power but didn't feel like lugging out the transformer, controller etc or cleaning track. In fact the convenience of the old R/C Bachmann is what convinced me to go RCS.
Do it!

[Train 284]

toenailridgesl and Dave,

Thanks you very much, I think I am going to go for it! I will let you know what happens!

[Curmudgeon]

Twenty bucks is more than I ever paid for one, BTW.

[Train 284]

I just won one off ebay last night! I paid $50, but that includes shipping! I can't wait until it gets here!

[Curmudgeon]

Historically, many that come from e-bay have no transmitter.
They either have lost them or don't know what they are.
As long as you know, for sure, there are NO PARTS for these, and if it is missing the TX or doesn't work, there is nothing you can do but see if someone has one in a junkbox.

This has come up countles times on the Bachmann forum, missing TX's and inop chassis, and there seems to be no resolution.

TOC

[vsmith]

Can these be controlled without the RC controller?

I remember reading that there is an on/off switch somewhere on board the loco.

I ask because i have one of these originals (picked up at a swap meet for $10) that is currently only a display (donor) item, If I can use it by simply flipping a switch....would be a nice thing to use when the inlaws kids come over.

[Curmudgeon]

Yes.
Default is full speed forward.

Just put in good batteries, turn on the switch and stand back.

[Train 284]

Thanks for the warning Curmudgeon, I made sure he had the transmitter and the locomotive and it worked. He said it did, but if it doesn't, I can always return it according to his policy.