I am in HO, so I lack experience with Bachmann's N scale offerings. In HO, Bachmann started out as a toy train set manufacturer, many years ago. The trainset line of locomotives acquired a poor reputation for breaking, smoking, derailing, and just plain refusing to run. In the late '80s Bachmann offered a new injection molded 2-8-0 Consolidation, that was very nice. Ran like a top, lots of tiny little details, stayed on the track, looked as good as brass, reasonable price. Bachmann called this new line of steamers "Spectrum", sold them in big fancy all black boxes. This one model kicked off the wave of decent plastic HO steamers that continues to this day. The pioneering Consolidation was soon joined by others, all sold under the "Spectrum" label. I have three Bachmann locomotives and they are all satisfactory.
"Quality" in model trains means you like the way it looks, and it runs properly, and doesn't break down under heavy running. Many running problems can be fixed by you, the user. You can change the wheels, the couplers, add weight, Dremel away obstructions to needed truck swing, lots of things. I have always been able to make 'em run right. Which gets around to "looks", which is subjective. If you like the looks, it's good quality.
David Starr www.newsnorthwoods.blogspot.com
I have a few Bachmann models, again in HO, and I'm very happy with them. When I look at the offerings from other manufacturers and compare prices, I think Bachmann is helping us all by keeping prices down while still delivering a very high quality product.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Small steam engines can be problematic in either HO or N scale. While I am using HO, I have several friends who model in N. The Atlas engine is quite good, as long as tje track and wheels are clean.
The Bachmann 4-4-0 comes in two versions(at least in HO) The 'standard' line Bachmann engine is a classic 1860-1880 steamer, and is not a very good runner(lots of plastic, no weight). The 'Modernized' 4-4-0 is 'Spectrum' quality and is a very good engine. As I mentioned, I do not think Bachmann has released a N scale version of the Spectrum 4-4-0.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Within the last year I ressurected my layout after being boxed up 14 years. Upgraded to Digitrax DCC and started to replace locomotives. (HO). Purchased Walthers GP38-2 with sound, ran 30 minutes began to lose connection. Found back trucks not picking up current. Returned. Purchased MTH GP38-2 with Proto Sound 3, Ran 2 months and decoder shorted out. Returned for repairs. Purchased Bachmann F7-A with sound, GP38-2 with sound, and GP40 with sound, all running great, sounding great, absolutely no problems. Very satisfied.
Have 4 GP 38-2 2 are Bachmann standard line which run okay but make a growli noise 1 is sound value and is noticeably quieter and smoother running (when running with the sound muted).The Atlas is even quieter but is very sensitive to dirty track and sometimes does not respond to commands if the track is dirty. It should be noted that the Atlas was bought DCC ready anf I installed my own digitrax decoder
Overall the sound value is the best of the lot IMHO not because of the sound but the higher quality decoder. It was of course the most expensive of the lot, but the price differential was worth it IMHO.
Joe Staten Island West
As long as you get a more modern engine, and not something made with 1980's era tooling, it'll be a good runner. Not great, but reliable. For the price, you really can't beat them.
It may take the OP a while to get back to us, since he is still on probation, after making his first and only post 3 years ago.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I own several Spectrum locos and all are good runners but I also own one of the old Bachmann 4-8-4s which had to be ran at high speed or it would stall out until I replaced the tender and added more contact wires. Now it runs MUCH better.
Duplicate post
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
Review of original version with comments on newer versions through 2014. I don't know if there have been any changes since 2014.
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bach440a.html
This oughta be a fun thread.
- Douglas
Atlas 4-4-0 2013 model
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/atlas440.html
Model Power 2005, MicroTrains 2012, MRC 2017
http://www.spookshow.net/loco/mp440.html
Doughless This oughta be a fun thread.
Well, I'm going to try to keep it boring by making this my only comment. I can't comment on Bachmann N scale, having never owned ANY N scale trains......
No matter anyone's opinion of Bachmann's HO products, I would suggest that has little bearing on their N scale products.
Sheldon
Hi Cannonball,
The best you can do is to inspect your locomotives and give them a thorough test/break in run. Check how smoothly they run, the current draw, and pulling power.
It's true that Bachmann has had hits and misses over the years. The N-scale ER Sharks were good pullers, not bad running units and easy to convert to DCC. They are slightly noisy. Check the drive and make sure the wheels and gears are clean and lubed. Check the electrical pickup points.
The 4-4-0, if it's the "Rogers" style, had decent pulling power (equipped with traction tires) but required a bit of breaking in before running smoothly on the take off.
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"