Spectrums J model, opinions.

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

Another "what do y'all think of this particular..." from me.

I was looking at Spectrums N&W J, it looks really nice, but I heard that early on there were some running difficulties, that for the most part were easily fixed. But I'd like to know what you all think of the loco in area's of running and pulling quality. I want it to be able to lug 12+ car passenger trains without much difficulty.

Thanks,
Alvie.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AlvieCO

Hey all,

Another "what do y'all think of this particular..." from me.

I was looking at Spectrums N&W J, it looks really nice, but I heard that early on there were some running difficulties, that for the most part were easily fixed. But I'd like to know what you all think of the loco in area's of running and pulling quality. I want it to be able to lug 12+ car passenger trains without much difficulty.

Thanks,
Alvie.

There are two N&W J engines made by Spectrum. The first model was poor in running quality and was not an accurate model.

They completely retooled the engine about 18 months ago and the new one is a good model. It runs good, but not great. the new one is costs about 100 at discount dealers and the old one costs about 60 dollars. Be sure to get the new model if you can, as it is a much improved model.
BLI is also bringing in a J that should be a good model with sound.

By the way, most of the J's pulled fairly short name trains on the N&W, so you only need about seven cars to have a great example of N&W.

Enjoy the Hobby.

[Anonymous]

It's a smooth runner, and looks great, I have heard if you return the older model they will give you a retooled J free! just in case you run into one at a swap meet.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bangert1

There are two N&W J engines made by Spectrum. The first model was poor in running quality and was not an accurate model.

There has only been one Spectrum J to date, and a second "freight" version with A=tank and dog house on the tender announced. The mechanism is no different between the two.

There were earlier Bachmann J models in HO scale, but not Spectrum versions.

There were many of the early J's shipped with the links between the lead truck and the loco frame, and the trailing truck and the loco frame swapped. The longer link should be to the lead truck. This quality escape, besides not looking right, causes some derailment issues. The cylinders should be centered between the lead truck axles.

The Spectrum J's are fine models. The BLI J's will also undoubtably be fine models, and will cost you more than three times the price of the Spectrum model.......

As far as pulling ability - the Spectrum J will handle twelve Rivarossi cars on a flat layout with wide radius curves with ease, but will not handle twelve brass passenger cars. See MR's test report for draw bar pull, then measure your passenger cars to determine the capability.

FYI, the "freight" version is only appropriate for after 1957.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by nfmisso

QUOTE: Originally posted by bangert1

There are two N&W J engines made by Spectrum. The first model was poor in running quality and was not an accurate model.

There has only been one Spectrum J to date, and a second "freight" version with A=tank and dog house on the tender announced. The mechanism is no different between the two.

There were earlier Bachmann J models in HO scale, but not Spectrum versions.

There were many of the early J's shipped with the links between the lead truck and the loco frame, and the trailing truck and the loco frame swapped. The longer link should be to the lead truck. This quality escape, besides not looking right, causes some derailment issues. The cylinders should be centered between the lead truck axles.

The Spectrum J's are fine models. The BLI J's will also undoubtably be fine models, and will cost you more than three times the price of the Spectrum model.......

As far as pulling ability - the Spectrum J will handle twelve Rivarossi cars on a flat layout with wide radius curves with ease, but will not handle twelve brass passenger cars. See MR's test report for draw bar pull, then measure your passenger cars to determine the capability.

FYI, the "freight" version is only appropriate for after 1957.

You are correct the first engine was not a Spectrum, but both are Bachmann and I did not make the distinction. The present engine is the second go around for Bachmann and I wanted him to know that many dealers are out there offering the first one for about 60 bucks, and my thought is it is not a good buy even at that price. By the way, this new engine is all new including the shell which was not correct on the first model by Bachmann.

Sorry about my interpretation of Bachmann. The new J is worth the money that the discount dealers are selling them at for sure. I want to get one of the BLI engines also to enjoy the sound of that engine.

One Side note to this Subject: The first picture I took of the 611 was in August, 1956 while the engine was in regular passenger service.
They were something to see in passenger service.

[Anonymous]

Hey all,

Thanks for the comments.

I'll definetely check one out sometime, at $100 mail order, plus $20 for an aux. tender,
I can't go to wrong.

I did see that BLI is making one as well, but I chose the Spectrum model
because I didn't want sound or DCC, I can add them later if I want, and the
significantly lower price tag.

Thanks,
Alvie.