Of all the 4-8-4 daylight northerns that Bachmann has built over the years, which one is the smoothest running and looks the best.
it can be just DC, dcc or dcc/sound
Thanks for your help,
Dave
1970's pancake motor version for sure, as long as you don't get split axles. The 90's "Plus" drive is also good as long as you don't get split axles. The latest version has solid steel rod axles that won't split, so it's best to avoid that one.
I like Bachmann's steam engines, but using plastic centers with pressed in wheels was a bad idea. They tried to fix it be making the axles square, but if the plastic center split, they'd just fall out, and they were kind of prone to warping. If I were to buy another one, I'd definitely get one from the latest run. So far, every Bachmann steam engine I've ever owned or worked on that had plastic axles has suffered from splitting and warping.
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Frankly I've always referred to Bachmann steamers from the 70's, 80's and 90's as "Rattlers" because I consider them just fit to run around the Christmas tree until something falls apart. The Daylight locomotive has several versions offered by various manufacturers and any of them is better than the early Bachmann versions, albiet pricer. Long experience has taught me to spring for the extra cash and avoid the frustration of trying to make toy grade equipment work.
Bowser used to make a replacement chassis for the GS4's, a friend used them under his Bachmann and I think it even worked for his Lionel Freedom Train 4-8-4. But I don't know how common they were (are?) now that Bowser buried their steam line.
DAVID FORTNEY Of all the 4-8-4 daylight northerns that Bachmann has built over the years, which one is the smoothest running and looks the best. it can be just DC, dcc or dcc/sound Thanks for your help, Dave
A friend of mine has the newest version, seems to run well and looks good.
Sheldon