Buying a Consolidation

[Anonymous]

I plan to purchase a 2-8-0 Consolidation for my 20-30's era short line RR. I have seen the Bachmann Spectrum version at a very reasonable price on the internet, and I have the Spectrum Shay, which I am very happy with. I know that there are other manufacturers of this popular loco, however, and I would appreciate any experience or advice regarding them. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

If you're talking about the Bachmann HO 2-8-0, I'm happy with mine, no real complaints. It's not as striking a model as the Shay, but then the Shay is a pretty amazing little thing. I haven't put DCC in yet (soon, soon...).

[Anonymous]

Review the following merits.Go to IHC's web site and
see their colsolidation. The nice thing about their loco is that both the engine and TENDER have electrical pich-ups from each rail.

Bachmann doesn't have the greatest reputation for reliability but their new Shay is great.

One always runs a risk when buying off the net.
Know your recourse in the event of engine troubles.

Bachmann does offer a warranty and I think it's
something like for the first year, free repair/replacement(their choice) and after one year,$15.00 fee for steam.

I think the IHC is for only 90 days.

[Anonymous]

Would be nice if I give you the address.
www.ihc-hobby.com
Click ,online catalog, then click on model trains,
HO scale,click on locos, click on steam and select 2-8-0 and up pops the picture with details.

[thirdrail1]

I would say a great deal depends on whether or not you want to model a specific short line or if you just want a Consolidation type locomotive. In addition to Bachmann (made in China) and IHC (made in Slovenia), Bowser offers two Consolidation kits, a PRR H9, and the ex-Varney "Old Lady", and MDC Roundhouse offers a number of different 2-8-0's in kit and ready to run form. There is one with small (50 inch) drivers, and another 2 with 63 inch drivers that are basically either a PRR type or a Southern Pacific Type. Bowser and MDC are made in the USA.

[Anonymous]

Charles, the Bachmann 2-8-0 is FAR superior to the IHC 2-8-0. The Bachmann won Readers choice awards in MRR and got rave reviews. The IHC has oversized wheel flanges and will not make it on code 80 track. The Bachmann unit has tender pickup and is DCC ready. Spectrum is the better choice. The Bachmann unit also has a higher price, they can be found at $69 though.

[Anonymous]

Kevin,
Thanks for the heads up.
I will pull up the MR June 98 review.

[Anonymous]

I have both the Bachmann (NKP) and IHC (W&LE). The Bachmann is far superior in detail, but I got my IHC for $30.00 from Trainworld. It has 2 sandboxes on top of the boiler, which makes it more of a switcher. In fact, I intend to remove the lead truck and modify the pilot and tender to make it an 0-8-0 switcher (my yard has a steep grade, and I can't afford the Proto 2000). The boiler casting came from Mantua, I heard.
I'd go with the Bachmann, if you ever plan to go DCC, the IHC is not good, and the Bachmann is DCC-ready.

[thirdrail1]

I do not understand your reply to my post. I was not discussing the Bachmann or IHC models, but pointing out that OTHER MANUUFACTURERS, located in the USA, also make Consolidations. I was not planning to buy anything, only offering advice.

[Anonymous]

I really rate the Bachman Consolidation, it runs well, is DCC ready - its quite a fine model (OK its not quite as good as their Shay). Its not a perfect prototype match for all the roads and numbers its offered in which is quite common for r-t-r engines (eg: the prototype B&M #2360 was an ALCO built engine where as the model represents a Baldwin and therefore there are quite a few dimensional and detail differences). It sounds like you might be modelling a "fictional" short line so you will be probably re-lettering it anyway for your road so that wouldn't be a problem.

I also rate MDC kits (I've not had any experience of their r-t-r models), I find they're really easy to put together and easy to detail. I have had one or two problems with the plastic gearboxes wearing in the HOn3 Consolidation in the past - but I think North West Short Line do a replacement brass gear box set which would solve this problem. In HO they do an "old timer"(kit & r-t-r), and a more modern loco (kits only at present) which has Harriman style boiler or PRR style boiler.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input, guys. I think I'll look around at hobby shops for the Bowser Consolidation to compare with the Spectrum. I have some experience with MDC kits (built, rebuilt, and tweaked a 2-truck Shay), and I am not too crazy about their accuracy, detailing, or performance. I am not very familiar with Bowser locos, so that's worth a look. The IHC model sounds a bit plain. I know I'll be rebuilding and super-detailing this loco anyways, so I am really looking for a good running, well constructed base model without a lot of molded-on boiler piping that I'll have to scrape off. Brass is too expensive, but I am willing to pay a bit more for a high-quality plastic and metal loco - it's going to be an important local fraight engine on my fictional layout.

Thanks for your help!!

[gerryleone]

Let me put in one more vote for the Spectrum. I bought one and was so impressed with it that I bought a second one.

As far as the Bachmann company, I'm really impressed with their service. One of my Consolidations developed a noticeable wobble after 6 months. I sent it back to them (it's a $20 fee for Spectrum repairs) and they returned a new (or refurbished) unit back to me within 5 days.

-Gerry

[Anonymous]

Hello,
I have the IHC and am not disapointed, but sure wish I had a Bachmann instead (for DCC ready if nothing else).
Question. Does Bachmann have a 2-6-0, or a 4-4-0 (not the decorative American, but the plain-jane shortened appearing version of the Mogul)?