friend611 Does this have anything to do with why Bachmann discontinued the J? It was my understanding that the excellent N&W J's produced by MTH and Broadway Limited were the main reason for this. As to my choices in large steam, I still rely on my Rivarossi Y6b's. I have two: the old AHM model and the new (last run) model. The new one runs very well but the old one is in need of a tuneup. I love my Broadway Limited A as well as the Broadway and MTH J's, which really put my old Bachmann J's to shame. The IHC Mountain is a dependable runner as well, which I am in the process of converting into the N&W K1 class 4-8-2. lois
Does this have anything to do with why Bachmann discontinued the J? It was my understanding that the excellent N&W J's produced by MTH and Broadway Limited were the main reason for this.
As to my choices in large steam, I still rely on my Rivarossi Y6b's. I have two: the old AHM model and the new (last run) model. The new one runs very well but the old one is in need of a tuneup. I love my Broadway Limited A as well as the Broadway and MTH J's, which really put my old Bachmann J's to shame. The IHC Mountain is a dependable runner as well, which I am in the process of converting into the N&W K1 class 4-8-2.
lois
Bachmann had their J units on the market for quite a few years, long before BLI and MTH.
The Bachmann J's progressed from the old Standard line in the trainsets and later to the Spectrum series where they were DCC ready and later with the DCC and Sound production runs.
I am unaware of any problems associated with the later Spectrum J's and I never heard of a problem specific to them at the Bachmann site (other than the QC problems that Bachmann has with any of their products.
They did seem at times in the past to have more than their share of problems. It seems that if you had a good engine, they would run forever, and if you were unlucky they would not last a lap around your layout, but that seems to have been corrected to a large degree..
I did buy one of their DCC with Sound Aboard versions and it it a sweet runner. I had no complaints with it buy I did buy it on a whim and I packed it away and hopefully one day I will pick up a set of passenger cars for it and run it periodically.
I have two BLI locomotives. A Mike and a Hudson. The Mikado has been on the layout since 2004 and never a problem. The Hudson was a Christmas present in 2005 and has had its wheels run off by the grand children and no problems with it either.
I have an Athearn Challenger and a couple of Bachmann locos with sound. The MRC decoder in the Challenger died without warning, but the Bachmann's with Quantum (BLI) sound are just fine.
For my money you can't beat a BLI loco for reliability, low speed operation and sound reproduction. Neither of mine has given me a minutes trouble in the more than 6-years they have been on the layout.
If you want really big steam, Challenger, Big Boys or some of the other Mallet locos you will have to try Athearn, Riverossi or other manufacturers.
Good luck with whatever you decide on. Enjoy the locos and the hobby.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I prefer Broadway Limited over MTH. I have (2) PRR Decapod's and (2) PRR M1b's from the Paragon line, and have nothing but good things to say how well they perform after being broken in. I my opinion, Bachmann Spectrum are more of toy trains, while MTH and Broadway Limited are Model Trains.
Mopac how about a photo of all those new steam engine you have?
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Sorry, my computer is doing strange things. The computer gave me those weird sizes and I couldn't correct them in the previous post.
Sorry again.
Carey
Keep it between the Rails
Alabama Central Homepage
Nara member #128
NMRA &SER Life member
Since it seems that price doesn't really bother you, why don't you check out the used brass market? It seems that many collectors of brass has gone to the Great Layout in the Sky, there are many more used engines on the market than there used to be.
E-bay generally has over 1000 pieces on it at a time, there are also used brass dealers like Caboose Hobbies in Denver, Here is a link;
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?scales_name=HO%20Scale&sku=BC~BR
Just by doing a Google search on used brass locomotives, you'll find many other dealers. So why not go with better made pieces, in many cases detailed better as well, that run just as well as most of the current plastic/diecast locos?
don7 I would advise trying Bachmann Spectrum steam engines. They are moderately priced, well detailed and have the best warranty of all the model railroad manufacturers However, . something certainly seems to be up with their production levels. Larger Steam engines made by Bachmann as well as smaller steam engines also made by Bachmann seem to be in relatively short supply.At present there is not much choice as there used to be. While Bachmann makes far more steamers for the Asian and European market, it seems the market in North American runs a poor third, They are only marketing a few steam locomotives right now. I do not know it they will re-release some of their earlier steam locomotives, they had some very nice engines which sold very well. Not sure why they seem so reluctant to produce more for the North American market. I would not be surprised to see the European and Asian markets concentrated on by Bachmann and like Rivarossi, only a few engines produced for the North American market. Based on the sale prices the return on the North American Market would be far less than the other two markets.
I would advise trying Bachmann Spectrum steam engines. They are moderately priced, well detailed and have the best warranty of all the model railroad manufacturers
However, . something certainly seems to be up with their production levels.
Larger Steam engines made by Bachmann as well as smaller steam engines also made by Bachmann seem to be in relatively short supply.At present there is not much choice as there used to be.
While Bachmann makes far more steamers for the Asian and European market,
it seems the market in North American runs a poor third,
They are only marketing a few steam locomotives right now. I do not know it they will re-release some of their earlier steam locomotives, they had some very nice engines which sold very well. Not sure why they seem so reluctant to produce more for the North American market.
I would not be surprised to see the European and Asian markets concentrated on by Bachmann and like Rivarossi, only a few engines produced for the North American market. Based on the sale prices the return on the North American Market would be far less than the other two markets.
FYI if you are interested in either the Bachmann spectrum 2-6-6-2 or the newer 2-8-8-4 Klien has them on special
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Steam-Locomotives-HO-Scale-s/1461.htm?searching=Y&sort=3&cat=1461&brand=Bachmann&show=30&page=3
I wanted to give everyone an update on what I have purchased so far with the results:
BLI Paragon-I have purchased several,Two PRR T1's,Two PRR J1's,Two ATSF 3700's,A NYC J1 and J1e,Two C&0 T1's with others on order. So far so good,no probelms and as good as runners as my Marklin/Trix and Fleischmann locos.
MTH-Have a N&W J and two SP GS-4's. No issues although I have friends who have had issues with MTH. I may sample some more offerings. I have a DCS commander to utilize all the PS3 functions.
Athearn Genesis-Have two UP Challengers and they were great buys.Great runners and appear to be from same make as BLI.I have on order several Big Boys.Will be interested to see how well they comnpare with Marklin/Trix at 1/2 the price.
Spectrum-Bought an B&O EM1 and it's very nice for the money.
Haven't purchased any Rivarossi/Hornby or Proto 2000 steam yet.
Thanks to all for the good comments.
I had the BLI Hudson from the first production batch that had problems and was replaced just recently by Broadway Limited. So, BLI has very good customer service. I also had a Bachmann Spectrum Two Truck Climax that developed problems and was replaced by Bachmann with their Three Truck Climax, so I also feel Bachmann has a bullet proof warrentee system. I have an IHC 0-8-0 that is a very fine runner; but, maybe not based on any prototype. The rest of my steam roster is all older stuff, Riverrossi, MDC Roundhouse kits and even a Varney Docksider 0-4-0. Your interest in big steam, is out of my realm, I can't afford them and none are offered in my chosen road, which is the Northern Pacific. However, the fact that I have received good customer service from Broadway Limited and Bachmann Spectrum, should be helpful for you. I would not hesitate to order another steam locomotive from these manufacturers
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
I like UP engines also, so far have an earlier BLI (Quantum??) 4-8-2 Mountain and a new Paragon 2 2-8-2 light Mikado. The Mountain is my favorite. Both run well with two exceptions. The Mikado chugging got intermittent but they replaced the sensor and it works fine. The Mountain is quirky in that the rear driver when backing likes to climb over rail faults that are minor (no problem) to the rest of the fleet. I think they are releasing new Mountains soon. I plan to acquire some of the upcoming Athearn Genesis (all Soundtraxx Tsunami) FEF, Challenger and/or Big Boy, expecting them to be at least satisfactory (pretty good or better). I haven't decided on other roads, which opens lots of possibilities (so I'm favoriting this thread for later reference).
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
mopac, I'd steer away from the Intermountain Cab Forwards. Their lst release was a disaster of mis-engineered/designed stuff. The 2nd release was promised to be fixed but was only "better".
I own several AC 4/5s from Broadway Limited and highly recomend them. I operate on a barn sized layout that runs them forever and they've been trouble free.
I like the Paragon 2 sound on this engine a LOT. I can hear the steam hitting steel and other subtleties.
The engine is very nicely detailed. I don't think you'd be disappointed.
Good luck,
Jim
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Thanks to everyone for the recommendations!
I'd recommend anything made by Bachmann Spectrum. I own a Bachmann Standard Line 2-6-0 "sound value" and I am very pleased with it. My Spectrum K4s run great, and if Bachmann makes any more Spectrum PRR locos, I'll probably end up buying them.
S&S
Modeling the Pennsy and loving it!
I have the Athearn Genesis Challenger and the Big-Boy. The Challenger is about 6 years old and has the MRC sound decoder which is not the best. Mechanically it runs beautifully. I replaced the supplied traction tire driver with a driver without a traction tire. It still pulls very good. As I have said before the only time it ever derails is when I have a turnout set against it :( .
The Big-Boy is about 3 years old and I installed a QSI Revolution decoder in it. It is a little finicky on the uneven club layout, but runs well.
I also have a late run Rivirossi FEF. It is a nice looking DC locomotive. I may install a decoder someday. The main mechanical issue is that the front truck likes to derail. On my home layout when I use DC it starts like a scared rabbit (very touchy low speed operation). On the club layout, which is DC, it starts much better. Why the difference? I do not know.
MopacEagleFan New to this forum,MRR for 45+ years.I have quite a few HO scale diesel locomotives (Atlas,Genesis,Kato,P2K) and lots of better rolling stock but only two steam locomotives,A Trix Big Boy and a Trix Mikado.Both perform very well.
New to this forum,MRR for 45+ years.I have quite a few HO scale diesel locomotives (Atlas,Genesis,Kato,P2K) and lots of better rolling stock but only two steam locomotives,A Trix Big Boy and a Trix Mikado.Both perform very well.
Well, you have two beauts with the Trix Big Boy and Mike. I have two Trix Mikes (both NYC) and they run great.
It appears that MTH,Spectrum and BLI are the big players nowadays as non-brass steam locos go. I am using a NCE 5A DCC system and may upgrade to a Zimo system (I like the remote). My layout is around the room with minimum 22" radius curves.The mainline minimum curves are 36" radius. I love big steam and have been holding back from buying from these "New kids on the block".I've read the reviews in MR and RMC but I want some input from some folks with real operating experience with these engines. Your input would be appreciated.
It appears that MTH,Spectrum and BLI are the big players nowadays as non-brass steam locos go. I am using a NCE 5A DCC system and may upgrade to a Zimo system (I like the remote). My layout is around the room with minimum 22" radius curves.The mainline minimum curves are 36" radius.
I love big steam and have been holding back from buying from these "New kids on the block".I've read the reviews in MR and RMC but I want some input from some folks with real operating experience with these engines.
Your input would be appreciated.
As others have already mentioned, the Proto 2000 locomotives are very smooth runners. The 0-8-0 isn't exactly big steam but it's a real sweetheart of steam switcher.
I would avoid the MTH locomotives because of their programming limitations due to the DCS decoder. The Bachmann Spectrum line is decent and are good runners. BLI offers good-looking steamers but they can be hit and miss on running quality. I've sent back all but two steamers because of driver slop/binding. However, since they offer a number of fairly accurate NYC models, I put up with the possibility. To BLI's credit, they've fixed the locomotives that I've sent in for repair.
The new BLI Paragon2 Niagara would be a nice addition for some big steam. I have their older Blueline version and it's just terrific. Because I could add my own motor decoder, I can get that puppy to start out @ ~0.5 sMPH. I've yet to get a Paragon2 decoder to do that well.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I only have a couple of steam locomotives on my roster. One is a Broadway Limiited GS-4 and the other is a Broadway Limited Cab Forward AC 5. The GS-4 has been run just a few times so I can't really give you an educated opinion on it yet but the Cab Forward runs great.
For the money, I like Bachmann Spectrum. I'm not a fan of Rivarossi/Hornby. Athearn Genesis line is pricey for what you get to me, but they do run well. My Bowser kit Challenger is a good runner too.
Richard
My BLI Hudson has been in service for 6 years now, and it's still a great engine. Likewise, the Proto 0-6-0 is a standout. If you're a big steam fan, then you should complement your roster with a nice steam switcher, and I can't think of a better one unless you prefer the 0-8-0. I recently bought a Bachmann 2-6-0 Mogul. This is a nice engine, too, and it runs well, but it's a bit light and struggles to pull more than short trains, even though my layout's main lines are all flat.
These are all sound and DCC equipped.
Oh, and welcome aboard!
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I have five BLI locos, happy with all of them, the T-1,s will pull the paint off the walls.
Thanks for the reply.Not only do I model the UP,my layout is loosely based on the five main southwestern transcons.The UP,ATSF,SP/SSW,MP/TP and WP/DRGW/CB&Q.Lots of KCS,Rock Island,Frisco,MKT and Wabash trains make appearences.
I would like to buy several of the new Atheran Genesis Big Boys,Challengers and FEF's.It appears they have worked out all the earlier bugs.
I am glad to hear positives about the BLI ATSF 3700's.I love that engine and paln to buy several in different numbers.
I know a few fellows that have bought MTH locos. They look fine and seem to run well However,nearly all have had some sort of electronic/drivetrain issues.
I'm also interested in hearing about the new run of Intermountain Cab Forwards.
Thanks!
Thanks for your input.I wasn't familar with the Trueline trains 4-8-4. I visited their website.Wow! That looks like a great looking and running locomotive!
I have a couple Proto Heritage Steam 0-8-0's, a Broadway Limited 4-6-4 and a Trueline Trains 4-8-4. I've only had these for less then two months but they run very smoothly and I haven't had any issues with them.
MopacEagleFanIt appears that MTH,Spectrum and BLI are the big players nowadays as non-brass steam locos go. My layout is ... mainline minimum curves are 36" radius.
I've got the Rio Grande painted version. It was an old one with the junk MRC electronics in it. Once I replace them with Soundtrax every thing went great.
I also have a fleet of the BLI AT&SF 4-8-4s that I really like. They have run and run and run. The only problem I had was loose valve gear, and one loose rear truck. A couple twists on a tiny wrench and good as new.
Unfortunately the Spectrums that I have are all the small ones. 2-10-0 Russian, 4-4-0, 4-6-0, and 2-8-0. They have all been great. No complaints.
I have several Proto 2-8-8-2s. They are a bit weak in the pulling department, but I don't use the traction tires on them.
I know several people who own MTH and they look a bit toy like but seem to run great. I would never own one just based on principles.
Thanks for the input.I too have heard good reports on the Spectrum EM-1 and the Hornby-Rivarossi Allegheny. I consider "Big steam" as anything larger than a USRA heavy MIkado 2-8-2 and follows the "superpower" principals developed by Lima in the late 20's .
I don't have dozens of hours on my BLI steamers, or any of the other steamers in my roster, but they all perform rather well. Truthfully, some are a teensy bit jerky at slow speeds, but they move much better when using 9-12 volts.
I have a Proto 2000 Heritage Series 0-6-0 that is a very reliable runner, although it hardly meets your criterion for Big Steam. On the other hand, I have never read of a complaint over the Rivarossi/Hornby H-8 Allegheny, and mine runs like a Swiss watch. I have a Trix Mike as well, also smooth as silk....but it's not Big Steam.
My PCM, now recently issued in Paragon 2 by BLI, Norfolk & Western 2-8-8-2 Y6b Mallet is a brute, and also like silk. Not only that, but it is heavy and can pull the paint off the walls. Beautifully detailed for a non-brass loco, and it is a champ on the rails. So is BLI's brass Hybrid Series Pennsy Q2 4-4-6-4. They are about to release another run of their twin cylindered Pennsy workhorse, the J1 2-10-4, my favourite steam locomotive. It's a surprisingly good puller on its own, a smooth runner, and sounds great...nice big tender for the speaker.
Not sure what else you are looking for. Bachmann Spectrum Heavy Mountains have a great reputation, and they 'were' all metal. I don't know if you'll find one since they have run out of issue. I hope they make more soon because they're pretty much all gone. I believe the Spectrum H-6 (?) 2-6-6-2 is also a good model. Spectrum also has the rather new EM-1 B&O "Yellowstone" equivalent 2-8-8-4, and I have yet to read of an unsatisfied owner.
Does that help?