So, getting back into the hobby as I am, I've been looking at not only track plans, but rolling stock, locos, kits... all the stuff that goes with it.
As far as locomotives, my planned layout calls for steamers of the American (20's - '30's appearance), Ten-Wheeler or Consolidation variety, and perhaps even a Mike or Berk as a through-freight for flavor.
As I've been researching, it seems there aren't many manufacturers in the steam locomotive game anymore, and all of the types I want are made by Bachmann, some exclusively. At least, those carried by Walther's, Modeltrainstuff.com, and other sites or elsewhere that I can see listed as easily obtainable.
The problem is, I've seen mixed opinions on Bachmann equipment, from "it's trash" to "it's way better than they used to be", but most trending negative, which makes me uneasy, seeing as my motive power needs mean I'll probably need to buy Bachmann locos at some point.
So, is Bachmann equipment really as bad as I've read, or are these mostly sour-grapers with older units? Should I prepare to have my locos spend more time on the bench than on the main? Should I just skip them and limit myself to BLI's offerings (when I can find them in stock, which is telling in itself), or wait until someone else makes a production run of something?
For the record, I own two Bachmann engines (a Prairie and a Hogwarts Express set) and had no issues, but I could just be lucky. So what's the real word on Bachmann locos?
- Adam
When all else fails, wing it!
I have several Bachmann engines and they have never given me any problems at all. They are good looking, have plenty of detail and have decent power.
Bachman did have a reputation as "junk" some years ago, but I have nothing but good things to say about the engines I've bought from them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
There's Bachmann train set stuff, and then there's Bachmann Spectrum and Plus. It's like they aren't even the same manufacturer. Just like Life Like and Proto 1000/2000 (now Walthers). The old train set level stuff is just not worth the effort, but the Spectrum stuff is good to excellent.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Bachmann, especially Bachmann Spectrum, is certainly not trash or junk.
I do prefer BLI which, in my experience, has beem less problematic.
If you can find what you want in BLI, you should get it. But if what you want is only available from Bachmann Spectrum, then get it.
I have both brands, and I like them both.
Rich
Alton Junction
Bachmann Spectrum steam engines are some of the best around. I have a number of them and have been very happy with them. I can't comment about the diesels as my era is well before they arrived.
Mechanically, I think they are as good as anybody else with the exception of manufacturers that still use kato-based motors, which in 2018, may only be KATO.
But I think their OnBoard DCC (nonsound) decoder is inferior to others, as well as nearly all aftermarket decoders.
The OnBoard Sound Value line has a scaled down Soundtraxx Tsunami-ish decoder and is as good as any other Tsunami as far as sound quality and motor control, IMO.
As far as the detail of the shell, different models have different levels of detail, so check each loco to see if it meets your standards. I don't think a blanket statement about Bachmann can be used to describe it accurately.
- Douglas
NevinBachmann Spectrum steam engines are some of the best around
Russell
I've found that Bachmann tends to lean towards generic prototypes to maximize on sales - e.g. 2-8-0, 4-6-0, 4-6-2, etc. BLI also does that but I don't think to the extent that Bachmann does. I model a specific road so many of the Bachmann offerings are noticeably different than the prototype.
That said, their Spectrum line is quite nice. I saw one of their B&O 2-8-0s on a layout and it ran very smoothly. How accurate it was to the actual B&O 2-8-0, I don't know. Nonetheless, it was a fine running locomotive.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Doughless Mechanically, I think they are as good as anybody else with the exception of manufacturers that still use kato-based motors. But I think their OnBoard DCC (nonsound) decoder is inferior to others, as well as nearly all aftermarket decoders. The OnBoard Sound Value line has a scaled down Soundtraxx Tsunami-ish decoder and is as good as any other Tsunami as far as sound quality and motor control, IMO. As far as the detail of the shell, different models have different levels of detail, so check each loco to see if it meets your standards. I don't think a blanket statement about Bachmann can be used to describe it accurately.
Mechanically, I think they are as good as anybody else with the exception of manufacturers that still use kato-based motors.
I have to agree with Doug. I have 2 Bachmann Spectrum and 1 Sound Value Bachman locos, 6 BLI, 2 Rapido, 3 Athearn Genesis and 1 Proto 2,000. I find all the others have better decoders (sound, motor control and selections). The Bachmann RS Units and the Athearn GP7 do not have good pulling power. The BLI Mikes can pull an apartment building as can the athearn F9 and the Rapido FL9.
I am however looking forward to getting the Bachmann 2 Truck climax and adding the Tsunami decoder.
Gary
Lonehawk, I am fine with Bachmann. Only steam I had where there Speterm GS-4 engines. Never had a lick of a problem with them. Only reason I sold them I just got into DCC and did not want to install a decoder.
Everyone of my BLI steam engines have gone back to BLI for repairs!
If you go DCC get there Sound Vaule engines! The DC on Board decoders suck rail spikes! Love there Sound Vaule engines!
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
I have some Bachmann steamers and diesels. They are just fine.
You should also look at the Bachmann website. There are forums with company reps, catalogs, Parts list, Repairs and Replacement pages, loco diagrams, DCC info, etc.
Be advised, Bachmann does not use the NMRA wire colors. Not a big deal if you know the NMRA DCC standards and know how to use an ohm meter.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE steam locomotive is my Bachmann EM-1 2-8-8-4. That beauty runs better than a fine Swiss watch!
Almost all my steamers are brass, but the Bachmann 2-8-0 and 2-8-8-4 look just fine in the group and are right at home. No complaints.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I have, I think at last count, 35 Bachmann steam locomotives, most from the Spectrum line, and several of the newer regular line.
They include the following wheel arrangements:
4-6-0
2-8-0
2-10-2
4-8-2 Heavy
4-8-4 N&W J
2-8-4 Berkshire (I converted mine into freelance 2-8-2's)
2-6-6-2 (both versions, H-4 and H-5)
2-8-8-4 B&O EM1
I have multiple copies of most all of these. All are good runners and well detailed.
Most are very acurate for their intended prototypes, some are "generic" but still capture the flavor of the road names offered.
Out of 35 locos, several did have problems, Bachmann replaced them no questions asked.
Here is the thing with Bachmann, they make products geared to every "level" of the hobby, from beginner to highly advanced. So not all their products will be the same detail or accuracy level.
As for quality, most of the bad stuff you hear is left over bad experiances from 20 years ago, when they made mainly inexpensive "train set" quality stuff.
That has changed completely, but it did not happen over night, so along the way some items have been better than others.
One big mistake people make is they have a hard time understanding that not every product from ANY company is always the exact same "quality" as some other product from that company.
Again, with Bachmann this is still party true as some items are made for the train set market, some for more advanced modelers.......
But overall, even the train set level products from Bachmann are now reliable from a mechanical standpoint even if they are not the most detailed or accurate models out there.
Also, respectfully, some of the comments above are based on the limited experiances of those individuals, with a limited number of Bachmann items. And some items have been less than perfect. That should not stop you from buying the others.....
I don't have the time to go item by item, even just among steam locos Bachmann has made in the last 15-20 years, but most of their steam locos are good runners and accurate models of their prototypes.
While some are no longer in production, some of my favorites are:
USRA Heavy 4-8-2, offered in several roadnames with correct road specific details.
USRA Light 2-10-2, also offered in several roadnames with correct road specific details.
Baldwin 2-8-0 - originally a Spectrum line model, this loco is now in the regular line. It is "generic", but very well detailed, runs good and is typical of large modern (1920's) 2-8-0's seen on roads like the B&O, WM, and many others.
2-8-4 Berkshire - this locomotive from the regular line is relatively new, introduced maybe 5 years ago, and is very close to the Spectrum line in details. It is offered with road specific details for the three roads offered and is actually more correct for some of those roads than the expensive MTH model. It can use a little weight, which is easily added, but is a great looking and running loco for the much friendlier price.....as I said, I built Mikes out of five of these:
USRA/C&O 2-6-6-2 - these excellent little guys were big stars on the C&O and these models do them full justice. I have five......
Many of the locos no longer in production can still be found "new old stock" at very reasonable prices.
My disclaimer - I run DC, I don't use DCC or sound, if my locos came with decoders, they are long gone now. Yes, Bachmann used/uses "basic" DCC decoders for the most part.
Welcome and best of of luck,
Sheldon
I had heard from many sources Bachmann has really improved over the years. I decided to give them a shot. I purchased a Bachman 4-8-4 Great Northern - northern. I hate to admit it but the thing runs smooth as silk at creepy crawler speeds and I'm actually debating if it runs quieter than my Kato I just purchased.
Track Fiddler
PS Sheldon. You must be extremely satisfied with modern day Bachmann products. That was one heck of a review. I wouldn't be surprised if Bachman calls you in a few days to offer you a job. If you're getting older like me that would sure beat the heck out of doing construction.
My worth, I have a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, with DCC and sound, and I think it's great.
It runs great, even in "creep" speed, and I think the sound is way cool, BUT, I'm NOT a steam expert, as alot of guys on here on. I ended up with this loco from a close friend and neighbor at our place in northern WI, as he has moved on to N scale.
I've always had good experiences with Bachmann Spectrum, and Bachmann Plus.
I don't know if they even have the trainset "pancake" motor anymore. I'm sure they are still out there.
Mike.
My You Tube
Mike. You've been here long enough. I've seen your pictures. Give yourself some credit. You're an expert.
PS Yup Like how about those waterfalls, I looked for them. I could not find them on your site?
Old Bachmann was indeed "cheap".
New Bachmann is no better or worse than other brands, be them BLI, Athearn, Walthers, or any others that make steam.
I have a few of their diesel locomotives myself. No issues there.
However, I will say that BLI Mikes have the big issue of the chuff sensor burning out repeatedly and quickly, so my BLI Mike will be getting a different decoder and a totally different chuff sensor installed. (If I ever get around to it... )
(Not knocking on BLI, but the design choice of a miniature magnetic reed switch as a chuff sensor was really bad.)
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Track fiddlerMike. You've been here long enough. I've seen your pictures. Give yourself some credit. You're an expert.
Well gee, Track Fiddler, I don't know what to say, in the immortal words of Elvis Presely, "Thank you, thank you very much".
I was relating to my knowledge of steam locos. What I've learned, I've learned in here from guys like Randy, Tom, Dr. Wayne, Sheldon, Ed, and a list of others, sorry if I left anyone out, and books I've read, and currently reading.
What I've learned in modeling, in general, is from the same group, adding Frank, and others. Just too many excellent talented modelers in here to mention.
I was born in "49", so the transition period was well underway, and I was not around railroads. I was on a farm. WI., IL., and Iowa.
Any of the first two links under my name gives you full access to my Photobucket account, for pics of the waterfalls. You have to get by all the ads and pop-ups, and check out what you want.
Track fiddler I had heard from many sources Bachmann has really improved over the years. I decided to give them a shot. I purchased a Bachman 4-8-4 Great Northern - northern. I hate to admit it but the thing runs smooth as silk at creepy crawler speeds and I'm actually debating if it runs quieter than my Kato I just purchased. Track Fiddler PS Sheldon. You must be extremely satisfied with modern day Bachmann products. That was one heck of a review. I wouldn't be surprised if Bachman calls you in a few days to offer you a job. If you're getting older like me that would sure beat the heck out of doing construction.
Actually, I knew Lee Riley, the brains behind the creation of the Spectrum line, way back in the day before he worked for Bachmann.......sad he is gone now.
Yes, I do construction, but, I am "working boss" doing very specialized, mostly historic restoration work....I try not to work too hard......
I would consider such a position if it was offered, no question. I would be flattered
Yes, I think Bachmann has done a great job over the last 20 years.
mbinsewi Track fiddler Mike. You've been here long enough. I've seen your pictures. Give yourself some credit. You're an expert. Well gee, Track Fiddler, I don't know what to say, in the immortal words of Elvis Presely, "Thank you, thank you very much". I was relating to my knowledge of steam locos. What I've learned, I've learned in here from guys like Randy, Tom, Dr. Wayne, Sheldon, Ed, and a list of others, sorry if I left anyone out, and books I've read, and currently reading. What I've learned in modeling, in general, is from the same group, adding Frank, and others. Just too many excellent talented modelers in here to mention. I was born in "49", so the transition period was well underway, and I was not around railroads. I was on a farm. WI., IL., and Iowa. Any of the first two links under my name gives you full access to my Photobucket account, for pics of the waterfalls. You have to get by all the ads and pop-ups, and check out what you want. Mike.
Track fiddler Mike. You've been here long enough. I've seen your pictures. Give yourself some credit. You're an expert.
Mike,
Thanks for the kind words. Looked at your pictures (I have a photobucket account, so no ads), very nice work.
I'm in a rebuilding mode right now, maybe some scenery by the end of the year......
Another supporter of Bachmann steam. Mine are all straight DC, and all are modified to some degree. They're smooth runners and good pullers, and easy to modify or detail to match a specific prototype.
I have five of these Consolidations in service, and another three in the early stages of modification to match specific CNR prototypes...
This USRA Light Mountain was given a few modifications inspired by the NYC's L-1 and L-2 Mohawks...
Another one, bought used, and then modified for pusher service...
The O.P. mentioned 10 Wheelers: my layout is set in the late '30s, but I thought that even though the Bachmann 10 Wheeler might have still been in use, it most likely would have been updated, too. The as-offered version just struck me as being a little too old-fashioned looking for a road as progressive as mine...
I re-worked the cylinders into a more modern type...
...then shortened and narrowed the tenders...
...and replaced the boilers with these ones from Varney...
...adding cabs from Bachmann Consolidations, and a few details...
...and ending up with a pair of nice-running and good-pulling workhorses...
Wayne
Wow, Wayne, those Ten-Wheelers are frakking awesome! Great work on those!
My inspirational prototype is the short-line ARA. During that time, they has an older-style Ten-Wheeler, so I could get away with it. But considering I’m proto-lancing a “what-if” situation, and seeing what you did with yours, I might just have to update mine as well when I get them.
And thanks everyone for the great replies and info. I really appreciate it.
On Bachmann's website, how do you tell what the quality level is of the steam loco offerings?In HO they're listed by type, with no indication of whether they're Spectrum or Plus or anything else...?
Or did I miss something obvious?
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I have several Bachmann locomotives the only real complaint I have is the DCC on Board decoders do have a loud hum which is why I suggest the Sound Value line as being a decent compromise between price and quality:
Joe Staten Island West
Brunton On Bachmann's website, how do you tell what the quality level is of the steam loco offerings?In HO they're listed by type, with no indication of whether they're Spectrum or Plus or anything else...? Or did I miss something obvious?
On the Bachmann home page you will see a list of product lines to the left, click on Spectrum, click on HO, click on steam.......
But, currently there are only three Spectrum steamers in HO, the EM1, the Climax, and the modern 4-4-0.
But more importantly, the running quailty of ALL the other staem locos is now really the same as Spectrum, with detail level being the only real difference.
Mechanically, there are no more "inferior" locos from Bachmann.
They have seen the trend in the hobby and decided, at least for now, that good models and holding down prices is more important to most modelers rather than uber detail.
That said, models like the new USRA Mke and Pacific, the Berkshire, the 2-6-0, are all well detailed, just not quite to the level of many of the previous/current Spectrum models.
The current "non Spectrum" 2-8-0 is EXACTLY the same model as when it was in a Spectrum box. They did not lower the quality of that model, they rasied the standards for Spectrum models.........
So the real question is, does a particular model meet your personal detail standards? Because none are bad runners or "cheap" drives.
Lonehawk Wow, Wayne, those Ten-Wheelers are frakking awesome! Great work on those! My inspirational prototype is the short-line ARA. During that time, they has an older-style Ten-Wheeler, so I could get away with it. But considering I’m proto-lancing a “what-if” situation, and seeing what you did with yours, I might just have to update mine as well when I get them. And thanks everyone for the great replies and info. I really appreciate it.
Yes, Wayne does great work. I wish I could make time to build several of those for my layout.......maybe one day, after I get the new layout built.....
joe323 I have several Bachmann locomotives the only real complaint I have is the DCC on Board decoders do have a loud hum which is why I suggest the Sound Value line as being a decent compromise between price and quality:
Thanks to you for being one of the few who, like me, are annoyed by decoder hum. Their silent decoder is inferior to many other brand of silent decoder.
I have a 2-8-0 with nonsound DCC on Board. Great looking loco, from the Specturm lineage, but it hums loudly upon speed step 1, doesn't move until speed step 8 (humming more loudly as the steps increase) then moves jserkily until about a scale 15 mph, merrily buzzing along.
Great loco, great mechanicals, totally ruined by an inferior decoder. Same with the diesel line.
OTOH, all Sound Value locos are equipped with competitive SoundTraxx decoders. My experience with their diesel line and a 2-6-0 Mogul is that their slow speed operation is silent (for the times you actually want to run silent), and smooth.
So if OP wants onboard dcc, go with the red box Sound Value versions and avoid the blue box DCC OnBoard versions.
Doughless joe323 I have several Bachmann locomotives the only real complaint I have is the DCC on Board decoders do have a loud hum which is why I suggest the Sound Value line as being a decent compromise between price and quality: Thanks to you for being one of the few who, like me, are annoyed by decoder hum. Their silent decoder is inferior to many other brand of silent decoder. I have a 2-8-0 with nonsound DCC on Board. Great looking loco, from the Specturm lineage, but it hums loudly upon speed step 1, doesn't move until speed step 8 (humming more loudly as the steps increase) then moves jserkily until about a scale 15 mph, merrily buzzing along. Great loco, great mechanicals, totally ruined by an inferior decoder. Same with the diesel line. OTOH, all Sound Value locos are equipped with competitive SoundTraxx decoders. My experience with their diesel line and a 2-6-0 Mogul is that their slow speed operation is silent (for the times you actually want to run silent), and smooth. So if OP wants onboard dcc, go with the red box Sound Value versions and avoid the blue box DCC OnBoard versions.
I understand, I was always amazed that those decoders sold well on Ebay after I removed them........
But if it was me, and I decided to go DCC, on my older Bachmann models that came with the plug in decoders, I would remove the complete lighting board and hard wire a better quality decoder - problem solved.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Yes, I do construction, but, I am "working boss" doing very specialized, mostly historic restoration work....I try not to work too hard...... I would consider such a position if it was offered, no question. I would be flattered Yes, I think Bachmann has done a great job over the last 20 years. Sheldon
I agree Bachmann is a quality product now.
Working boss yes. I like to consider myself that after being in the trade for over 30 years.
I think you missed my indirect compliment. I seen the pictures of your work. You didn't get to the point you are at now without busting your back with your fingers in the pie of what you have been doing for a lot of years.
For the most part I like to be working boss too. But I still throw my tool belt on. What I find most satisfying in the trades now is these Young Bucks that need guidance. I find nothing more rewarding as showing them how to do the things they're confused about from my knowledge and life experience.
Not only that but when I quit doing any physical labor for too long, I'm like the Tin Man. My joints start tapping on my shoulder, oil, oil, oil.
For me the physical labor is still good and I still feel the need to do some. If I could just get up in the morning and go do the work I enjoy all lined up for me, I think that would be better than the other end of this business. That's where the stress is.
My curiosity got the best of me I did a test running my Bachmann 4-8-4 and my Kato F7.............. In my opinion the Bachmann was quieter.
Track fiddler