I build an L shaped layout when my kids were young. I took them to Cass and Durango Silverton and Strasburg. My son took his children to Strasburg
Now look what has happened:
He bought this set used off Facebook. There is a Bachmann "Plus" Consolidation. where did the Plus fit in with the Spectrum series and DCC ready locos?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
From what I know, the plus was just before the Spectrum came out in 1988.
I have a Hawthorne Village Green Bay Packer train, powered A, dummy B, and a NYC set, powered A, B, A, and all run smooth.
They are not DC ready. DCC would be an easy hardwire.
Mike.
My You Tube
The Plus line was between the standard and Spectrum lines of the time (basically a standard body with a Spectrum chassis). When Bachmann started phasing out the cheap train set models, the Plus line became the standard along with some of the older Spectrum models.
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Just remembered I have a video on my YT with the Packer Christmas train running.
I wouldnt recommend the "plus" line equipment for any long term use. Atleast for steam, they commonly had split axle issues (Bachmann used cheap white nylon for the axles which loved to crack), and pancake motors were still relatively common.
From off the top of my head, the J1(non spectrum), K4s(non spec), Niagara, ATSF 4-8-4, 2-10-4, GS-4, reading prototype 2-8-0, and UP 2-8-2 all had these issues, along with early "USRA" 0-6-0s.
These were later turned into the standard line, which all of these issues have since disappeared, and now have proper can motors metal axles and no split chassis.
That being said if its a static display model or just used occasionally, it should be fine. Many people have also done overhauls on these engines. Just be aware.
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Trainman440That being said if its a static display model or just used occasionally, it should be fine. Many people have also done overhauls on these engines. Just be aware. Charles
Thanks, I wasn't asked for my opinion, prior to the purchase, but he only has $20 in it so it's not the end of the world if it dies. It looks nice