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New model railroaders Bachmann Plus

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  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
Posted by BigDaddy on Friday, January 29, 2021 7:14 PM

Trainman440
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

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

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

  • Member since
    May 2014
  • From: Pennsylvania
  • 1,154 posts
Posted by Trainman440 on Thursday, January 28, 2021 8:08 PM

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

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, January 28, 2021 8:03 PM

Just remembered I have a video on my YT with the Packer Christmas train running. 

Mike.

Mike.

  • Member since
    June 2005
  • 4,368 posts
Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Thursday, January 28, 2021 7:54 PM

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.

_________________________________________________________________

  • Member since
    May 2010
  • From: SE. WI.
  • 8,253 posts
Posted by mbinsewi on Thursday, January 28, 2021 7:52 PM

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.

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: Shenandoah Valley
  • 9,094 posts
New model railroaders Bachmann Plus
Posted by BigDaddy on Thursday, January 28, 2021 7:20 PM

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

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