Which is better? Both seem similar. Also, what prototype is each based on?
I saw a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 run about 15 years ago and it was very smooth. I have not seen one of the BLI 2-8-0s yet but it should run well also. The Bachmann is the only one you can get in DC, if that matters.
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 bought a Spectrum Consolidation with factory sound in about 2017. It has been a great loco and smooth running. The factory sound then was version of Tsunami.
I have a BLI Pacific and Mikado both with second version of decoder. They run well but a a little thin on detail.
CN Charlie
Steven2007 Which is better? Both seem similar. Also, what prototype is each based on?
Both brands are somewhat freelanced.
Both are good representations of a number of similar locos made by Baldwin.
Both run well from what I have seen and heard. I personally have 10 of the Bachmann 2-8-0 locos, they have been great.
Both locos are similar in detail, the BLI loco is only available in DCC with sound, and is generally more expensive.
Sheldon
Bachmanns is based off of IC 2-8-0 (modified sanddome and from handrails), BLI's is a modified PRR H10s (no belpair firebox, keystone). Overall, theyre both very close, with Bachmann's being significantly cheaper in price and better detail imo since it looks more believable. BLI's tried to remove all PRR resemblance, but for some reason kept the markers on the pilot.
Bachmann prototype:
BLI's model isnt bad per se, its just that Bachmanns is just as good and significantly cheaper. For a freelanced model, $300 is just too much.
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
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Yeah I'll probably stick with the Bachmann. It can make a reasonable stand in for a Harriman Con, so I'll probably stick with that.
Steven2007Which is better? Both seem similar. Also, what prototype is each based on?
Steven, I can only tell you of the Bachmann model. I think it is based on a Baldwin prototype.
Mine ran forever, it was my workhorse. This was one of the first run of Spectrum models, and it was a major purchase for me back in the day.
When mine died, it was not the locomotive's fault. A truck screw backed out on the train it was pulling and hit a crossing. The train slammed to a stop, and then the locmotive had a clicking noise moving forward.
It can probably be fixed, and someday I might attempt it.
Anyway... the Bachmann 2-8-0 was a great purchase for me.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Although I haven't tried them all, the Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation is the best loco I've seen that company produce. Looks good and an excellent runner. I now own three of them. My opinion of BLI has gone way down over the years. K-4 Pacific doesn't pick up power from the left side drivers which causes stalls when the left side tender wheels hit an insulate frog. From what I have read, others have experienced the same problem with other BLI steamers. My two SW7 switchers also occasionally stall out on insulated frogs. They also will sometimes cause my DCC system to shut down when I change directions, something a switch engine has to do frequently and it is very annoying. These are serious flaws for high end locos to have. I won't buy any more BLI locos.
I guess it would depend on which BLI Consoldation you are talking about. If you are talking about the PRR H10, it is a pretty good model, they got it almost all correct.
http://www.prrths.com/Keystone%20Modeler/Keystone_Modeler_PDFs/TKM%20No.%2090%20-%20Autumn%202014.pdf
"Comparing the model to these two images, the level of accuracy is exceptional"
If you are talking about the generic one they came out with, meh, neither it nor the Bachmann are that great.
An "expensive model collector"
SeeYou190The train slammed to a stop, and then the locmotive had a clicking noise moving forward.
Could be as simple as realigning the wheel wipers, Kevin.
IMG_5131 by Edmund, on Flickr
They can be fussy to keep clean and perfectly aligned.
Good Luck, Ed
gmpullmanCould be as simple as realigning the wheel wipers, Kevin.
Thanks for the tip Ed. I will give that a look if I ever unpack the locomotive again. If it is something simple, I will be very happy.
I think it has been at least 5 years since I ran it.
gmpullman SeeYou190 The train slammed to a stop, and then the locmotive had a clicking noise moving forward. Could be as simple as realigning the wheel wipers, Kevin. IMG_5131 by Edmund, on Flickr They can be fussy to keep clean and perfectly aligned. Good Luck, Ed
SeeYou190 The train slammed to a stop, and then the locmotive had a clicking noise moving forward.
That's actually a good tip, Ive had many times where the wipes get stuck hitting the spokes of the wheels, creating for clicking noises, and even breaking off.
Of course, the clicking could also be a split plastic gear, which is a distinct possibility in an engine whose flywheel-assisted drivetrain was spinning well as the loco moved and stopped abruptly. I hope it's just a wiper.
selector Of course, the clicking could also be a split plastic gear, which is a distinct possibility in an engine whose flywheel-assisted drivetrain was spinning well as the loco moved and stopped abruptly. I hope it's just a wiper.
The Bachmann Consolidation is driven by a belt, that drives a worm gear shaft, which drives the axle gear. If any loco would absorb a driveline shock without damage, I would think this loco would be it, as the belt would act as a shock absorber.
The contact wipers are not like the loco pictured in above, but they are similar. That is a different Bachmann loco.
They can become misaligned and make a clicking noise, they can even jam the motion of the drivers.
Bachmann has come under some criticism over the years for the use of these wipers, a view I do not share. I have a reasonable sized roster of Bachmann steam, and have never had a serious problem with the wipers.
But, I will admit, I am fully comfortable with fragile models, some people consider the design too fragile.....
Not sure what might be wrong with Kevins loco, but Bachmann has parts for sale and the loco is easy to work on.
ATLANTIC CENTRALNot sure what might be wrong with Kevins loco, but Bachmann has parts for sale and the loco is easy to work on.
We have discussed my broken consolidation before.
It has been broken the entire 4+ years I have been on this forum. Not having a layout, fixing it has not been a priority. Getting a layout is a priority!
Lastspikemike The driver wipers on the Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation are different to other Bachmann models. They are single straight tabs and very flimsy. So flimsy they don't all contact their respective drivers continuously. Not a successful design. And NLA from Bachmann which is a mixed blessing ....
The driver wipers on the Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation are different to other Bachmann models. They are single straight tabs and very flimsy. So flimsy they don't all contact their respective drivers continuously. Not a successful design. And NLA from Bachmann which is a mixed blessing ....
That's funny, I just looked in up on their web site and they have they have the bottom plate with the wipers listed as available for $11.33, page 11 of the 2-8-0 parts.
You can call it a bad design all you want, but they have sold those locos likely by the millions over the last 25 years at this point and most people love them.
All ten of mine work just fine.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL...All ten of mine work just fine.
I bought two of them when they were first released, and later acquired another 6. Three of them are slated for some fairly extreme modifications to match three specific prototypes, but all are great pullers and smooth runners.That includes the one which took a 3' face-plant into the concrete floor because some dummy forgot to kill the track on which it was parked.
Wayne