DigitalGriffin Lakeshore Sub Mark, I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!! Scott Sonntag That's the old mogul under the spectrum line. New one is a fraction of the weight.
Lakeshore Sub Mark, I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!! Scott Sonntag
Mark,
I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!!
Scott Sonntag
That's the old mogul under the spectrum line. New one is a fraction of the weight.
I have the Bachmann 2012 Catalog open in front of me as I type this.
There has never been a 2-6-0 Spectrum model.
The ALCO 2-6-0, introduced in 2012, is not a Spectrum branded model, it was one of the first of the new from the ground up improved regular line locos like the LIMA 2-8-4, and was one of the first "DCC sound value" locos offered.
These locos, like the LIMA 2-8-4, and the USRA 2-8-2 and 4-6-2 offered in the last 10 or so years, are Spectrum quality drives for the most part, but not quite Spectrum level detail.
There is nothing to suggest it was ever changed during its production.
It is completely different from the much older 2-6-0 that was based on the other two locos being discussed here, the 0-6-0 and the 2-6-2.
The 2-6-0 based on the 0-6-0 has not been produced since 2010.
Two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT models that share NO parts, the old 2-6-0, and the NEW 2012 release ALCO 2-6-0.
NEITHER loco is currently offered by Bachmann, obviously some retailers still have plenty.
Sheldon
Off topic, and not trying to defend a poorly functioning search function, but this is a good example of why things can't be found when looking for them.
I think the first title was a question about a locomotive type. Now it is about a decoder. And I'm not sure if any search function will properly identify a topic identified as "renamed".
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
wjstix I would opt for the TrainWorld / SoundValue option. You can get a good running, sound equipped engine pretty cheap. Bachmann offers boilers and tenders for the 2-6-0 engine as separate parts on their website, so it's easy to change railroads (or buy undec ones to letter for your own railroad).
I would opt for the TrainWorld / SoundValue option. You can get a good running, sound equipped engine pretty cheap. Bachmann offers boilers and tenders for the 2-6-0 engine as separate parts on their website, so it's easy to change railroads (or buy undec ones to letter for your own railroad).
They is a NMRA plug compliant in the tender. A NCE basic decoder is often a favorite. Cut the capacitor and remove the inductor and replace with a wire across the points. (It messes up with BEMF) The cap/inductor pair was only there for RF noise emmision compliance in Europe.
Drive is smooth and reliable. But it won't pull squat. Get that tungstun putty and bullfrog snot for the boiler!
If decoder size is an issue, I'd just get a Digitraxx N (DN126) or Z (DZ126) scale decoder. You only have two lighting outputs anyways, so the basic version will do.
Digitraxx's naming scheme is:
D(digitraxx?)
N(scale: H,N,Z)
1(motor current)
2(number of function outputs, 2, 4 etc)
6(lighting control version, FX3, FX6 etc. FX6 has more options than FX3)
TCS WOWsound has certainly grown in price. I make my own keep alives ($5), wire plugs ($1) and use ebay speakers ($3)...I also manually wire my decoders, and choose the 21 pin decoder varient since its the cheapest. So TCS's jump from $79 to $95 for their WOW121 while is definitely a noticable jump, doesn't effect me too much.
I also bought 6 decoders right before they announce the price jump, and paid $69 for each, so hopefully I wont need to buy one anytime soon.
PS hardwiring 21 pin decoders certainly isnt easy, but it definitely gets easier after doing a dozen of them. Basically use one of these $1 plugs which go into the decoder and solder wires to the pins.
Further info on how I do budget DCC installs can be found here (scroll to latter half): https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/289165.aspx
Of course, what you save in money is often spent on additional time during the install. Still, I've become rather efficient with these installs, averaging 7 hours (an afternoon/evening) per brass engine, from drilling holes for wires and speaker, to making the engine tender wire plugs, to mounting SMD LEDs, to hardwiring the decoder.
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
I got the Mogul today. Looks better in person than in the photos!
I installed an old Digitrax 8-pin decoder and verified it runs. Looks like it will perform decently (at least without any cars on it!).
The problem is that the old Digitrax decoder (DH163LO - a retired version) is too long for the tender body to fit over it.
The loco isn't lisited in Digitrax's decoder selector. SO... Can anybody tell me which decoder(s) fit this locomotive? Right now I'm looking for a basic decoder. I'll be adding a TCS Wowdound system in the future, but $200+ it too much to swallow right now.
I'm going to a train show next Saturday and would like to pick up a decoder there.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
DigitalGriffin ATLANTIC CENTRAL Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's). Those 2-6-6-2's have a problem with the front tower gear failing. What are you replacing them with? I was 3 for 3 on failures.I would send them back to Bachmann but I know they would just toss them and offer me something inferior.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
Those 2-6-6-2's have a problem with the front tower gear failing. What are you replacing them with? I was 3 for 3 on failures.I would send them back to Bachmann but I know they would just toss them and offer me something inferior.
I have 5 of those locos, no failures yet.
ATLANTIC CENTRALExample, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
Charles,
Vintage brass is a good way to go these days, no question. Two of the locos on my small want list are only available in older brass - waiting for just the right ones to pop up.
And being a DC operator, older brass requires very little extra work for me in most cases.
Half of my current fleet of Pacfics are older brass.
I have lots of ABBA, ABA, ABB, and AB diesel sets. The AB and ABB sets are passenger power. Just ALCO FA/FB units alone total 15 units, and EMD F units total 25. That alone is a big chunk of locomotives, that can be mixed and matched as needed.
So for double heading steam, sometimes I run matching locos, I have lots of duplicates to give the big time railroad fleet feel. But even with DC it is easy to run two different steamers in many cases.
Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
So I have worked out a list, of what runs well with what, that simple.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I will buy "used" on some specific items, but it always seems some little detail is broken, some little thing is not right. I'm fussy. and I have no trouble handling detailed models without loosing parts. So I like to start with all the parts. My 140 locos are based largely around what is needed to stage the 35 or so trains on the new layout, and provide needed power changes, switching locos, etc for the operational scheme. So that includes "B" units, etc. The average freight train is powered by 3-4 diesels or two steamers. So 35 trains time three locos each is a big percentage of those 140 locos. Then there are about 10 self propelled pieces of passenger equipment. Suddenly 140 powered units is not all that many....... Sheldon
I will buy "used" on some specific items, but it always seems some little detail is broken, some little thing is not right. I'm fussy. and I have no trouble handling detailed models without loosing parts. So I like to start with all the parts.
My 140 locos are based largely around what is needed to stage the 35 or so trains on the new layout, and provide needed power changes, switching locos, etc for the operational scheme.
So that includes "B" units, etc.
The average freight train is powered by 3-4 diesels or two steamers. So 35 trains time three locos each is a big percentage of those 140 locos.
Then there are about 10 self propelled pieces of passenger equipment.
Suddenly 140 powered units is not all that many.......
I see, Im glad to hear that all 140 pieces of equippment are being used effectively and not sitting on shelves.
Personally, with my 70 or so pieces of powered equippment, most are designed to be single headed. I have only 10 or so diesels, of which 5 is an ABBBA consist. Some of the steam is meant to be doubleheaded, but most run alone. I have (obviously) way too much equipment for my tiny layout but plans are I'll have the engines I want for a future larger layout. Knowing how my tastes almost never change (Ive wanted the same list of engines for the past 8 years so far with very few additions or subtractions), I dont see an issue with purchasing engines early.
My main personal issue is wanting to model too many prototype railroads. Each railroad I add means a whole diverse roster of switchers, local trains, mainline equipment, etc. Modeling PRR and ATSF really sucks since theyre probably the least similar railroads in US history with different engines, different terrain, different scenery, and different practices. The roads obviously didnt overlap. It is clear that dropping one railroad to focus more on the other is the smart move, yet I cannot make myself drop one...so I end up having 30 engines from each railroad. Its why freelancing is so tempting...
Anyways, back on topic. I agree Id love to see manufacs put a greater emphasis on smaller steam. I wish there were more manufacturers like bachmann, producing cheap small steam of obscure prototypes that look generic enough to be great freelance models. Problem is, theres only two major producers of HO steam today, one (bachmann) continues to recycle ancient tooling and refuses to make new models, and the other (BLI) only makes the cliche...and at unaffordable prices. Their latest line of fantasy generic 2-8-0s (PRR H10s based) cost an eyewatering $479 at retailers.
That's why instead of waiting for BLI to make something (which will never come) Ive been switching to vintage brass. There's a HUGE amount of old brass of smaller steam thats cheap and plentiful. People just need to be willing to work with them.
Trainman440 Yes and I realize you (and many others) dont want to buy used items, that's why I said even buying new old stock on ebay, can often save you money, or atleast pay around the same as if one were to buy new ($179 dcc ready). I realize many people are afraid of buying used, so I understand that its not for everyone. Still, my point stands that if you're in the market for an untouched 4-6-0, you're better off getting a spectrum run. I do agree the market has changed significantly, and the emphasis on detail and variety has been replaced with cheap and trendy. And it really is a shame. I see myself move to (cheap) brass more and more simply due to modern manufacturers not making the relatively "obscure" models I want (atleast compared to the big boy). Dang, 140 engines, thats quite a few! Im nearing 75 right now, and am planning to sell off some as I realize I dont have the time right now to care for/run many of them. Cheers! Charles
Yes and I realize you (and many others) dont want to buy used items, that's why I said even buying new old stock on ebay, can often save you money, or atleast pay around the same as if one were to buy new ($179 dcc ready).
I realize many people are afraid of buying used, so I understand that its not for everyone. Still, my point stands that if you're in the market for an untouched 4-6-0, you're better off getting a spectrum run.
I do agree the market has changed significantly, and the emphasis on detail and variety has been replaced with cheap and trendy. And it really is a shame.
I see myself move to (cheap) brass more and more simply due to modern manufacturers not making the relatively "obscure" models I want (atleast compared to the big boy).
Dang, 140 engines, thats quite a few! Im nearing 75 right now, and am planning to sell off some as I realize I dont have the time right now to care for/run many of them.
Cheers!
I picked up an IHC 2-6-0 on ebay for $60.00. Arjay1969 painted it for the A&NR RR (a Texas shortline) and installed a sound decoder for me. It runs great and looks good. Level of detail is not what one would expect from higher end models, but it serves its purpose well.
Time for BLI to produce a 2-6-2.
Speaking of value, I bought my sound value 2-6-0's from Trainworld two years ago at $100 each.
Trainman440 ATLANTIC CENTRAL I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me. Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions. But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00. SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model. Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down. Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service. Sheldon Two things. First off, you're comparing a $300 street price spetrum model with DCC sound to the current offering one thats $179 without sound (atleast on Trainworld). Current offering with sound value is $239, which is still less than 300, but the savings really arent significant since Id argue the full function decoder plus additional details is worth the $60. Another thing to consider is new old stock. On ebay, the prices of the old spectrum engines in todays pricing is still often cheaper than $179 (or $239 with sound). And if you look at the used items theyre significantly cheaper. So while sure, Bachmann isnt scamming you, I personally would still recommend those who want a 4-6-0 to buy used, or new-old stock spectrum runs since you'll often pay the same price or less and get a better model. Charles
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me. Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions. But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00. SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model. Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down. Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service. Sheldon
I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me.
Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions.
But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00.
SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model.
Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down.
Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly.
I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service.
Two things.
First off, you're comparing a $300 street price spetrum model with DCC sound to the current offering one thats $179 without sound (atleast on Trainworld). Current offering with sound value is $239, which is still less than 300, but the savings really arent significant since Id argue the full function decoder plus additional details is worth the $60.
Another thing to consider is new old stock. On ebay, the prices of the old spectrum engines in todays pricing is still often cheaper than $179 (or $239 with sound). And if you look at the used items theyre significantly cheaper.
So while sure, Bachmann isnt scamming you, I personally would still recommend those who want a 4-6-0 to buy used, or new-old stock spectrum runs since you'll often pay the same price or less and get a better model.
I understand you point of view, I have watched a few of your videos, you have explained yourself well enough on this forum. You have made what you do a subset of the hobby, that is fine. I had that experiance working in hobby shops and doing repairs 45 years ago.
I don't mean to sound harsh, I'm just going to state my personal preference - I don't generally buy stuff other people have screwed around with. So "used" prices are meaningless to me.
I do buy items that appear to be "new old stock" or "NBPW" (never been played with), and yes there is a fair amount of that out there. (I'm not generally a buyer of "used" stuff in other aspects of life either)
But I have no dog in this fight, I'm about 15 locomotives away from having every locomotive model I would ever want or need for the ATLANTIC CENTRAL, and I just preordered 4 of them.
I agree, to many it would be well worth an extra $60, or even $100 to get the old version. I have my two and only paid about $90, 15-18 years ago.
But there is the other issue where I have no dog in this fight - I don't want DCC and sound.
I'm just saying, it has been a decade since Bachmann sold a Spectrum 4-6-0 - a lot has happened in this hobby in that decade.
At about 140 locomotives I'm about full up.
Guess the two brands that dominate the roster?
Proto2000 and Bachmann, followed closely by Athearn Genesis and Intermountain (F units).
Pruitt ATLANTIC CENTRAL Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon What I think is silly is expecting the same model that was produced ten years ago to be made available at that ten year old price. I would gladly pay 2022 prices for a model the same quality as the Spectrum ones that were produced ten years (or more) ago, rather than the stripped down versions that are made today. And the high-boilered Ten Wheeler isn't available at all today, I believe. Spectrum made some very nice smaller steam - the best running (and looking) small steam available then or now (that I know of, excluding pricey brass models for the looks. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me). (Talking Bachmann only here). Maybe the market just wasn't there for the Spectrum line in HO. In any case, it's a pity they aren't still producing them.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon
What I think is silly is expecting the same model that was produced ten years ago to be made available at that ten year old price.
I would gladly pay 2022 prices for a model the same quality as the Spectrum ones that were produced ten years (or more) ago, rather than the stripped down versions that are made today. And the high-boilered Ten Wheeler isn't available at all today, I believe. Spectrum made some very nice smaller steam - the best running (and looking) small steam available then or now (that I know of, excluding pricey brass models for the looks. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me).
(Talking Bachmann only here).
Maybe the market just wasn't there for the Spectrum line in HO. In any case, it's a pity they aren't still producing them.
I think the market back then was very strong for those models. I know I bought lots of them, I have about 35 Bachmann steamers I purchased back then.
Bachmann did very well in those days with Lee Riley at the helm of North American operations. I knew him way back before his Bachmann days.
The question is does that market exist today? All the arm chair experts on this forum are convinced nobody will buy "ordinary" steam locos anymore, only models of BigBoys and other "famous giants" of steam.
BLI has finally made a few "medium" sized steamers, but half of them are "generic" with no road specific detail.
Bachmann may not be offering locos as detailed as their Spectrum line was, but even they can put the headlight in the right place on a B&O Pacific and put the correct trailing truck under it.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a return to the kind of detail and diversity Bachmann gave us back then.
But I don't see it happening. There may be a market, but nobody has the stomac to test it.
The irony for me is I have never owned a model of a BigBoy.......... I don't model UP......
Pruitt That Atlantic's a nice model, but that Belpaire firebox just won't go on a model relettered for CB&Q or CNW. So I just ordered the Bachmann Mogul. If it's a piece of junk I'm only out $80 (including the shipping). If it's a decent runner, I'll turn it into a customizing project.
That Atlantic's a nice model, but that Belpaire firebox just won't go on a model relettered for CB&Q or CNW.
So I just ordered the Bachmann Mogul. If it's a piece of junk I'm only out $80 (including the shipping). If it's a decent runner, I'll turn it into a customizing project.
I own this model. I recommend some tungsten putty for the boiler.
I've always liked 10 Wheelers, but there are some which look good to me, and others which don't.
I have a couple of these...
in brass.
I also bought a couple of the Bachmann versions (I'm not sure, but I seem to recall that there was both a low-drivered version and high driver one. I went with the high drivers, but found the loco to be a little too old-fashioned-looking for my late-'30s era layout...
To bring them more up-to-date for my layout, I replaced the boilers (which were cast metal, but rather flimsy, as some of the running boards broke-off rather easily.) I used a couple of Varney boilers, also cast metal, but a little more modern and as one-piece castings, not as well detailed as the Bachmanns. I did remove the stock Varney cabs, though, and replaced them with cabs from Bachmanns' 2-8-0s (the boiler casting, including the cab and some details, were available separately for quite some time, and at a reasonable price).By standardising the cabs on most of my locos, I created a more uniform appearance, despite having locos with different (although related) road names...
Here's the re-worked Bachmann 10 Wheeler...
...and with some added details...
...and in service...
With some added weight, they're much better pullers than they were originally, and they also run well with pretty-well any of my other locos, especially when a train is heavy enough to require multiple locos.
I also used the Bachmann Consolidations' cabs on my Moguls, including this IHC Mogul (at the time, a new loco for only $15.00)...
Here's the revised version...
...and likewise for my first brass steam locomotive, a B&M B-15 Mogul (shown here slightly modified)...
...and quite a bit later, re-worked again, with a cab from a Bachmann 2-8-0...
Wayne
ATLANTIC CENTRALComparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon
Opps, error on my part, I was talking 2-6-0, me bad.
Try Bachmann's 2-6-0. But it's a lightweight. It won't pull much. I would consult with Sheldon (ACL) on this one. He's always full of good advice on how to make Bachmanns pull more.BLI has a very nice Atlantic E6 class out. 4-4-2:
Broadway Limited Imports: The Cutting Edge Leader in Sound Equipped Model Trains - Paragon4 PRR E6 Atlantic HO (broadway-limited.com)
No problem! Although Ive yet to obtain one of those bachmann 2-6-0s, I do plan to get one. Being so cheap theyre an excellent candidate for freelancing. There's an endless number of possibilties for how I can mod them!
prototype:
The mechanisms are sufficient. Split diecast frame, metal axles, no bearings, copper wiper pickups, center powered wheel powered by the same Mabuchi FF130 motor bachmann uses, with a small flywheel and worm. Seems very similar to the latest USRA 0-6-0/2-6-2 you were talking about, and I recall them as being solid runners.
This is still very early stage, but I plan to get one and use the chassis for my NYC 2-4-4t "Suburban" kitbash.
https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/steam-locomotive/cpr-d10.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SRz64KewzQ&t=5s&ab_channel=rapidotrains
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."