Anybody have any experience with the Bachmann HO Scale 2-6-2 Prairie? On their website it looks kinda like it came out of a toy train set, but I'm more interested in how well it runs.
I need a couple of this type of loco for my layout, but I want something that runs smoothly and can move along pretty slowly as well. Can it be made to perform on par with BLI and Heritage steamers?
I'm guessing it's probably DCC-ready, though the website doesn't say.
The price is pretty attractive if it runs well. I can add details to make it look better, so that's not an issue.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
Not that engine, but I do have a Bachmann Mikado and a GG1. Both engines are Soundvalue models equipped with those proprietary decoders.
I like both engines. They are from the Spectrum series. They run well and they look very good.
The decoders in both came with jackrabbit starts and had a low speed that was too high for me, particularly with no load attached and the engines running on their own. The solution for me was to reduce Vhigh and Vmid with the appropriate CVs. The engines ran way too fast out of the box anyway, so this brought the engines in line with normal speeds on my pike.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
If the sound value one, mine ran great out of the box could run real slow and the sound was more than acceptable, in fact I ended up buying more as they are small engines.
The Bachmann HO 2-6-2 is basically their USRA 0-6-0 switcher with front and rear wheels added, so is not a very accurate model.
From what I can see on their website, it is not available as DCC/Sound, DCC, or even DCC-ready. You could 'hard wire' in a decoder, but might have to insulate the motor from the frame. It's pretty much the same engine they've offered for many years.
Some versions of the 0-6-0 are available with a (fairly basic but OK) DCC decoder installed. I don't believe it's been offered with DCC sound installed.
I bought this Bachmann 2-6-2 at a train show, without tender, for $5.00 on a junk table.
I painted it as a photo-prop, and fixed it to an all-plastic Tyco tender.
This is amazing... when I put it on the track it ran! I forgot I left the transformer on. And... it ran good! There is a huge can motor in the cab. The only downside is that electrical pick-up is only from the front and rear driver on each side. On clean track it is smooth and quiet.
-Photograph by Kevin Parson
I don't know what vintage or generation this Bachmann model is, but it is a tough little bugger.
If I were inclined to add electrical pick-up to all eight tender wheels it would probably serve well.
The molded on detail is terrible.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Pruitt Anybody have any experience with the Bachmann HO Scale 2-6-2 Prairie? On their website it looks kinda like it came out of a toy train set, but I'm more interested in how well it runs. I need a couple of this type of loco for my layout, but I want something that runs smoothly and can move along pretty slowly as well. Can it be made to perform on par with BLI and Heritage steamers? I'm guessing it's probably DCC-ready, though the website doesn't say. The price is pretty attractive if it runs well. I can add details to make it look better, so that's not an issue.
The Bachmann 2-6-2 is a trains set quality loco.
OTOH, their 2-6-0 Mogul is a recently tooled and designed loco that also has DCC/Sound if so inclined. I had one back when I wanted to run steam and it was a very nice loco. Ran very smoothly. The little LED directional headlight on the tender was a nice touch for running backwards when needed. If Bachmann still had a Spectrum line, I'd guess the 2-6-0 would be marketed under that brand.
In my research of small steam locos back a few years ago, I don't believe there is a modern designed, detailed, and smooth running 2-6-2 on the market. That's why I went with the Bachmann 2-6-0.
- Douglas