Is Bachman out of touch?

[Anonymous]

I have seen the new Nscale Spectrum deisels and have run one. They are nice but, does anyone else feel that the price on these engines is too much? They do not come with knuckle couplers and are more expensive than either Atlas or Kato Nscale deisels. I would much prefer a Kato or Atlas at a cheaper price. Not only are they expensive up front but you have to put out a little money to convert the couplers. It just doesn't make any sense to me.

[retsignalmtr]

i bought a set of bachmann f7 diesels a and b unit. they run well but the wheels were out of gauge when i got them home and tried to run them over a couple of switches. i'm not to concerned about the couplers as my bachmann passenger cars still have not been converted yet. i don't think they are out of it. they have improved quite a bit with their steamers that i've seen running. but there are still a lot of modelers who have not converted to knuckle couplers and will not convert. i will not buy any cars or locomotives that do not have either micro trains or accumates on them from the factory, also dcc decoders installed. it took me several years to decide to convert and i still have some equipment that i haven't gotten around to replacing the couplers. it's the same in ho.

[Anonymous]

They could include both like Atlas. How many people who are spending $100 for a deisel and over $200 for a steam locomotive (Nscale H-6) would stick with rapido couplers?

[TurboOne]

I think Bachmann is more in touch than other manufacturers. They make Thomas the trains and the military trains. May not be prototype, but what Thomas is, but they are going after the kid market. Keep up the inexpensive sets to get the hobby to grow.

Tim

[Anonymous]

I still say bachmann is one of the best manufactures.

[Anonymous]

I don't think they're out of touch, though I agree that some of their more expensive items may be a little over-priced. I've managed to avoid paying full retail for any Bachmann locos by careful shopping and snapping up items on sale. Judging by the problems some have had with their locos I'm glad of this, as I would be seriously annoyed if a £70 loco refused to operate properly when new - I've had two of their British steamers that were appalling and needed considerable work to fix out of gauge wheels and mis-set quartering, I've since seen a new example being tested in an LHS - it ran as badly as mine did before they were sorted! However, I would still buy one or more of their US HO scale steamers as they represent superb value - an acceptable model of a Niagara for around 1/4 the price of the BLI one? Ok, it might not last as long, haul as well, or have sound, but given my current layout is an 8x1 shelf haulage capacity is a little academic as is how it will cope with long running sessions. I think they do a great job of supplying the value-minded end of the market, and allow people to own models that, while not as detailed as the best out there, are perfectly acceptable and at budget prices. By the sounds of it their service is also pretty good, so if you do get a "dud" you'll be treated well when you call them. Just my thoughts!

[twhite]

I can't really say that--the Spectrum steam I've got runs just fine and looks good. Of course I DID happen to get an SP Heavy 4-8-2 that was wired backwards, which was a story in itself (just ask my little Rio Grande 2-8-0 that got whacked by it). But my LHS took care of the problem and it's running just fine, thank you. I'm not in N scale, but if I'm not mistaken, Bachmann isn't the only company producing locos without knuckle couplers (though hopefully for N-scalers, that will soon be rectified). They're a rather large manufacturer, and they produce a wide range of product, everything from the 'toy-train' line (to get one introduced to model railroading) to their Spectrum, for the serious hobbyist. Just my 2-Pfennings worth.
Tom [:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

I just went to other web sites and have found out that the N-scale 2-6-6-2 is fatally flawed. Buying Spectrum is no guarantee of quality. I love their N scale consolidation. It is fantastic! I have never purchased a defective Atlas or Kato. I think, from my experience, that Bachman is inconsistent in quality and, in my book, any new Bachman model is suspect until it has proven itself. Even if the spectrum deisels are superb, the are very overpriced! I know you can find them below retail price, but you can also find Atlas and Kato locomotives sold below retail price. The new Bachman Spectrum Nscale deisels cost about $30.00 more than an Atlas or Kato deisel. Add to that the fact that Bachman doesn't even buy you dinner after you've sprung for one of their more expensive Spectrum products.

[MidlandPacific]

Well, ask yourself this: how long has it been since someone made an affordable mass-marketed two-truck Climax in HO scale? I think Bachmann has very sensibly hit on the best strategy for making money in the diecast model business: build steam locomotives for sale to a wide audience. Because they're genuinely aware of scale modelers' interest in prototypes, they chose to build and market locomotives that would appeal to a wide audience: geared engines, USRA locomotives, Baldwin catalog ten-wheelers and "generic-looking" consolidations, plus a few one-off engines that have large natural fan constituencies: N&W Js and Pennsy K-4s. They seem to understand what today's model railroader wants: remember when the first thing you had to do with a brand-new Athearn diesel was change the couplers?

[Anonymous]

Bachman my be fine in HO. I don't have any recent experience with a Bachman product. As for the Athearn deisel, except for the Genesis series, they have been moderately priced locos. The new Bachman Nscale Sectrum deisels are not moderately priced.

[Anonymous]

I meant to write that I don't have any recent experience with an HO Bachman product. I'm not saying Bachman doesn't make some good products. Their Nscale Consolidation is worth every penny.

[bpickering]

I've had poor experience with their repair services. Purchased a Prairie in HO (yes, it's cheaply-built, but it's to entertain a 4-year-old, not to be prototypical or superdetailed!). Wouldn't move an inch upon arrival. Sent back to Bachmann, according to USPS it arrived 5 January, and I finally received it back Saturday last.

What an improvement- this time it moved all of an inch! Wow! At least this time it's obvious why it won't move- the main piston guide (a thin rod of plastic) is bent, so the piston rod got jammed after less than one complete revolution.

I'll send it back, since it's still under warranty. Pretty disappointing, though- for $30 or so (IIRC), I would expect it to run around the track once or twice before breaking. [B)]

I've got my eyes on the Rivarossi FEF-3's on-sale at Walthers, but for now it would be more-or-less a static display- until the little boy is older, we're just doing a portable layout with 18" curves- I doubt that long 4-8-4 wheelbase would make it around. [:o)]

Brian Pickering

[Anonymous]

Brian,

Nonsense! I own the a new Rivarossi FEF-3 and it takes 18" curves just fine.

As for Bachmann, I think they're one of the best. Can't say much for N, but in HO in the last year or so they've really been improving! The new 2-6-6-2 and the Climax are some of the most detailed units out there.

[trolleyboy]

I don't think their out of touch but it is disapointing that they wouldn't offer both knuckle and rapido style couplers as most other mfr's do.I'm an HO guy but usually the spectrum loco's run quite well. I have had problems with Kato the first runs of SD40-2's had pick up and circut board problems and their painting sometimes is less than perfect.This goes to show that price does not always mean the best quality,you can get lemons from all MFR's. Rob

[MidlandPacific]

QUOTE: As for the Athearn deisel, except for the Genesis series, they have been moderately priced locos

Absolutely - I have two Athearn powered units (an F-7 and an SD-9) that I got in the early eighties and both continue to run well. I didn't mean to slam Athearn - I just meant that when I bought them RTR, they came with horn-hook couplers. Athough kadees were in every way superior to the horn-hook couplers and were at the time on their way to becoming the hobby standard, one of the most modeler-focused companies didn't include them as standard. I think in many ways the industry has become much more modeler-friendly, and this is one of them.

[pedromorgan]

in the uk bachmann have released several new diesels over the last faw months that are full of errors. the deltic wasnt too bad but why did they mould on the handrails. the 37 i thought was ok but others hated it, i admit the new 37/0 looks really daft with the body cut away far too much over the front coupling. the cab is too narrow on the class 20 and the body too high on the 40's (i understand this has now been corrected). all these loco's had moulded on haderails which i hate.

if it wernt for the fact that they run like a dream i wouldnt have bought any of them.

Peter

[Anonymous]

rripper gur - You mentioned two Athearn powered units you bought in the early eighties. That was over twenty years ago! Also the Athearn deisels probably weren't the most expensive ones on the market. I can't be sure, as I model Nscale. I've heard my HO friends for years talk about what a good value Athearn engines are. Not everyone will see things as I do. It is not often you hear about a defective Atlas or Kato engine. It is common to hear complaints about Bachman. I'm just saying that if Bachman is going to charge more for their Spectrum deisels, they should be darn near bullet proof. This reminds me of a quote "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still." Still, from my point of view, Bachman QC should be better. Other companies, while not perfect, have better quality control at now a cheaper price. I don't think you should pay for a Mercedes and get a Ford or Chevy. I'm not putting down American cars. I own two and am happy with both.

[Bikerdad]

Truthfully, none of the loco manufacturer in N scale seem to be fully in touch. Bachmann's Spectrum diesels are overpriced and, given the market they purportedly aim at, shouldna be equipped with crapidos. The Spectrum steam has two of the 4 best steamers on the market today, but QC issues continue to bedevil them. Athearn's new SD70M had a 3 pole motor and the shell was GLUED ON! LifeLike refuses to make their locos DCC ready, Atlas, well, actually Atlas is pretty close..., although they seem to be remarkably reluctant to do anything in steam other than "novelty" locos. The Shay is a masterpiece, their Mogul is cuteness on rails, but neither is mainstream steam. Kato is almost dead on, but apparently they have a mild allergy to Eastern roads and are unwilling to follow up their wonderful Mikado with another North American steam release. Model Power seems to be allergic to traction tires, and had to be forcefully weaned by the market from 3 pole motors. Intermountain and Micro-Train's loco releases are so limited thus far as to make any real judgement suspect.

There's apparently a whole fleet of prototypes out there begging to be modelled, yet none of the manufacturers have stepped up to the plate them.

Oh, one more thing specific to Bachmann: while its nice that they have a forum, the architecture of it is so poor that I only go there when I have a Bachmann specific question to ask the Bachdude.

[bpickering]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy
Nonsense! I own the a new Rivarossi FEF-3 and it takes 18" curves just fine.

Nice to know. The offer at Walthers was just too good to pass up at $130! [:)] Ordered it today. Should be to my LHS in a week or so.

Brian

[philnrunt]

Bachmann seems to have a split pesonality. My first B-mann loco was a UP GP-40 (N)way back in '74. It ran loud, but stout. I eventually left N for HO, and stayed away from B-mann until I bought a Southern 44 tonner. I had used Athearn til that purchase, and the Spectrum line was a large step above them in details.
The motor windings disintegrated on my B-mann, and on the 44 tonner I replaced it with. I took it back and picked up some scenery instead.
Bachmann's Spectrum line was innovative and cutting edge when introduced, but is again middle quality now. I hear some consistently good things about their HO steam, but their diesels leave a bit to be desired in today's Kato, Atlas, Genesis and P2K world.

[bpickering]

QUOTE: Originally posted by philnrunt
Bachmann's Spectrum line was innovative and cutting edge when introduced, but is again middle quality now. I hear some consistently good things about their HO steam, but their diesels leave a bit to be desired in today's Kato, Atlas, Genesis and P2K world.

Seeing this comment reminds me- there is a tie on my layout right now for loudest/grind-iest engine:

• 20-year-old Plymouth MDT
• Brand new Spectrum Doodlebug

While I've heard of people putting the Soundtraxx DSX from the Rio Grande Galloping Goose into these, I'm not going to until I've had the time to spend on whatever maintenance will quiet the motor down first.

Brian Pickering

[Anonymous]

My wife has some Bachmann N scale locos and had to get an F9 and 4-8-4 replaced under warranty. The 4-8-4 ran poorly out of the box and the F9 just got slower and slower.

The replacements came in a timely manner (less than 10 days for the F9, since it was in stock and about 6 week for the 4-8-4 since it was out of stock.) Both the new engines run flawlessly! The 4-8-4 runs almost as smooth as her 2-8-8-2 Life-Like Heritage!

Since I plan on increasing my Steam loco roster in HO, I will definitely be looking for Bachmann locos, expecially with their lifetime warranty!

[Anonymous]

I think some of their items are somewhat steep.I have 2 Bachman locomotives (70 tonner) in HO scale still in the box.I used to purchased Bachman products for my sons train layout 13 yrs ago they have stepped it up since then.Would not invest to much in them.