Login
or
Register
Subscriber & Member Login
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Login
Register
Home
»
Model Railroader
»
Forums
»
General Discussion (Model Railroader)
»
Doodlebug: Wlthers or Bachman
Doodlebug: Wlthers or Bachman
1003 views
4 replies
Order Ascending
Order Descending
Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 11:26 AM
I've got a Bachmann Spectrum doodlebug, got it about six months ago. It has run great, it will pull a couple of boxcars (not that I do it regularly, just to test its strength![:D]). It has front and rear pick-up, and the front truck is powered. The price was great, $35! The LHS regularly marks down items that don't sell, so I can get some good deals there. I don't know what the Walthers doodlebug is like, but I would recomend the Bachmann. [8D][tup]
Reply
Edit
Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 7:16 AM
I bought one of the Bachmann ones about 3 months ago, mainly as a hobby store I was visiting had them cheaply (£25!). I like it - it's very smooth, the detail is good (the rear coupler pocket is neat in that it's swung on curves by an arm moved by the rear truck). Drive is only on the lead truck (as per prototype) and pickup is on all wheels. Mine handled a 3-unit Athearn drawbar double-stack car on test (loaded, and with lower containers ballasted with lead sheet) so there's no shortage of power or grip. DCC is a fairly easy installation (there's a socket) though this is also my only minor complaint - if you install a decoder without altering anything else, the headlight and interior light will overheat and possibly melt the shell - luckily I spotted this before refitting the bodywork and was able to add a couple of resistors to solve the problem, though on a "DCC ready" loco you shouldn't have to do this to my mind - other manufacturers manage to make locos which are truly "plug and play" so why not Bachmann? Only a minor nuisance though, and easily fixed. Apart from that it's great!
Reply
Edit
nedthomas
Member since
December 2001
From: Pennsylvania
709 posts
Posted by
nedthomas
on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 6:36 AM
The Bachmann I owned developed problems with the drive. The gears on the axles split and slipped. I now have the Walthers and it seems to have a better drive.
Reply
Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 3:55 AM
MR reviewed the HO Bachmann in June of 1997. Perhaps others modelers can share with you
the June comment. I don't have a copy.
Reply
Edit
Anonymous
Member since
April 2003
305,205 posts
Doodlebug: Wlthers or Bachman
Posted by
Anonymous
on Wednesday, May 11, 2005 3:05 AM
I would like to get some feedback on these two Makes. I have both sitting at the Hobby shop until I make my decision. Whats better and what are the differences. Bachmans Spectrum or Walthers trainline!??
Reply
Edit
Subscriber & Member Login
Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!
Login
Register
Users Online
There are no community member online
Search the Community
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter
See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter
and get model railroad news in your inbox!
Sign up