HO GE 44 Tonner?

[Anonymous]

I have both the earlier, dual-motor version and the newer, single-motor version (purchased about six months ago). Earlier version needs regular lubing as mentioned by others. Both versions run well for me and I do not find them to be noisy, but it was very difficult to fit body-mounted Kadee to the earlier version. I also have one of the Keystone kits. I'll buy another one if I ever see it. These kits come with the running gear and motor pre-assembled, and they are flawless and silent runners. The kit itself is mostly white metal and assembled fairly easily using epoxy cements. Like most white metal kits it lacks fine detail compared with a good plastic shell.

[Jetrock]

No, not really--I used my 70 tonner primarily for light switching duties (literally: my layout is a 12' shelf switcher with no continuous running) pulling at most 6-8 cars. Eventually one of the two motors will burn out, sure as death and taxes.

[ndbprr]

They key to longevity may be what we are trying to do with them. These aren't engines that you will pull 10 or more cars with on a regular basis. They were light duty engines in real life and need to be treated accordingly when modeling. I use mine in a situation where it is limited to four cars and it makes for an additioonal prototype operating parmater

[joseph2]

A 1996 Walthers Catalogue lists a 44 Ton GE made by the Keystone Locomotive Works.It lookslike a metal kit,costs $90.

[dragenrider]

Any news of when the single motor 70 tonner will be out?

[Anonymous]

I ran my single-motor 44 tonner at the modules all day on sunday. About 4 hours of running. It ran fine, pulled a short train, but ran fine...

[Jetrock]

Here is a photo of a couple of my 44 tonners and a 70 tonner:

They are pretty good runners and I don't find them clunky--having seen the real thing I think they're a pretty good match. The nice thing about the recent models are the better single-motor drives--they don't have a tendency to seize up like the 70 tonners. The 70 tonner (in the middle in the above photo) just had a motor seizure on me, but I haven't tried freeing the mechanism yet...

[trnj]

I have had a grand total of six Bachman 44 tonners--two of the two-motor versions (both smoked themselves to death!) and four our the newer ones. Two were poor runners and two are excellent. I have two operational and two for many, many spare parts as needed! The detailing is very good and if you are fortunate enough to get one that runs well, great! The latest "run" of these engines seems to be better in regard to quality control and the plate on the bottom of the trucks is now thinner and has slots for lubrication, it would seem. The earlier run had solid plates and they were thick enough to hang up on road crossings that were a little high. These engines basically need to be "tweaked" and broken in. One of mine is now almost four years old and is still running very well. They are pretty "packed" inside the shell so be careful when you remove it for maintenance. In particular, the wiring is coiled and if not replaced carefully, the engines tend to derail on questionable track. These look so good in operation that I can't help but mess with them to keep them running well!

John
Mebane, NC

[Anonymous]

I have one of the newer ones with the single motor. I think the performance is fine from the switcher. As far as the sound of the motor, I don't find it objectionable either. The original 44 tonners used inline 6 diesel engines, if I remember correctly, and the motor whine of the switcher I find very similar. I have converted mine to DCC with no problems either, very easy. The switcher IS very light weight however, so it will be limited to only a few cars of pulling ability. Great piece!!

[DanRaitz]

If you want to make your 2-motor 44 tonner run A LOT better!!!
There was an article in the September 1993 issue of "Model Railroading" magazine on how to rewire the Bachmann 70 Tonner (and 44 tonner also) so that the motors run in series vice parallel.

Dan

[Anonymous]

The problem with the older dual motor 44 tonners was their bearings needed periodic lubricating, or they would seize up. Bearings in most hobby engines are made from oil impregnated brass (?) that is much more forgiving. I have a pair of the original models, and had only operated them a little bit on my modules. One day I noticed smoke coming from one, so I took it apart and lubed it, it worked fine after that.

So I assume any models that were used a lot more than mine were would need to be oiled regularly.

Bob Boudreau

[Anonymous]

Both my old one and the new one ran/run fine. Guess Im just lucky[:D]

[tstage]

Terry,

I bought one of the old "2-motor" versions off of ebay over a year ago. It was used and never really ran very well - even after much tinker on my part. It now adorns the top of my computer (right next to me actualy), on a short 3" section of Atlas track. It looks great, but this particular one doesn't work worth beans.

I have heard of those who have been very happy with theirs - both 1- and 2-motor versions. I guess they live up to Bachmann's reputation for the inconsistency of their diesels. It's too bad because I am quite fond of GE 44-tonner design. [:(]

Tom

[Anonymous]

I have a single motor spectrum 44 tonner. I had a dual motor, but on of the motors ate itself so they sent me a new one. The single motor has the same shell as the old one, but runs better. Also easier to convert to DCC.

[nbrodar]

I have one of the first run Spectrum ones. I've never had any problems with it. Although a friend also had one of the first runs and burned the motors up in a year or so.

Nick

[scubaterry]

Igink - I checked the IHC website. Didn't find the 44 tonner. DId find a cool looking C-415 but unfortunately it didn't come out until the 60's and I model the 50's. Found some other good looking stuff though. Thanks for your help.
Terry and WILMA for now[8D]

[scubaterry]

Well I guess I was a little quick to judge based on one review I read. I have absolutely no expierience with them nor have I ever seen one in person. Does anyone have one of the later versions by Bachman? If so what is your opinion.
Terry and WILMA for now

[jrbernier]

There used to be a cast metal kit back in the 60's(MEW - Model Engineering Works) that was sorta 'clunky' and had a single powered truck with brass wheels. The Bachmann 44t is much better. I have one of the original two motor versions and it is still running. The detail is quite good. I have not seen the new 'improved' single motor version, but I suspect it is a fine model as well. There might have been some brass imports in the past 30 years, but I doubt they would run as good as the Bachmann engine.

Jim Bernier

[UP Deano]

i cant say for sure, but i think IHC makes(or made) one. seems to me i seen one at the last show i went to. problem is i seen so much there......., but i think i"m right, check IHC.[8D]

[GN-Rick]

I have owned one of Bachmann's 44-ton locos for years (first run-2 motors)
and have never had any problems. IMHO, they are detailed quite nicely. I can't
say where you heard they are "clunky looking" but I have never thought so.
Neither do I think that (mine) is objectionably noisy. I have had Athearn
BB locos that are much noisier, and run worse. I admit that my experiences
with this engine may not be typical, after all, I have read others' complaints.
All I can say is I am quite satisfied with mine. In answer to your initial question,
I know of no manufacturer that makes one other than Bachmann-except
brass. Good luck with Wilma, by the way.[:)][tup]

[scubaterry]

Does anyone make the GE 44 Tonner HO model other than Bachman? I hear the Bachman units are noisey and clunky looking. I am modeling a large industry and thought it would be a good switcher to use.
Terry and WILMA for now[8D]