Bachmann Locomotives

[Anonymous]

Greetings,

Anyone know what the difference is between Bachmann Plus and the Spectrum line.

I have 2 Plus series which are wonderful engines.

Looking at maybe adding a Spectrum SD45.

Regards,

Mark in Texas

[Anonymous]

I suspect that the "SPECTRUM" line is their premium model. I only own the new Spectrum Heavy weight steamer. Don't own the diesels, therefore can't comment.

[Anonymous]

As I understand it, Plus is their normal range and Spectrum are supposed to be some kind of "Premium" range.

[cacole]

Spectrum locomotives have more detail than the Plus line, especially the steam locomotives, and are usually DCC ready whereas the Plus aren't. I have seen some newer Plus line diesel locomotives that run well, but they are not DCC ready and require major modifications to install a decoder. I have approximately 10 Spectrum steam locomotives, and all of them have DCC plugs in the tender, which makes decoder installation very simple.

[krump]

I have the same understanding as the previous replies - Spectrum would be the high end production with better detail.

[preceng]

Try asking the "Bach Man". I usually get straight answers.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/index.html

[Puckdropper]

There may be a lower level to Bachmann's stuff. They have some diesels that have a motor over the the wheels, and not in the middle, with no flywheel. It can be made to run nice, but it still will jerk without the flywheel.

[detting]

Here is the deal:

Spectrum is the top of the line stuff. It is nicely detailed and looks really great. For the most part, this line runs really great as well. The exceptions would be the Baby Trainmasters and the Doodlebugs which suffer in the running department.

The plain Bachmann stuff is toy train grade and is not suited for operations. I have found that the if I cut off the sides of their gondola car, I can make a nice girder bridge out of them. The point is that there are many creative ways to use plain Bachmann equipment, although running them is not recommended.

The Plus Line picks and chooses from the plain and Spectrum lines. The SD45s have the Spectrum drivetrain with a slightly cruder body shell. The N&W J-class 4-8-4 is a bonefide P.O.S.

I think that you will be happy with the Spectrum SD-45.

Later...

[Anonymous]

I've had an interesting problem with the Bachmann F7/F9 (not sure which it's supposed to be!). It ran ok until it reached a Kadee uncoupling magnet, at which point it "ran aground" on the magnet. I solved the problem by filing the baseplate of each truck (remove the sideframe/baseplate moulding from the model to avoid plastic dust getting into the gears). You want to remove the raised areas on the moulding - over the axle gears and in the centre. It now runs fine - I'm planning a repaint into Metra livery as soon as I can source the decals and detailing parts.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear someone else has a favorable opinion of the Bachmann Plus Series. For economy gear they are quite good. I have a GP35 which has a center mount motor and flywheel.,and is weighted well...it runs smooth and quiet. Although not superdetailed, the shell has an adequate finish, and to my surprise a pilot in the cab! The Spec stuff I have to compare to is a 44 ton switcher and a K4 steamer. The switcher is too light on weight. The steamer is a little light also but not as bad. The paint and detail is superior to the plus tho. I have also considered adding a Spec diesel to my line.

Just a side note I have several geeps from their current base line, and was surprised at how well these are weighted, and operated for cheapies. They are all wheel pick-up but have no flywheels. At least they stayed clear of those awful truck-mount motors.

[Anonymous]

On a vaguely related note, does anyone know if there are differences between the handrails on a Dash 9-44 and those on a Dash 8-44? The handrails on my Bachmann Dash 8 are damaged and I'm wondering if a spare set for an Athearn Dash 9 will fit?

[ndbprr]

The K4 is generally disparaged by PRR fans. A relatively good looking loco that can hardly pull itself let alone any cars. Grades stall it immediately. 2-3 cars is max. for an engine that could haul 14-16 steel coaches at speed. A very disappointing engine to some of us.

[Anonymous]

I have only one Bachman train that is the Spectrum a 70 ton switcher run okay will be going into the paint shop soon.

[eastcoast]

I HAVE SEVERAL BACHMANN PRODUCTS, THE ACELA(SPECTRUM) AND A DASH 8(SPECTRUM) AND SOME OTHER OLDER MODELS AND POWER. ALL RUN GREAT BUT ONLY DIFFERENCE I SEE IS OLDER STUFF NOT GEARED AS NEWER TECHNOLOGY. SPECTRUM IS TOP OF LINE PRODUCT MADE TO COMPETE WITH AND COMPLY TO NEWER AGE OF MODELS.MAKE SENSE??

[Anonymous]

i have a F-7ab Plus lashup and i can say that they are very quiet and very smooth. i am well pleased with them and would not hesitate to buy some more.

jon in tennessee

[Wdlgln005]

Bachmann has been around for a long time. You may find plenty of old, cheap toy set locos that sound like coffee grinders but still run. They do seem to offer good customer service for models in recent production. The plus line is supposed to be an improvement. Spectrum is supposed to be their best.
For Nscale, this means their 2-8-0 consol. I hope the new Mountain will be just as good. The Fsomething AB units are average at best. The new Kato F3, and Intermountain,and MicroTrains FT units are better.