Buddy L set?s

[Anonymous]

Whats the scoop on this buddy L, G scale set I have seen, metal loco, nice looking small 2-6-2. How well does it run, track looks cheap, but I am mainly interested in the small steamer. Thanks Mike

[Anonymous]

Somebody said on another site that it was Bachmann inspired. The real Buddy L stuff is verrry expensive.

[Anonymous]

I knew the real, big, metal stuff made by Buddy L many years ago, and reproduced recently was real expensive. I thought the set looked nice, I like the size and look of the locomotive, but wondered about its running qualities, noisy gears ect.

[bman36]

Hey there,
Just saw these on the net. Look quite nice. I was just wondering the same thing...are they any good??? Looks like just the ticket to pull my passenger train with. Gonna' do some digging to see what I can find on these. Later eh...Brian.

[vsmith]

Theres been a bit of discussion on this engine over at the MLS forum

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26893

I considered getting one, in retrospect I'm glad I didnt due to the shear amount of reworking i would have to do to get a realistic looking lokie out of it. The Model is fine if your not to concerned about realistic detail, it reminds me of being way above New Bright and just below Bachmann level of quality. The details are very general and not realisticly cast. The air pump is just a plastic cylinder shape, the domes are so-so, and the sand pipes on the diecast boiler is crudely detialed, But it is a Prarie style engine, its is inexpensive, and has the potential for a some amazing kitbashing. I wanted one to bash into a 2-6-2T, a mini-minaret style logger/industrial loco but instead sent the $$$ to a Tsunami relief group. I saw it agian at my LHS and I noticed this time that is has HUGE flanges on its wheels which could be a nightmare on switches, I have 20 so, Yikes!

[bman36]

Hey there,
The fact that Trainworld is practically blowing them out tells me something. If the drive is good it sure would make a nice bash! Other than that....mmmm not for me. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Vic, you need to quit sneaking on this site while at work, your spelling slips[;)][:D]

don't get caught

[Anonymous]

I own two Buddy L sets. The sound for a low cost locos is great. Adjusting the wheel width takes care of the switch problem,or running it counterclockwise does the same.I guess I liked the un-prototypical copper look most. Heritage makes the same set, only painted red with the copper.( All Buddy L's are black. Prices here are dropping fast. The set can be had for $99, and rolling stock under $20 ea. But Im still happy with mine.

[Anonymous]

Hi Ray,
[#welcome] big hello from what's left of the empire where the sun never sets. Happy railroading.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

PS what are Buddy L sets??

[bman36]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kimbrit

Hi Ray,
[#welcome] big hello from what's left of the empire where the sun never sets. Happy railroading.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

PS what are Buddy L sets??

Kim,
Go to Trainworld's web site and check out their clearance stuff. You will see the sets there. These are reproduction sets that came out last year and did not sell very well. The rolling stock looks a lot like Bachmann. Hmmmmmmm. Nice to look at but need detailing. Later eh...Brian.

[Anonymous]

Thanks Brian, interesting stuff, you could have some fun with that and a knife and a saw and a little bit of money. In fact a cheap second hand one would make a very good train wreck methinks.
Cheers,
Kim
[tup]

[vsmith]

I've seen the rolling stock up close and aside from being painted Johnny Cash Black, they are actually pretty nice, especially for the money. At least as detailed as bachmann freight cars. If your not afraid of repainting them they are a screaming good deal, 4 cars for about $70? One LGB car is that much and about as well detailed. So as far as the rolling stock goes, I'de say GO FOR IT while they are still around.

The engine?...if your adventurous and have a Dremel tool and a lot of CA ??? [:-^]

[bman36]

Vic,
It's always fun to "cut one up"...no matter what it is. The less expensive it is the more brave I get! Later eh...Brian.

[SCREAMER]

YOU KNOW I'VE BEEN READING A LOT ABOUT THE BUDDY-L VS. BACHMAN AND THE LIKE.  I think the Buddy-L serves two purposes in the market. [1] Is the notalgia of the Buddy-L name in general. Tin Toys from way back in the day! [2] As far as G-Scale trains is concerned it fits in between low and high quality, not fake but not realistic. They run fairly well and look fairly good while they're doing it. AND the programed sound is actually surprisingly realistic and loud! IT IS A GREAT train for entertaining youth while under the Christmas Tree. MAYBE that's it's calling: TO Kindle interest in the young who see things differently than we do. IT SURE worked for my kids. They're grown now and still love setting it up under the tree every year!