Every manufacturer has good and poor models. I am very happy with my Bachmann RS-3, GP-7, GP-9, S-2 and F7s. They may not be super detailed, but they run smoother and quieter than my more recent Mainline and Atlas locomotives. They can be found at very reasonable prices and I recommend them.
I have nine Bachmann ho scale locos, both steam and diesel, one of which is a Spectrum series, all standard direct current, and all of them run well for me. The Spectrum is the quietest and fastest, but it is also a modern GE Dash8 series diesel. As for steam, the best are a pair of UP 4-8-4s. However, if you want something else and don't mind used, AHM/Rivarossi made some decent engines, including 4-6-0s, one of which I also own and am happy with.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Fixed my link, how anoying. Sheldon
Fixed my link, how anoying.
Sheldon
I posted a whole thread about that, but instead of pinning it here in MR, it got moved to the community support section.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL BMMECNYC I have had several mechanical issues with Bachmann spectrum locomotives. One was an older run 2-10-0 with a thump as if the valve gear was binding. I took the locomotive apart and found that the main drive gear had worn and it was causing the worm to skip a tooth. Motor ran smoothly when power was applied without drive train. I purchased new replacement parts from bachmann parts store. No issues yet. This was a used locomotive. Second mechanical was a Bachmann Spectrum DCC and sound 2-8-0 (purchased new) which has had several issues over its life. The first issue with this loco was that the eccentric crank came loose and rotated 90 degrees while running, causing a bind in forward, thump in reverse. I asked on the forums then compared left to right and figured it out. The next thing that happened (admitedly my fault) was when I was investigating the thump I took the bottom cover off and didnt get it back on correctly. The some of the fingers that pick up power got jammed between driver spokes and bent. I ended up buying a new underframe piece. The third thing was a pin or screw on one the smaller rods (dont rember which) fell out one day. No idea where it went. I was able to manufacture a replacement. I have also had various electrical pickup issues with both Bachmann locomotives and tenders. It is my opinion that the method of picking up power is poorly designed. I was able to fix some of the tender issues by swaping the position of the wiper fingers with the washer, so that the washer pins the wiper against the tender underframe. As recieved from the factory most of my tenders have had loose wipers that can work their way over the machine screw head. A note on this, the tender trucks are held on by a machine screw and nut, on the 2-8-0 the nut on the inside of the tender can come off and result it the truck falling off. It is best to remove the tender shell before attempting to adjust tender truck pickups. Other than these things, I have not had any other major issues. Seven years ago (where does the time go?) I posted a thread about addressing some of MINOR issues with spectrum locos: http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/181314/2111587.aspx? Not sure this link will work, but I will also bump that thread. Anyone buying older new old stock Spectrum/Bachmann locos may have interest. Sheldon
BMMECNYC I have had several mechanical issues with Bachmann spectrum locomotives. One was an older run 2-10-0 with a thump as if the valve gear was binding. I took the locomotive apart and found that the main drive gear had worn and it was causing the worm to skip a tooth. Motor ran smoothly when power was applied without drive train. I purchased new replacement parts from bachmann parts store. No issues yet. This was a used locomotive. Second mechanical was a Bachmann Spectrum DCC and sound 2-8-0 (purchased new) which has had several issues over its life. The first issue with this loco was that the eccentric crank came loose and rotated 90 degrees while running, causing a bind in forward, thump in reverse. I asked on the forums then compared left to right and figured it out. The next thing that happened (admitedly my fault) was when I was investigating the thump I took the bottom cover off and didnt get it back on correctly. The some of the fingers that pick up power got jammed between driver spokes and bent. I ended up buying a new underframe piece. The third thing was a pin or screw on one the smaller rods (dont rember which) fell out one day. No idea where it went. I was able to manufacture a replacement. I have also had various electrical pickup issues with both Bachmann locomotives and tenders. It is my opinion that the method of picking up power is poorly designed. I was able to fix some of the tender issues by swaping the position of the wiper fingers with the washer, so that the washer pins the wiper against the tender underframe. As recieved from the factory most of my tenders have had loose wipers that can work their way over the machine screw head. A note on this, the tender trucks are held on by a machine screw and nut, on the 2-8-0 the nut on the inside of the tender can come off and result it the truck falling off. It is best to remove the tender shell before attempting to adjust tender truck pickups. Other than these things, I have not had any other major issues.
I have had several mechanical issues with Bachmann spectrum locomotives.
One was an older run 2-10-0 with a thump as if the valve gear was binding. I took the locomotive apart and found that the main drive gear had worn and it was causing the worm to skip a tooth. Motor ran smoothly when power was applied without drive train. I purchased new replacement parts from bachmann parts store. No issues yet. This was a used locomotive.
Second mechanical was a Bachmann Spectrum DCC and sound 2-8-0 (purchased new) which has had several issues over its life. The first issue with this loco was that the eccentric crank came loose and rotated 90 degrees while running, causing a bind in forward, thump in reverse. I asked on the forums then compared left to right and figured it out. The next thing that happened (admitedly my fault) was when I was investigating the thump I took the bottom cover off and didnt get it back on correctly. The some of the fingers that pick up power got jammed between driver spokes and bent. I ended up buying a new underframe piece. The third thing was a pin or screw on one the smaller rods (dont rember which) fell out one day. No idea where it went. I was able to manufacture a replacement.
I have also had various electrical pickup issues with both Bachmann locomotives and tenders. It is my opinion that the method of picking up power is poorly designed. I was able to fix some of the tender issues by swaping the position of the wiper fingers with the washer, so that the washer pins the wiper against the tender underframe. As recieved from the factory most of my tenders have had loose wipers that can work their way over the machine screw head.
A note on this, the tender trucks are held on by a machine screw and nut, on the 2-8-0 the nut on the inside of the tender can come off and result it the truck falling off. It is best to remove the tender shell before attempting to adjust tender truck pickups.
Other than these things, I have not had any other major issues.
Seven years ago (where does the time go?) I posted a thread about addressing some of MINOR issues with spectrum locos:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/p/181314/2111587.aspx?
Not sure this link will work, but I will also bump that thread.
Anyone buying older new old stock Spectrum/Bachmann locos may have interest.
Added thread to favorites, thank you
I'll break it down simple:
They are without a doubt the best bang for your buck. Like a Hyndai Elantra, Honda Civic or Ford Focus is a good bang for your buck. But don't expect it to be a BMW.Bachmann also model a lot of stuff that simply isn't available anywhere else (like steam switchers and logging equipment)
Even their ~$40 DC Only FT with variable lighting still works on my sons layout over a year later (although it is still noisy)Issues compared to more expensive stuff: Steam is light on it's feet. (Meaning it can't haul much)Lower detailsRegular gear failures - They do have a good warranty where they will swap it out for something new a lot of times, but it will cost you about $40 every time you send it in. I had three shays fail, and at least three 2-6-6-2's fail, and two 4-8-2's fail. That's just off the top of my head
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
DigitalGriffin I'll break it down simple: They are without a doubt the best bang for your buck. Like a Hyndai Elantra, Honda Civic or Ford Focus is a good bang for your buck. But don't expect it to be a BMW.Bachmann also model a lot of stuff that simply isn't available anywhere else (like steam switchers and logging equipment) Even their ~$40 DC Only FT with variable lighting still works on my sons layout over a year later (although it is still noisy)Issues compared to more expensive stuff: Steam is light on it's feet. (Meaning it can't haul much)Lower detailsRegular gear failures - They do have a good warranty where they will swap it out for something new a lot of times, but it will cost you about $40 every time you send it in. I had three shays fail, and at least three 2-6-6-2's fail, and two 4-8-2's fail. That's just off the top of my head
Don, I'm not disagreeing with your post in general, but I feel one point is a little too broad.
That is the comment about the steamers being "light on their feet".
First, over the last 20 some years the Spectrum line, and the newer/better standard line, they have covered steam locos, as you noted, in a much wider range of sizes and prototypes than the other brands.
It is tough to make a Russian Decapod, or a 1900 4-6-0, and make it very heavy.
Bachmann locos that should have been heavier:
N&W J
NKP/PM/C&O 2-8-4
NIAGRA
It is relatively easy to add weight to these. My 2-8-4's, converted into 2-8-2's, have about 6 oz of additional weight and pull well.
Bachmann locos that are plenty heavy and pull just fine:
2-8-0
4-8-2 heavy
2-10-2
2-6-6-2
2-8-8-4
And they do so without traction tires commonly found on the more expensive competition.
It just seems hard to generalize about weight and pulling power over such a wide range of locos.
And much of the competition just avoids smaller locos......It is pretty easy to make a N&W Class A pull well, especially with traction tires.......
Back in 1996 I bought 3 HO locomotives. I ran them 8 plus hours at a time for months. I actually went shopping and came back and my UP engine was on fire and derailed. The other two locos lasted until early 2008 when I gave them away and they still ran. I bought the "Stallion" N Scale starter set in January 23. It came with dummy knuckle couplers which I determined were unusable. They gave me rapido's to switch out to and I did but the Texaco tanker was never right after the coupler swap. I started out with a figure 8 over and under which I think the grade was bad for the loco. By March my "Stallion" stopped running. I bought and returned a Bachmann DCC GP38-2 UP loco. After a couple days it began to stop and lurch. I returned the loco, sold the Bachmann EZ track, returned the Bachmann DCC controller and sold all my rapido rolling stock. I bought a Kato M1, Digitrax Zephyr DCS52, Intermountain NS SD40-2, BLI UP GE AC6000 and I have had 0 problems since. The best endorsement at this point from me for Bachmann is that it is a great throwaway starter set after three months.
the word is 'scrumpdiddlyicous' , does that help ???
A 5 year old thread started by an OP who hasn't been here since 2019.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
BigDaddy A 5 year old thread started by an OP who hasn't been here since 2019.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thread Necromancy has never bothered me.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
My criteria for Necromancy is we have to learn something new. That does happen from time to time.
Here we have a 5 year old thread and appended a product review from 1996. I hate to say it but 1996 was 27 years ago.
richhotrain BigDaddy A 5 year old thread started by an OP who hasn't been here since 2019. Ahh, yes, my greatest pet peeve about this forum. Rich
Ahh, yes, my greatest pet peeve about this forum.
I'll be a contrarian and agree with you!
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
Zak1966 Back in 1996 I bought 3 HO locomotives. I ran them 8 plus hours at a time for months. I actually went shopping and came back and my UP engine was on fire and derailed. The other two locos lasted until early 2008 when I gave them away and they still ran. I bought the "Stallion" N Scale starter set in January 23. It came with dummy knuckle couplers which I determined were unusable. They gave me rapido's to switch out to and I did but the Texaco tanker was never right after the coupler swap. I started out with a figure 8 over and under which I think the grade was bad for the loco. By March my "Stallion" stopped running. I bought and returned a Bachmann DCC GP38-2 UP loco. After a couple days it began to stop and lurch. I returned the loco, sold the Bachmann EZ track, returned the Bachmann DCC controller and sold all my rapido rolling stock. I bought a Kato M1, Digitrax Zephyr DCS52, Intermountain NS SD40-2, BLI UP GE AC6000 and I have had 0 problems since. The best endorsement at this point from me for Bachmann is that it is a great throwaway starter set after three months.
You know that 1996 was 27 years ago and Bachmann isn't the same company as then, right? You know products and leadership change? Or do you think everything is permanent and nothing changes?
Bachmann: great value for the money. Not perfect, may need the occasional repair. Great service department, and very helpful. Some parts go out of stock, but try back later, they may be available again later.
Overall, very good.
Paul