Doodlebug: Wlthers or Bachman

[Anonymous]

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!??

[Anonymous]

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.

[nedthomas]

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.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

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]