quit bashing Bachmann !!!!!

[Anonymous]

here latley I hvae heard alot of people saying that Bachmann trains are terrible and low quality. THAT IS VERY UNFAIRLY UNTRUE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bachmann products are somke of the best model railroading products ever !!! I don't mean just the spectrum line, the standard line is relly good to !!! does anyone back me up here ????

[orsonroy]

Well....I'll agree with you partways.

The Bachmann Spectrum line of steam engines and heavyweight passenger cars is absolutely great. They were WAY ahead of the curve on predicting the popularity of both. When Bachmann introduced their new 2-8-0, who would have thought that Life Like, Athearn, Lionel and Trix would have followed suit, and who could have forseen BLI? Right now, the only major motive power manufacturers NOT making HO scale steam are Atlas and Kato. Their loss.

Bachmann has also almost singlehandedly introduced the modeling community to On30. If I wasn't into superpower steam, I'd be modeling On30 in a heartbeat. I'm sure our G scale friends will also agree that Bachmann stuff is great (and affordable!)

As for the regular line, well.......it serves a purpose. All Bachmann freight cars are Tyco quality, the only really good diesel is the new 44-tonner, and the standard line of steam should have been retired long ago. This end of Bachmann's business is geared for the toy train throwaway market, and shouldn't really be held against Bachmann. Even Life Like still has their toy train line. I don't hear a lot of "Life Like? That crud?", from people whose only experience with LL isn't P2K.

You're right though, Trainboy; people bashing Bachmann bug me too. I cringe any time I see "Botchmann", "Buckmann" or any other nasty term for this great company.

[Anonymous]

Bachmann has done a lot of innovative things for our hobby, and I'm glad they're around. They have made G scale much more affordable (relatively) compared to the humongous prices LGB charges for their products. I'm not comparing the two, because that wouldn't be a fair comparison, but Bachmann has provided large scale trains that are within the reach of a far larger audience than the market that LGB targets. Their G products are infinitely kitbashable, and only require a bit of detailing to rid them of some clunky details, and change out the plastic wheels and goofy couplers, (and you'd have to do that to LGB stuff as well). Also Bachmann continuously is upgrading their products and have released some exquisite Shays, Climaxes, Heislers, and other "small" narrow gauge engines at very fair prices. Deep discounts are available from many sources.

Same can be said for their On30 stuff. My only gripe is that they continue to pu***heir 'snap together HO track for that. If they introduce affordable scale US style
narrow gauge On30 flex track and different # turnouts, that scale will really take off.

Their Spectrum line is very good, and when price/value comparisons are done w/ Proto 2k and even BLI, it hold up just fine. Their 2-8-0, 4-8-2, 2-10-0, and new 2-6-6-2 are winners, and a bargain, esp when purchased at a discount source. Their entry level stuff is just that, although they offer some prototypes such as ESPEE Daylight, N&W Js, and NYC 4-8-4s that aren't done by anyone else except in unobtanium brass.

Yes BLI has raised the bar in plastic steam, but they sure have raised the price, too !Let's not turn this into a rich person's hobby anymore than has already happened.

[Anonymous]

Here's what I have to say about Bachman:

Spectrum: GREAT!

Plus: so-so

Regular: Bad

EZ Mate couplers: The worst thing ever made

[Anonymous]

Generally speaking Bachmann has enjoyed incremental improvements.
Prior to last Oct because of the bad mouthing I stayed clear of Bachmann but then I jumped in and bot the new HW mountain. Other than the head light IMO ,It's a nice model.

The 2-6-6-2 is too new a release to generate any feed back.

Their limited warranty is straight forward-spelled out.

[Anonymous]

Bachmann has made relativley affordable locomotives for their Spectrum line, and I must say, the Spectrum line makes the best Steam out there (but the diesels are so-so). I've a Spectrum 4-8-2 and it almost looks more detailed than the new BLI 4-8-2.
Now, as for their standard and plus lines, IT'S ALL CRAP. I mean, there are certain locos that run quite well, like the Plus 0-6-0 that I own (but the rear wheelset on the tender snapped[V]. Thanks a lot, faulty Bachmann equiptment). So really, a standard Bachmann loco (or rolling stock) would need to be modified a bit for exceptional performance (i.e. KD couplers, metal wheelsets, etc.). I used to think Bachmann was the greatest, but then, seeing the wonders of Kato, Atlas, Athearn, P2K, BLI, and Stewart, I finally realized what pieces of *** that standard line stuff is.
But the EZ mates are nice, even though after a while they start to uncouple. That's why I replaced mine with Kadee #5s. I also think the EZ track is the best stuff ever made. No more hassling with roadbed.[:)]

Just my opinion,
Jonathon[;)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Oklahoma Train Nut
does anyone back me up here ????

not me, sry[:-^][:-^]

[Roadtrp]

I've never purchased Bachmann locomotives (largely because of the bad press they get here), but I've been very satisfied with the other 'N' scale Bachmann stuff I've purchased.

Bachmann EZ track is great. I don't know why a beginner would ever try anything else -- especially in N scale where even minor track problems cause derailments.

I've also been happy with the built-up structures I've bought from Bachmann. Although they need some painting and weathering to be realistic, I would guess most anyone's buildings do. I purchased a bank building and was actually amazed at the level of detail I got for $10. Inside the bank there are tables in the lobby where customers fill out deposit slips etc; there is a line of teller windows, and even the door to a big walk-in vault. The entrance to the bank is a working revolving door. Those guys in China sure must work cheap -- I was amazed at the amount of labor that had to go into a building that I was able to buy for $10. I also like Bachmann's buildings because I model a suburban setting during the 80's and 90's, and they are about the only manufacturer that makes buildings compatible with that setting and era.

I also have a set of Bachmann passenger cars that I have been quite satisfied with. They are relatively detailed, include interiors, and run well. Sure, they aren't as detailed as Kato passenger cars, but they only cost $10 (list price - I paid less) and Kato cost $25.

When you make judgments about a company's products you really need to factor price into the equation. It is very unfair to compare one product against another that costs twice as much. Kind of like comparing a Chevy to a Lexus. Of course the Lexus is better... duh... it costs far more. [:P]

[Anonymous]

Honestly, the best thing I ever bought from Bachman was an N scale diesel. It was one of the best. In HO however, every Bachman diesel locomotive I ever bought left a lot to be desired, performance wise. I've never bought a Spectrum, though I've been told that they're right up there with the best of them, I don't know. I don't have the time to fight a locomotive. I buy my engines for performance. This is why I have never bought Model Power, Tyco, Lifelike, etc., although I do have a little Proto switch engine that's about four years old and it has always run like a dream. The last engines I bought were Atlas and Kato. That was two years ago and they still run like the day I bought them. Years ago I bought some Atherns. I still have them and they still run good.

As far as the cars go, it really depends on the type of car I'm wanting. Some companies will make a great box car, but then their gondolas will be little more than junk. I've been in this hobbie for 25 years. In that time I've seen some companiy's products really improve, and others haven't. As far as buildings go, I buy from whatever company has what I'm wanting at the time. I am loyal to no one company. Rather, it's the other way around. If a company is loyal to me and continues to make a good product, then I will buy from them. If they are not, then I won't. It's that simple. Hey, let's face it, I'm the customer.

But it's like that with everything. My other hobby is woodworking. I build custom furniture. I have a woodshop that would rival the New Yankee's. But not all of the equipment is the same brand. I bought each piece for the precision in accuracy each gives. I don't buy a product because it's a certain brand. I mean, one company may have great table and radial saws, but will fall very short in quality in their jointers or shapers. The same way with appliances, electronics, automobles, etc. If a company wants me to buy their product, then they have to offer me what I want.. If they can't, then I buy it form a company that will.

Georgia Boy

[Anonymous]

My experience of Bachmann HO has been good. I have a Dash 8 in CSX livery that I picked cheaply at one of my LHS - they'd bought a batch at a clearance sale so it was nearly half RRP. This has proved a superb loco. After fitting Kadees and modifying some Athearn Dash 9 handrails to replace the originals (these got damaged shortly after I bought it, hence the replacements) it has turned out to be a smooth, quiet runner with decent detailing. It will haul loads that make my Athearn Dash 9 slip with no trouble at all and almost silently. I'm now looking for one of the standard-cab versions to pair it with, though it does look good running with my Athearn CSX Dash 9, CSX AC4400 and BNSF Warbonnet Dash 9 dummy lashup.

I also have one of their N-Scale Dash 8s in UP livery, this again is very good though it seems to lack haulage ability - it's improved a bit after I stopped the truck baseplates from touching the rails though. I'm planning to fit Micro-Trains couplers and maybe buy some suitable cars to run it with.

I'd agree with the comments on E-Z Mates, but for different reasons. I make great use of the delayed uncoupling magnets for my yard layout, and the E-Z Mates don't do delayed uncoupling very well. I have a few awaiting replacement with Kadees, but would not fit them through choice.

[Anonymous]

I'd like to say that I only own 1 Bachmann, A Spectrum series GE 44 Tonner. It is a FINE locomotive, it runs smooth and quiet. It is also very strong, considering it only weighs 5.8 ounces, it pulls better than my old Athearn GP7(11 ounces) ever did, even when it was new(25 years ago).

[Anonymous]

OOPS... CJM89 and Bachmann products don't like each other at all.

Don't "flame" me, I'm only telling the truth![:-^][swg]

[Anonymous]

Hey dude, when a company chooses the name, "Bash, Mon", they are opening their own door to creative fun and games. But fun and games aside, the Spectrum line is a real sleeper. Great products and without the BLI (and others) pricing. I can't help myself, I just have to take a shot now and then. But in this case, the shot is at the name only, not the Spectrum product line.

Tom

[CP5415]

I don't have an opinion on Bachman as I will not buy any of there products.

Gordon

[METRO]

I'll tell you I have a 50/50 reccord when it comes to Bachman.

I have a few Spectrum GE 44 Ton switchers and they are great, and they actually fit a DCC! I got my first one right when they first came out and it's been running perfectly ever since. This isn't because of light use eather, my switchers work just as hard as any of my other units.

I also have some Spectrum Dash-8s and they all have had trouble at high speeds or high loads. A hard growling sound would be produced if I opened the throttle too high and the same with a heavy load. I have since repowered the units and have had no other problems.

After the Dash-8s I haven't bought any more Bachman locomotives, I've heard their steam is exceptional, and I have bought a few of the Chinese Railways coaches to modify into commuter coaches and once I finni***hem I think they will preform just fine.

[traingeek087]

QUOTE: Originally posted by orsonroy

Well....I'll agree with you partways.

The Bachmann Spectrum line of steam engines and heavyweight passenger cars is absolutely great. They were WAY ahead of the curve on predicting the popularity of both. When Bachmann introduced their new 2-8-0, who would have thought that Life Like, Athearn, Lionel and Trix would have followed suit, and who could have forseen BLI? Right now, the only major motive power manufacturers NOT making HO scale steam are Atlas and Kato. Their loss.

Bachmann has also almost singlehandedly introduced the modeling community to On30. If I wasn't into superpower steam, I'd be modeling On30 in a heartbeat. I'm sure our G scale friends will also agree that Bachmann stuff is great (and affordable!)

As for the regular line, well.......it serves a purpose. All Bachmann freight cars are Tyco quality, the only really good diesel is the new 44-tonner, and the standard line of steam should have been retired long ago. This end of Bachmann's business is geared for the toy train throwaway market, and shouldn't really be held against Bachmann. Even Life Like still has their toy train line. I don't hear a lot of "Life Like? That crud?", from people whose only experience with LL isn't P2K.

You're right though, Trainboy; people bashing Bachmann bug me too. I cringe any time I see "Botchmann", "Buckmann" or any other nasty term for this great company.

I have to disagree with you on the ONLY thing that is good is the 44 tonner. I have a GN SD45, and as long as you don't jerk the throttle, it will run like a charm. And plus it was the only manufacturer to come out with A SD45 in GN colors.

[M636C]

Guys,

The "basic" freight car line from Bachmann is made with old dies and the lettering isn't great, but they come with the Ezi mate coupler and with nice metal wheelsets in the so called "silver series", and they seem to run well, much better than the equivalent units of ten or more years ago. And you can't complain about the price!

I couldn't find a Walthers Superliner lounge, so I bought the Amtrak livery Bachmann full dome car, which dates back to about 1973 originally. (I had "step down" Superliners so the passengers could get to it through the low vestibule). At normal viewing distance it looked OK, and I've since got a Walthers lounge and moved the step down cars to the ends of the set.

The lettering on the Santa Fe version of the dome is a bit rough, but the McKinley Explorer car looks good even if the prototype is a slightly different, more modern car (not that I own either).

But they are quite good quality these days, mainly the detail finish and lettering fall short of current standards. I would recommend them to someone starting out, but suggest that they try to get models that have reasonably accurate prototype lettering and painting.

For example, if you feel you need a high hood GP50, find out which roads owned them (Southern and NS, I think). Don't buy one in UP colours and then blame Bachmann for making something that didn't exist! I don't think the road numbers of the SOU and NS units are correct either, but you can either live with that or change them. The black paint isn't hard to match!

But I grew up as a "poor relation" in an extended family, so I probably worry about price more than I need to!

Peter

[philnrunt]

The first add on N loco I bought was a Bachmann GP40, UP scheme, $10.50 (had to borrow it) in 1972. Still have it, but in CR paint.
Anytime a company makes an attempt to improve itself like Bachmann and Life Like, I say thank you. So many companies take the easy way out, and keep selling trash for low enough prices that newbies buy it up, fight it's shortcomings until they get out of the hobby, and never look back.
Both BM and LL brought out vastly better equipment than they were producing, and at reasonable prices. No matter the quality of their lesser lines, a person new to the hobby has a choice and still won't go broke making it.

[AntonioFP45]

Oklahoma Train Nut.

Don't worry about the bashers! As long as the products work for you, why worry? I've been a Tyco basher for years, yet a relative took a Tyco GP20 and with hard work, transformed it into a good looking, smooth running unit that runs as good as a P2K.

Someone else posted a thread bashing Model Power. Model Power made a lot of junk, but I responded back and pointed out that their E-units from a few years back were outstanding locomotives for their time. So relax and enjoy your model railroading.

Bachmann can take pride in that it led the way for manufacturers to raise the bar in plastic locomotive quality as far as detail. The Spectrum Dash 8s and the F40s became quite popular inspite of a few minor flaws.


By the way: Anyone own the Spectrum Gas Electric car? Is it a reasonably smooth runner or is it a growler?

Thanks!

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: here latley I hvae heard alot of people saying that Bachmann trains are terrible and low quality. THAT IS A LIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A lie? I beg your pardon - calling a statement unture is one thing, calling it a lie - and by extension, everyone who makes that statement a liar - is another entirely.

Meanwhile, Bachmann HO is still what it has always been - trainset-grade equiment, no more or less. The Spectrum line except for the steamers is trainset-grade equipment that runs better, but certainly not leading-edge in detail, assembly quality, running quality, paintwork or electricals. About the only thing I can say for the regular Bacmann HO line is that it's a cut above trainset -grade LifeLike product or the old Tyco stuff.

[M636C]

Antonio,

I have a Spectrum Gas Electric. It runs well enough, and not noisily, but it does seem to need a big radius to run smoothly. I also have a Walthers EMD Gas Electric, and I think the Spectrum is the better unit, both in running and finish. (Both lettered for ATSF)

Peter

[AntonioFP45]

M636C

As always, I thank you for your help. You probably remember that I've decided to repower my lead Bachmann Metroliner car with the Gas Electric's motor, so I wanted some feedback before buying one and gutting it.

BentnoseWillie,

Enjoy your posts, however, I have to disagree with you on Spectrum. You inidicated that the Spectrum diesels are "trainset" grade equipment. The body detailing on an "Out of the Box" Spectrum is decent and overall dimensions are not far off from the prototypes (though the F40 is off 2 or 3 inches in height). Performance wise they're slightly better than Athearns. They lean more towards the modeler rather than the toy train crowd. Summing it up overall, they would sit in between Athearn and Proto 2000.

Just my 2 cents! [swg][2c]

[BentnoseWillie]

I should add that my last Spectrums were a pair of C40-8's, which did run well out-of-box (better than my stock Athearns did) and had separate (but not very nice) grabirons, but were too tall, lacked cab doors, and had heavy paint. I'd start with a Spectrum for something they had exclusively, such as a 44-tonner or an E44, but I'd expect to be putting some work into it.

Putting Spectrum's mechanisms and factory-applied details between P2k and pre-2000 Athearn blue-box is a fair cop, though I'd rather add to a "clean" Athearn than remove stuff from a Spectrum. Either way, I don't consider Spectrum to be a contendor for the "best" HO plastic diesels.

[gunkhead]

I think Bachman is very good.I have a Silver Series tank car that runs well.
I also have a Bachman Thomas set.Thomas,Annie,and Clarabel NEVER
have trouble at high speeds unless there is a track problem.[8D]

[cmrproducts]

I have a 3 unit set of Spectrum F units repainted into B&LE and they are a real smooth pulling set (DCC equipped) and many years ago had a Bachmann Plus engine (B23-7) with about 1 pound of cast lead added and this engine could pull any train up any grade that a 3 unit engine set could. It was the best pulling engine I ever had. Still haven't got around to converting it over from Keller Onboard analogue to DCC.

Bob H Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

Antonio FP45- FYI --
I think I may have mentioned this to you before on the "RDC consist "topic, but if you're looking for the Spectrum Gas Electric, Trainworld is sellig them for less than 1/2 MSRP.
They also have Proto1k RDC-3s for under $20. and Walthers' Gas Electrics for approx. $22. while they last.
BILL

[AntonioFP45]

Thanks Bill!

I had forgotten. After checking my budget, I'll likely be ordering early next week!

Cheers to you in "Run 8"!

[dano99a]

I have 2 Bachman Trolleys one of them decided a while ago to just stop working for no apparent reason. Took it apart, cleaned it, lubed it. Still doesn't work. So, I went out and bought another for $15.

After that experience do I have a negative attitude toward Bachman? NO. As I said, $15 and I'm back in business. And I have a extra for a prop in a scene with trolleys. [:)]

Would I go out and buy more Bachman stuff? No, not really unless I was doing a garden railway. I guess they make really nice garden railway stuff that is easy to maintain.

Never owned a Spectrum loco, but not opposed to trying one.

[AntonioFP45]

Dano99a,

Have you considered remotoring your unit? I believe that NWSL sells a truck motor that would meet your needs. With a low amp motor, you could add LED lights. I think trolleys look great running on a model town's street's.

[Anonymous]

I have the doodle bug and it is my favorite train !!! It runs perfect on 18 radi curves to !