Alco 2-6-0 HO steamer released and a big steamer too

[Flashwave]

blownout cylinder

That Schnabel looks really good as well...and I'm with you Darth...wonder what kind of radius that thing will take...

Bachmann does it again with the 2-6-0 as well...good on them!! I'm liking what I am seeing there...

Guys, if tyou look at the proto schnabel cars, the Bachmann model has the load lifted higher than it should. That gives the interior bolsters room to swing. The Bachmann China-made model that is retooled from (used 4 axle trucks instead of 2 axles) had a radius of 24". though I'd be concerned about how far that load overhangs.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

rogertra

 

I'll wait and see what the Internet reviews are before I commit.  I take the magazine reviews with a pinch of salt as they can never be relied upon to be accurate.  The magazine reviewers always try to please their advertisers first, regardless of the quaility of the product.  Athearn 2-8-2 getting the Model of the Year award, for example.

Good point. I had an Athearn Genesis 4-6-2 that did one thing very well. Break drive gears. The same with Bachmann's 0-6-0. It could be counted on to split it's axle sleeves.

[rogertra]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

Mmmmm, have to wait for reviews then and see if it is Standard Line.  If it's not Spectrum then I doubt that I'd be interested.

 

Roger, Bachmann is on a full scale quality improvement program across the board, based on the 2-8-4, the new GS4, the new Niagra, the new GP7, the GE 70 tonner, and others, you would be selling yourself short to judge it based on the label on the box.

Sheldon

I'll wait and see what the Internet reviews are before I commit.  I take the magazine reviews with a pinch of salt as they can never be relied upon to be accurate.  The magazine reviewers always try to please their advertisers first, regardless of the quaility of the product.  Athearn 2-8-2 getting the Model of the Year award, for example.

[BillyDee53]

That 2-6-0 looks a lot like the IHC engine...wasn't that a model of an SP loco?

[Sailormatlac]

Darth Santa Fe

I figured it would be Standard line for that price. Looks pretty good, though. I bet the chassis design will completely trump Bachmann's current 2-6-0, which hasn't been upgraded and has failure-prone nylon tube axles. From what I can tell, their modern designs use metal axles instead of those old tubes, so it should be every bit as reliable as a Spectrum.

I noticed they're also making an HO FA-2 and FB-2. I noticed they have separate railings as well as other details, and they looks pretty good overall. Better than the older Spectrum diesels by far. Looks like Bachmann's really working hard to be a well regarded brand!

As for that Schnabel? OH, MY, GOODNESS!! That would span my entire layout!! I wonder what kind a radius it will need!?

I'm curious to see the 2-6-0 in Canadian National paint scheme. At that price, it would be a very good start for a superdetailling project and kitbash.

As you pointed out, the FA-2 is also going to be an interesting model if it turns out to be a reliable diesel. I just wonder if they will be painted in the CN Zebra or Green/Gold scheme. Then again, just a little bit of superdetailling should be enough to make them into nice looking and prototypical model.

Definitively, 2011 is a going to be a great year for canadian modelers. Lots of engines are making their way on the market.

Matt

[fmilhaupt]

I'm thinking that Bachmann's announcement of an NE-style caboose now puts that design on the edge of membership in the "F7 Club for Frequently-Produced Models". How many manufacturers have done an NE-style caboose, now?

I like the idea of their bringing out a 2-6-0, even if I can't get the image of their new 2-6-0 pulling their new Schnabel car out of my mind...

[blownout cylinder]

That Schnabel looks really good as well...and I'm with you Darth...wonder what kind of radius that thing will take...

Bachmann does it again with the 2-6-0 as well...good on them!! I'm liking what I am seeing there...

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

rogertra

jeffrey-wimberly:

rogertra:

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

 

Near as I can tell they're standard line. The Spectrum models almost always have Spectrum beside the HO at the top of the ad.

 

Mmmmm, have to wait for reviews then and see if it is Standard Line.  If it's not Spectrum then I doubt that I'd be interested.

Roger, Bachmann is on a full scale quality improvement program across the board, based on the 2-8-4, the new GS4, the new Niagra, the new GP7, the GE 70 tonner, and others, you would be selling yourself short to judge it based on the label on the box.

Sheldon

[Darth Santa Fe]

I figured it would be Standard line for that price. Looks pretty good, though. I bet the chassis design will completely trump Bachmann's current 2-6-0, which hasn't been upgraded and has failure-prone nylon tube axles. From what I can tell, their modern designs use metal axles instead of those old tubes, so it should be every bit as reliable as a Spectrum.

I noticed they're also making an HO FA-2 and FB-2. I noticed they have separate railings as well as other details, and they looks pretty good overall. Better than the older Spectrum diesels by far. Looks like Bachmann's really working hard to be a well regarded brand!

As for that Schnabel? OH, MY, GOODNESS!! That would span my entire layout!! I wonder what kind a radius it will need!?

[rogertra]

jeffrey-wimberly

rogertra:

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

 

Near as I can tell they're standard line. The Spectrum models almost always have Spectrum beside the HO at the top of the ad.

Mmmmm, have to wait for reviews then and see if it is Standard Line.  If it's not Spectrum then I doubt that I'd be interested.

[twhite]

I just got back from the NMRA Vendor's show at the Community Center in downtown Sacramento, so I can comment on both Bachmann locos (didn't take my camera, as I was heading to Vespers right after).  The 2-6-0 is a very 'generous' sized example of that wheel arrangement and quite handsome--even though they were showing the pre-production model in gray plastic.   It's probably as big as the Spectrum 2-8-0--definitely not a 'small' locomotive, but I can certainly see it on a lot of model railroads.  Great 'primary' power for a short-line, and good 'secondary' power for a larger layout.   Just from looking at it as long as I did, I could see 'kit-bashing' it into one of the Rio Grande's Utah Lines (pre-merger) 2-6-0's.   

The EM-1 is just breathtaking!   Finally, a 2-8-8-4 in affordable plastic.  Detail is excellent.  Delivery is October of this year (Mogul is a month later, from what I understand).   It's a LONG locomotive, very graceful looking.  I think more than just B&O fans are going to go for this big baby--and for those of you who are wishing for an M-3/4, well remember, both Baldwin Yellowstones shared the same wheel diameter and chassis length.  I could almost visualize a relatively easy kit-bash from one to the other. 

Beautiful lokies, both of them.  And Lord knows that price is right!

Tom . 

[don7]

Graffen

I remember a while back when "some" people here said that a 2-6-0 with DCC and sound would "never" be made as it would cost too much compared to the size, and that was why "all" future productions would be of larger prototypes.........

And that we, that hoped for it, would have to learn the basics of supply and demand

Well, this seems to put an end to that discussion.....

Graffen

I remember all too well a few times that I posted on the topic of "Where is the small steamers".

You are so correct there was the same argument over and over that no one would even consider doing small steam project as the return to do so would not cover the costs of the endeavour.

Gee, who would of thought Bachmann (or any one else) would disregard such a fiscal fact?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

rogertra

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

Near as I can tell they're standard line. The Spectrum models almost always have Spectrum beside the HO at the top of the ad.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

don7

rogertra:

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

 

The 2-6-0 is indicated to be a Standard line engine and not a Spectrum. However, seeing the new HO Bachmann 2-8-4 is a Standard line engine I will not hesitate purchasing a few. I have wondered why the 2-8-4 was selected to be a Standard engine. Also note the Spectrum 2-8-0 is now a Standard line engine as well.

Roger, I have to second Don on this. Recent Bachmann "regular" line products have been nothing but top notch from an operational standpoint, just lacking some of the Spectrum level details.

I have five of the 2-8-4's which I have converted to 2-8-2's, as well as several GE 70 tonners, all are excellent products.

Sheldon

[don7]

rogertra

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

The 2-6-0 is indicated to be a Standard line engine and not a Spectrum. However, seeing the new HO Bachmann 2-8-4 is a Standard line engine I will not hesitate purchasing a few. I have wondered why the 2-8-4 was selected to be a Standard engine. Also note the Spectrum 2-8-0 is now a Standard line engine as well.

[rogertra]

I just hope it's a Spectrum grade 2-6-0 and not a lower grade model.

If it's a Spectrum, I definitely see two or three on the GER roster.

[Geared Steam]

Anyone notice the On30 Heisler on page 9?

[Geared Steam]

Darth Santa Fe

I saw the 2-8-8-4 announcment and photo earlier, but has anything been put online for the 2-6-0?

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/2011_NMRA.pdf

[Darth Santa Fe]

I saw the 2-8-8-4 announcment and photo earlier, but has anything been put online for the 2-6-0?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

 

Well, since I don't use DCC and don't care for onboard sound in HO, mine will be the quiet DC versions - but - I am surprised they are DCC ready and not DCC onboard like most newer Bachmann offerings?

I remove those pesky decoders, install the DC jumpers, and sell the decoders on Ebay. The decoders do not play well with my Aristo Train Engineer throttles.

Sheldon

They didn't get along well with my Tech4 280 either until I cut out the capacitors. Even then they din't work too well.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

jeffrey-wimberly

ATLANTIC CENTRAL:

But you can put me down for a couple, and several of the S-4's in WM as well.

 

With sound or without? No sound, DCC Ready = $89. Sound and DCC = $159. A $70 difference for DCC and sound isn't too bad.

Well, since I don't use DCC and don't care for onboard sound in HO, mine will be the quiet DC versions - but - I am surprised they are DCC ready and not DCC onboard like most newer Bachmann offerings?

I remove those pesky decoders, install the DC jumpers, and sell the decoders on Ebay. The decoders do not play well with my Aristo Train Engineer throttles.

Sheldon

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I for one am happy to see some new small steam though I won't be buying any of them, large or small unless I come across an 'absolutely cannot pass it up' deal like I got with my Niagara or my 2-10-2 T-2a.

[Graffen]

I remember a while back when "some" people here said that a 2-6-0 with DCC and sound would "never" be made as it would cost too much compared to the size, and that was why "all" future productions would be of larger prototypes.........

And that we, that hoped for it, would have to learn the basics of supply and demand

Well, this seems to put an end to that discussion.....

[Milepost 266.2]

don7

For the large steam lovers, there will be yet another 2-8-8-4 released as well. It to will have sound as well.

The B&O EM1 has consistently been at the very top of customer requests for the last 5 years.  "Just another" 2-8-8-4 indeed.  

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

ATLANTIC CENTRAL

But you can put me down for a couple, and several of the S-4's in WM as well.

With sound or without? No sound, DCC Ready = $89. Sound and DCC = $159. A $70 difference for DCC and sound isn't too bad.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

andrechapelon

selector:

Don, "...yet another 2-8-8-4..."?   Apart from brass, I am unaware of this engine in plastic HO or diecast metal in anything other than the Cab Forward variants out there.   Is there another Yellowstone variant in HO non-brass that is currently available in quantities and recently produced, say in the past 8 years?

Crandell

 

Well, given that no one has produced an NP Z-5, an SP AC-9, or a DM&!R M-3/M4 in plastic, I think the question answers itself. Kinda hard to have a potload of Yellowstones when only 4 railroads ever rostered the things.

Of course, that';s 3 more than ever rostered a Big Boy and that didn't stop all and sundry from glutting the market with 4-8-8-4's.

Now, how about a Harriman Pacific?????? At my age, my lung capacity won't allow me to hold my breath for more than a couple of more years. I'm starting to look like an oversized Smurf.

Andre

I'm all in for a Harriman Pacific as well - so long as ther offer an unlettered version!

Sheldon

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

I've never really been to big on Moguls, but that loco looks pretty nice. I don't see an unlettered version listed? Hopefully that changes. But you can put me down for a couple, and several of the S-4's in WM as well.

Sheldon

[andrechapelon]

selector

Don, "...yet another 2-8-8-4..."?   Apart from brass, I am unaware of this engine in plastic HO or diecast metal in anything other than the Cab Forward variants out there.   Is there another Yellowstone variant in HO non-brass that is currently available in quantities and recently produced, say in the past 8 years?

Crandell

Well, given that no one has produced an NP Z-5, an SP AC-9, or a DM&!R M-3/M4 in plastic, I think the question answers itself. Kinda hard to have a potload of Yellowstones when only 4 railroads ever rostered the things.

Of course, that';s 3 more than ever rostered a Big Boy and that didn't stop all and sundry from glutting the market with 4-8-8-4's.

Now, how about a Harriman Pacific?????? At my age, my lung capacity won't allow me to hold my breath for more than a couple of more years. I'm starting to look like an oversized Smurf.

Andre

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The 2-8-8-4 Does NOT come with sound. It comes sound ready. Here's the text from the PDF I read:

B&O EM-1 2-8-8-4 LOCOMOTIVE
(SOUND READY, BACHMANN ITEM NO. 44951 REQUIRED
FOR SOUND ON BOARD PERFORMANCE)

[selector]

Don, "...yet another 2-8-8-4..."?   Apart from brass, I am unaware of this engine in plastic HO or diecast metal in anything other than the Cab Forward variants out there.   Is there another Yellowstone variant in HO non-brass that is currently available in quantities and recently produced, say in the past 8 years?

Crandell