I have several of them and they run fine. Yes, they do 4 digit addresses and consist.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I have a couple of them, one with and one without sound, and a Peter Witt trolley car. All three are very nice and a real bargain for the price. Since they aren't diesels, I don't consist them, but I see no reason that wouldn't work. I believe consisting is part of the NMRA standards for DCC, so they should work.
The sound engine uses a Soundtraxx decoder, and the sound is crisp and bright. It's not quite as good as a Soundtraxx you'd buy separately, but I'm very happy with it.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I have 14 Bachmann DCC OnBoard locos {non-sound}. some are their "Spectrum" models {better detailing and "cream of the crop"- their "high line" locos, and have more detailing. Even the regular lines are greatly improved.
I love them all. They run great, pull decent and run quietly. Only 1 of mine has a slight "growl" at low speeds.
I use the Bachmann EZ Command DCC control system. It is 2 number addressing and does a great job for my small pike. I believe they are compatible with 4 digit addressing.
They will consist with each other {all Bachmanns} very well and I have an F series with the powered B unit and no need to even "speed match" them, They work very well with each other.. But I only have one non-Bachmann loco, and I have not tried to lash up that with the Bachmanns.
Some don't like the decoders they use, and replace them themselves. i have no problems with them.
If you get the DCC OnBoard they will only set for speed, direction and lighting. If you want sound too, get the DCC SoundOnBoard models.
All in all, they appear to be a good value for the dollar, and many are happy with them.
I also understand Bachmann has a great customer service service center to fix/repair/ replace a defective loco, though I have not yet had a need to try that out as mine run well, although I could probably send in the one that growls to see what they can do.
My locos range in age form 6 years old to about 2 years old. Still run great and they got a lot of use on my little Pike. Now they see "action" on the table top under the tree layout. Even thought they are in storage all year till TG day, They run well after all that..store at room-temp climate controlled storage.
Those who have tred them for the first time are often surprised at how good they are. There are the complainers too.
sometimes if you are looking for a particular loco configuration, Bachmann may be the only one who makes that model.
Here is a great lisitng of all Bachamnn locos - look at hte left side margin and click away:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160Set
So I would recommend them.
Hope this helps.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Has anyone purchased/ operated these locos from Bachmann? I was at my LHS today and looked at a couple of them. They look decent but they lack detail to be sure. The price is right and you can always add details right? My main question is how well do these locos run and what are the addressing and consisting capabilites? Can you use 4 digit addresses and can you consist them with locos by other manufacturers? What are the limitations/ drawbacks of the decoders they use? Thanks in advance for any information.
Dan Metzger