I checked the Bachmann site and came across a reference to Spectrum 4-4-0 engines DCC and Sound being offered from a couple of the large HO on line dealers. These prices for the Rodgers 4-4-0 's will never be as low for DCC and Sound equped HO locomotives.
Does Bachmann anounce a products being discontinued?
The recent conversations have had promtped me to revisit my Bachmann locomotives and I have checked most of them now to ensure the drivers are relatively clean and that they are oiled and the steamers rods are not out of quarter.
As I was reinspecting my various Bachmann locomotives I had forgotten that in many instances Bachmann also enclosed spare parts and trucks, both tender trucks and pony trucks for the engines.
I have a collection of various boiler fronts, head lights in a number of mountings as well as bells and chains, a few wheel sets, both for the trailing trucks and also for the leading pony trucks as well as classification lights. At least one model even had an optional pilot. Have a few of those as well.
I have forgotten just how many little optional detail parts Bachmann used to include with their HO Spectrum steamers.
Not any more, at least for their standard line.
AS to their level of detail, the Bachmann steam engines are just about as detailed as the competing Proto and BLI engines, certainly better than the roundhouse esgines of the day.
Those early Spectrum engines were indeed great buys, super detail and very affordable.
Don,
Doubt they discontinued it, but that may be the end of the current run? I thought they delivered a new batch of these recently, but could be wrong. In any case, they've improved this loco with each new edition from what I've been reading. A buddy has several and they've been strong performers for several years now. Apparently not as nice as current edition are, so if they briefly disappear to the powderroom for a makeover, I'd wager it's only a momentary absence.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I rechecked the Bachmann site and the Bachmann rep indicates that these locomotives are still being produced and have not been discontinued.
For anyone looking for small steamers with DCC a check of TrainWorld and ModelTrainStuff and check out the Spectrum 4-4-0's, super prices. I bought a couple at that price could not resist.
This seems to be typical of Bachmann. When they are near the end of a batch of locomotives they go on deep discount. While not necessarily discontinued, the next batch may be a few years away. Also Bachmann appears to be phasing out the Spectrum line. The latest 4-6-0's are not Spectrum and some people have stated that there is less detail than the last Spectrum run of 4-6-0's. The Richmond American 4-4-0's are no longer on Bachmann's site - just the Baldwins and the 1800's. And the new tooling 1800's 4-4-0's are not Spectrum.
So if you like Spectrum, get them now at the low prices.
Paul
Incredibly low prices! I wish I could afford one!
I feel bad for those who paid the full price only a few weeks ago.
The 4-4-0's y really are nicely detailed engines.
As to the 4-6-0's the Bachmann Rep. replied the new 4-6-0's do not have the added detail that the previous Spectrum models have. It is simply too expensive to add detail, far cheaper to mold it on. too bad the Spectrum 4-6-0's were fantastic engines as far as the level of detail as shown here.
They also are great running locos.
No indication that these locomotives are sound equipped. The Bachmann value decoders, from my experience, leave a lot to be desired (motor buzz, jerky start). I replaced mine with a good Digitrax decoder and the locomotive runs great.
Ray
rayw46 No indication that these locomotives are sound equipped. The Bachmann value decoders, from my experience, leave a lot to be desired (motor buzz, jerky start). I replaced mine with a good Digitrax decoder and the locomotive runs great. Ray
The Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0's on sale are priced at $109 for the DCC and $119 for the DCC Sound.
Do not confuse these with the 4-6-0's being offered in the Bachmann Sound Value series, the sound boards are significantly better than the new paired back sound boards. Also note that these are five pole motors and the new sound value engines are the new 3 pole motors.