Are they decent runners?
The detail leaves a bit to be desired, I know, but beyond that I don't know anything about them.
Do they run like the older Spectrum models did, or
Do they hearken back to the 1980's Bachmann locos with the infamous pancake motors?
My wife wants to buy me one for my birthday, and I'm trying to get a feel for how they perform. Looks can be improved easily (weathering alone goes a LONG way!), but a poor to mediocre performer is a lot more difficult to fix.
Note I'm not talking about pulling power, but more slow speed operation for local switching.
[edit] Changed topic title to decoder question for 2-6-0
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
By 2-6-2 you mean the "USRA" 0-6-0s with the mini leading and trailing trucks?
The shell has no upgrades since when the model was first released in 1990. The tender which was taken from their Reading I1sa models.
The chassis is a split metal chassis with a mabuchi FF130 3 pole can motor and a small brass worm (older ones had a large worm which doubled as a flywheel), driving a plastic idler gear which drives the axle gear. Axles are now metal, and thin copper wipers pick up power from the wheels which are now insulated from the axles. I still believe they use the same incandescent bulbs and the smoke unit which is famous for melting the plastic smoke stack...I would recommend removing the smoke unit right after purchasing. In summary, while not accurate at all, and being a VERY crude model based loosely off of the USRA 0-6-0, the drive is surprisingly competent and should run fine. Dont expect to add any DCC or sound though, since its a trainset level engine and all the electronics are inside the engine, without additional space for modification.
Edit: apparently some of the DCC on board ones came with LEDs and a smoke unit switch.
Hope this helped.
Charles
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
Hi Mark.
The 2-6-2's are just the older 0-6-0 with a front and back truck added so they are definitely not Spectrum quality. They have the 3 domes like the 0-6-0 switch engine so there really don't represent what would be a normal Prairie type. I haven't owned one of these locomotives in some time so I don't know how well the more modern versions run but mine ran ok 15 years ago. Are you looking to represent a prototype or looking for a smaller engine? I would highly recommend the Alco 2-6-0 that Bachman makes for a small switch engine.
Scott Sonntag
Thanks guys,
I'm looking for smaller decent quality steam. I don't need additional switchers - I have a couple of 0-8-0's and and a couple of 0-6-0's already. I don't want anything as big as another Mikado or such. A Pacific or Prairie or small Consolidation would be fine.
High quality RTR small steam:
Proto 2000 USRA 0-6-0s and 0-8-0s
Bachmann spectrum saddle tank 0-6-0t
Bachmann side tank 0-6-0t
Bachmann 2-6-0 (Greenbay & western prototype)
Bachmann spectrum 2-8-0 (ICRR fantasy prototype)
Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 (MA&PA prototype)
Bachmann spectrum 4-4-0 modernized (unknown), and 4-4-0 Richmond (MA&PA prototype)
BLI 2-8-0 (PRR H10s fantasy prototype)
Rivarossi Hornby 0-6-0t S100
These are just some...if you explore brass there is 50 more options!
I also recommend the Bachmann 2-6-0, with new tooling. Prototype could pull freight or passenger. The model is very affordable, with good sound. Buy two to double head when needed. You won't regret it.
Simon
Well, I've certainly crossed the 2-6-2 off the list of possibilities. Thanks guys!
Trainman440Bachmann spectrum saddle tank 0-6-0t Bachmann side tank 0-6-0t Bachmann 2-6-0 (Greenbay & western prototype) Bachmann spectrum 2-8-0 (ICRR fantasy prototype) Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 (MA&PA prototype) Bachmann spectrum 4-4-0 modernized (unknown), and 4-4-0 Richmond (MA&PA prototype)
Unfortunately, none of the Bachmann you listed are currently listed on their website in HO except the 4-6-0, and it's not the Spectrum line. Your list is pretty much all out of production models, right?
I bought one the large-drivered Spectrum versions of the 4-6-0 when they came out and have been very pleased. I wish I'd bought two or three more. I added a TCS Wowsound kit and it runs great! I've been trying to find one used (CNW livery especially), but they're apparently very rare.
I've heard Bachmann's current 4-6-0 is a cheapened version of the older Spectrum model.
snjroyI also recommend the Bachmann 2-6-0, with new tooling. Prototype could pull freight or passenger. The model is very affordable, with good sound. Buy two to double head when needed. You won't regret it.
snjroy I also recommend the Bachmann 2-6-0, with new tooling. Prototype could pull freight or passenger. The model is very affordable, with good sound. Buy two to double head when needed. You won't regret it. Simon
Pruitt Unfortunately, none of the Bachmann you listed are currently listed on their website in HO except the 4-6-0, and it's not the Spectrum line. Your list is pretty much all out of production models, right? I bought one the large-drivered Spectrum versions of the 4-6-0 when they came out and have been very pleased. I wish I'd bought two or three more. I added a TCS Wowsound kit and it runs great! I've been trying to find one used (CNW livery especially), but they're apparently very rare.
Must you buy from bachmanns site? Their prices are ridiculously overpriced, often selling at MSRP. For all my bachmann needs, I buy from Trainworld.
Trainworld has those GB&W 2-6-0s listed DCC ready for only $69!https://www.trainworld.com/shop-by-brand/bachmann/bachmann-51709-alco-2-6-0-steam-locomotive-canadian-national-6013-dcc-ready-bachmann-51709.html
Personally I buy all my bachmann stuff used on ebay...2-8-0s for $50, 4-6-0s for $70, etc. the deals are insane due to Bachmann producing these models in mass quantities, so supply is VERY high.
Pruitt I've heard Bachmann's current 4-6-0 is a cheapened version of the older Spectrum model.
Yes, and here's what bachmann did, in detail.
The original Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0s had all seperately applied piping. It had prototype specific details, with variations in driver size, tender type, cab type, dual/single air pump, two tender truck styles, and spoked/solid leading truck. The MA&PA version (which these models were based off of) also had further prototype specific details, including the running boards extending to the pilot, a horizontal handrail on the smokebox front, and those two knobs mounted near the smoke stack.
The standard line version removed all variations in the model, making all models come with the 52" drivers, small tender, steel cab, single pump, solid leading truck wheels, archbar tender trucks, and extended running boards. It also significantly simplified the detail, opting to change certain details from seperately applied to molded on (such as the injectors, sand pipe, etc), or remove certain details entirely (such as the pipe thats mounted under the running board). At the same time, Bachmann decided to jack up the price of the model.
Therefore, if people want a 4-6-0, I ALWAYS recommend for them to find an old spectrum 4-6-0 instead of buying their current offerings.
Here's photos of the current run:
And the original spectrum run:
As you can see, the difference in detail is night and day. This is one of the few cases where a manfuacturer ACTIVELY DOWNGRADED a model, and I actively protesting against this move. I respectfully disagree with rrebell's comment that the current offering 4-6-0 has "high level of detail", but maybe my standards are a bit too high haha...
Hope this helps,
Trainman440Must you buy from bachmanns site?
Their prices are ridiculously overpriced, often selling at MSRP.
For all my bachmann needs, I buy from Trainworld. Trainworld has those GB&W 2-6-0s listed DCC ready for only $69!https://www.trainworld.com/shop-by-brand/bachmann/bachmann-51709-alco-2-6-0-steam-locomotive-canadian-national-6013-dcc-ready-bachmann-51709.html
Thanks for the detailed info on the 4-6-0's. It's really too bad about what they did to those locos. Either someone was on something when they canceled and downgraded them, or the Spectrum versions were just not profitable at all.
https://rapidotrains.com/ho-scale/steam-locomotive/cpr-d10.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SRz64KewzQ&t=5s&ab_channel=rapidotrains
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
No problem! Although Ive yet to obtain one of those bachmann 2-6-0s, I do plan to get one. Being so cheap theyre an excellent candidate for freelancing. There's an endless number of possibilties for how I can mod them!
prototype:
The mechanisms are sufficient. Split diecast frame, metal axles, no bearings, copper wiper pickups, center powered wheel powered by the same Mabuchi FF130 motor bachmann uses, with a small flywheel and worm. Seems very similar to the latest USRA 0-6-0/2-6-2 you were talking about, and I recall them as being solid runners.
This is still very early stage, but I plan to get one and use the chassis for my NYC 2-4-4t "Suburban" kitbash.
Try Bachmann's 2-6-0. But it's a lightweight. It won't pull much. I would consult with Sheldon (ACL) on this one. He's always full of good advice on how to make Bachmanns pull more.BLI has a very nice Atlantic E6 class out. 4-4-2:
Broadway Limited Imports: The Cutting Edge Leader in Sound Equipped Model Trains - Paragon4 PRR E6 Atlantic HO (broadway-limited.com)
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
That Atlantic's a nice model, but that Belpaire firebox just won't go on a model relettered for CB&Q or CNW.
So I just ordered the Bachmann Mogul. If it's a piece of junk I'm only out $80 (including the shipping). If it's a decent runner, I'll turn it into a customizing project.
Opps, error on my part, I was talking 2-6-0, me bad.
I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me.
Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions.
But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00.
SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model.
Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down.
Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly.
I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service.
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me. Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions. But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00. SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model. Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down. Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service. Sheldon
Two things.
First off, you're comparing a $300 street price spetrum model with DCC sound to the current offering one thats $179 without sound (atleast on Trainworld). Current offering with sound value is $239, which is still less than 300, but the savings really arent significant since Id argue the full function decoder plus additional details is worth the $60.
Another thing to consider is new old stock. On ebay, the prices of the old spectrum engines in todays pricing is still often cheaper than $179 (or $239 with sound). And if you look at the used items theyre significantly cheaper.
So while sure, Bachmann isnt scamming you, I personally would still recommend those who want a 4-6-0 to buy used, or new-old stock spectrum runs since you'll often pay the same price or less and get a better model.
ATLANTIC CENTRALComparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon
I would gladly pay 2022 prices for a model the same quality as the Spectrum ones that were produced ten years (or more) ago, rather than the stripped down versions that are made today. And the high-boilered Ten Wheeler isn't available at all today, I believe. Spectrum made some very nice smaller steam - the best running (and looking) small steam available then or now (that I know of, excluding pricey brass models for the looks. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me).
(Talking Bachmann only here).
Maybe the market just wasn't there for the Spectrum line in HO. In any case, it's a pity they aren't still producing them.
I've always liked 10 Wheelers, but there are some which look good to me, and others which don't.
I have a couple of these...
in brass.
I also bought a couple of the Bachmann versions (I'm not sure, but I seem to recall that there was both a low-drivered version and high driver one. I went with the high drivers, but found the loco to be a little too old-fashioned-looking for my late-'30s era layout...
To bring them more up-to-date for my layout, I replaced the boilers (which were cast metal, but rather flimsy, as some of the running boards broke-off rather easily.) I used a couple of Varney boilers, also cast metal, but a little more modern and as one-piece castings, not as well detailed as the Bachmanns. I did remove the stock Varney cabs, though, and replaced them with cabs from Bachmanns' 2-8-0s (the boiler casting, including the cab and some details, were available separately for quite some time, and at a reasonable price).By standardising the cabs on most of my locos, I created a more uniform appearance, despite having locos with different (although related) road names...
Here's the re-worked Bachmann 10 Wheeler...
...and with some added details...
...and in service...
With some added weight, they're much better pullers than they were originally, and they also run well with pretty-well any of my other locos, especially when a train is heavy enough to require multiple locos.
I also used the Bachmann Consolidations' cabs on my Moguls, including this IHC Mogul (at the time, a new loco for only $15.00)...
Here's the revised version...
...and likewise for my first brass steam locomotive, a B&M B-15 Mogul (shown here slightly modified)...
...and quite a bit later, re-worked again, with a cab from a Bachmann 2-8-0...
Wayne
Pruitt That Atlantic's a nice model, but that Belpaire firebox just won't go on a model relettered for CB&Q or CNW. So I just ordered the Bachmann Mogul. If it's a piece of junk I'm only out $80 (including the shipping). If it's a decent runner, I'll turn it into a customizing project.
I own this model. I recommend some tungsten putty for the boiler.
Pruitt ATLANTIC CENTRAL Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon What I think is silly is expecting the same model that was produced ten years ago to be made available at that ten year old price. I would gladly pay 2022 prices for a model the same quality as the Spectrum ones that were produced ten years (or more) ago, rather than the stripped down versions that are made today. And the high-boilered Ten Wheeler isn't available at all today, I believe. Spectrum made some very nice smaller steam - the best running (and looking) small steam available then or now (that I know of, excluding pricey brass models for the looks. If I'm wrong about that, please correct me). (Talking Bachmann only here). Maybe the market just wasn't there for the Spectrum line in HO. In any case, it's a pity they aren't still producing them.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. Sheldon
What I think is silly is expecting the same model that was produced ten years ago to be made available at that ten year old price.
I think the market back then was very strong for those models. I know I bought lots of them, I have about 35 Bachmann steamers I purchased back then.
Bachmann did very well in those days with Lee Riley at the helm of North American operations. I knew him way back before his Bachmann days.
The question is does that market exist today? All the arm chair experts on this forum are convinced nobody will buy "ordinary" steam locos anymore, only models of BigBoys and other "famous giants" of steam.
BLI has finally made a few "medium" sized steamers, but half of them are "generic" with no road specific detail.
Bachmann may not be offering locos as detailed as their Spectrum line was, but even they can put the headlight in the right place on a B&O Pacific and put the correct trailing truck under it.
Don't get me wrong, I would love to see a return to the kind of detail and diversity Bachmann gave us back then.
But I don't see it happening. There may be a market, but nobody has the stomac to test it.
The irony for me is I have never owned a model of a BigBoy.......... I don't model UP......
Trainman440 ATLANTIC CENTRAL I have no experiance to offer on the current version of the 2-6-2, don't own one, it is not a wheel arrangement of interest for me. Regarding the 4-6-0 and the lessor detailed re-release. The Spectrum versions are very well detailed and came in a number of reasonably correct road specific versions, and few well detailed but not really correct versions. But the Spectrum version has not been produced in many years. I don't have EVERY Bachmann catalog, but 2010 was likely the last time the Spectrum version was offered. The MSRP in 2010 was $360.00 with DCC/sound, the 2004 DC version MSRP was $175.00. SO, to produce the Spectrum version today, based on the way all the prices are going, a DCC/sound version with the better detail would likely be near $500, giving it a street price near $300, compared with the $179 street price of the current model. Bachmann seems to be doing their best to keep running quality high, but keep prices down. Comparing prices of models that have not been made in a decade to current offerings is just silly. I have two of the 63" driver Spectrum models, reworked with Vandy tenders for local passenger service. Sheldon Two things. First off, you're comparing a $300 street price spetrum model with DCC sound to the current offering one thats $179 without sound (atleast on Trainworld). Current offering with sound value is $239, which is still less than 300, but the savings really arent significant since Id argue the full function decoder plus additional details is worth the $60. Another thing to consider is new old stock. On ebay, the prices of the old spectrum engines in todays pricing is still often cheaper than $179 (or $239 with sound). And if you look at the used items theyre significantly cheaper. So while sure, Bachmann isnt scamming you, I personally would still recommend those who want a 4-6-0 to buy used, or new-old stock spectrum runs since you'll often pay the same price or less and get a better model. Charles
I understand you point of view, I have watched a few of your videos, you have explained yourself well enough on this forum. You have made what you do a subset of the hobby, that is fine. I had that experiance working in hobby shops and doing repairs 45 years ago.
I don't mean to sound harsh, I'm just going to state my personal preference - I don't generally buy stuff other people have screwed around with. So "used" prices are meaningless to me.
I do buy items that appear to be "new old stock" or "NBPW" (never been played with), and yes there is a fair amount of that out there. (I'm not generally a buyer of "used" stuff in other aspects of life either)
But I have no dog in this fight, I'm about 15 locomotives away from having every locomotive model I would ever want or need for the ATLANTIC CENTRAL, and I just preordered 4 of them.
I agree, to many it would be well worth an extra $60, or even $100 to get the old version. I have my two and only paid about $90, 15-18 years ago.
But there is the other issue where I have no dog in this fight - I don't want DCC and sound.
I'm just saying, it has been a decade since Bachmann sold a Spectrum 4-6-0 - a lot has happened in this hobby in that decade.
At about 140 locomotives I'm about full up.
Guess the two brands that dominate the roster?
Proto2000 and Bachmann, followed closely by Athearn Genesis and Intermountain (F units).
Yes and I realize you (and many others) dont want to buy used items, that's why I said even buying new old stock on ebay, can often save you money, or atleast pay around the same as if one were to buy new ($179 dcc ready).
I realize many people are afraid of buying used, so I understand that its not for everyone. Still, my point stands that if you're in the market for an untouched 4-6-0, you're better off getting a spectrum run.
I do agree the market has changed significantly, and the emphasis on detail and variety has been replaced with cheap and trendy. And it really is a shame.
I see myself move to (cheap) brass more and more simply due to modern manufacturers not making the relatively "obscure" models I want (atleast compared to the big boy).
Dang, 140 engines, thats quite a few! Im nearing 75 right now, and am planning to sell off some as I realize I dont have the time right now to care for/run many of them.
Cheers!
Speaking of value, I bought my sound value 2-6-0's from Trainworld two years ago at $100 each.
I picked up an IHC 2-6-0 on ebay for $60.00. Arjay1969 painted it for the A&NR RR (a Texas shortline) and installed a sound decoder for me. It runs great and looks good. Level of detail is not what one would expect from higher end models, but it serves its purpose well.
Time for BLI to produce a 2-6-2.
Trainman440 Yes and I realize you (and many others) dont want to buy used items, that's why I said even buying new old stock on ebay, can often save you money, or atleast pay around the same as if one were to buy new ($179 dcc ready). I realize many people are afraid of buying used, so I understand that its not for everyone. Still, my point stands that if you're in the market for an untouched 4-6-0, you're better off getting a spectrum run. I do agree the market has changed significantly, and the emphasis on detail and variety has been replaced with cheap and trendy. And it really is a shame. I see myself move to (cheap) brass more and more simply due to modern manufacturers not making the relatively "obscure" models I want (atleast compared to the big boy). Dang, 140 engines, thats quite a few! Im nearing 75 right now, and am planning to sell off some as I realize I dont have the time right now to care for/run many of them. Cheers! Charles
I will buy "used" on some specific items, but it always seems some little detail is broken, some little thing is not right. I'm fussy. and I have no trouble handling detailed models without loosing parts. So I like to start with all the parts.
My 140 locos are based largely around what is needed to stage the 35 or so trains on the new layout, and provide needed power changes, switching locos, etc for the operational scheme.
So that includes "B" units, etc.
The average freight train is powered by 3-4 diesels or two steamers. So 35 trains time three locos each is a big percentage of those 140 locos.
Then there are about 10 self propelled pieces of passenger equipment.
Suddenly 140 powered units is not all that many.......
ATLANTIC CENTRAL I will buy "used" on some specific items, but it always seems some little detail is broken, some little thing is not right. I'm fussy. and I have no trouble handling detailed models without loosing parts. So I like to start with all the parts. My 140 locos are based largely around what is needed to stage the 35 or so trains on the new layout, and provide needed power changes, switching locos, etc for the operational scheme. So that includes "B" units, etc. The average freight train is powered by 3-4 diesels or two steamers. So 35 trains time three locos each is a big percentage of those 140 locos. Then there are about 10 self propelled pieces of passenger equipment. Suddenly 140 powered units is not all that many....... Sheldon
I see, Im glad to hear that all 140 pieces of equippment are being used effectively and not sitting on shelves.
Personally, with my 70 or so pieces of powered equippment, most are designed to be single headed. I have only 10 or so diesels, of which 5 is an ABBBA consist. Some of the steam is meant to be doubleheaded, but most run alone. I have (obviously) way too much equipment for my tiny layout but plans are I'll have the engines I want for a future larger layout. Knowing how my tastes almost never change (Ive wanted the same list of engines for the past 8 years so far with very few additions or subtractions), I dont see an issue with purchasing engines early.
My main personal issue is wanting to model too many prototype railroads. Each railroad I add means a whole diverse roster of switchers, local trains, mainline equipment, etc. Modeling PRR and ATSF really sucks since theyre probably the least similar railroads in US history with different engines, different terrain, different scenery, and different practices. The roads obviously didnt overlap. It is clear that dropping one railroad to focus more on the other is the smart move, yet I cannot make myself drop one...so I end up having 30 engines from each railroad. Its why freelancing is so tempting...
Anyways, back on topic. I agree Id love to see manufacs put a greater emphasis on smaller steam. I wish there were more manufacturers like bachmann, producing cheap small steam of obscure prototypes that look generic enough to be great freelance models. Problem is, theres only two major producers of HO steam today, one (bachmann) continues to recycle ancient tooling and refuses to make new models, and the other (BLI) only makes the cliche...and at unaffordable prices. Their latest line of fantasy generic 2-8-0s (PRR H10s based) cost an eyewatering $479 at retailers.
That's why instead of waiting for BLI to make something (which will never come) Ive been switching to vintage brass. There's a HUGE amount of old brass of smaller steam thats cheap and plentiful. People just need to be willing to work with them.
Charles,
Vintage brass is a good way to go these days, no question. Two of the locos on my small want list are only available in older brass - waiting for just the right ones to pop up.
And being a DC operator, older brass requires very little extra work for me in most cases.
Half of my current fleet of Pacfics are older brass.
I have lots of ABBA, ABA, ABB, and AB diesel sets. The AB and ABB sets are passenger power. Just ALCO FA/FB units alone total 15 units, and EMD F units total 25. That alone is a big chunk of locomotives, that can be mixed and matched as needed.
So for double heading steam, sometimes I run matching locos, I have lots of duplicates to give the big time railroad fleet feel. But even with DC it is easy to run two different steamers in many cases.
Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
So I have worked out a list, of what runs well with what, that simple.
ATLANTIC CENTRALExample, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
DigitalGriffin ATLANTIC CENTRAL Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's). Those 2-6-6-2's have a problem with the front tower gear failing. What are you replacing them with? I was 3 for 3 on failures.I would send them back to Bachmann but I know they would just toss them and offer me something inferior.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Example, my Spectrum 2-6-6-2's run very well with my Proto 2-8-8-2's (which have been "converted" to 2-8-8-0's).
Those 2-6-6-2's have a problem with the front tower gear failing. What are you replacing them with? I was 3 for 3 on failures.I would send them back to Bachmann but I know they would just toss them and offer me something inferior.
I have 5 of those locos, no failures yet.