Purchased My First HO Set!!!! How did i do?

[Anonymous]

With the very helpful input of the forum members here, who directed me toward the Spectrum line of Bachmann, (among other makers - I had a aesthetic preference for Bachmann anyway), I found and purchased this set;

Bachmann Spectrum Southern Explorer HO Set;http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6022706724

It's a "starter" set for a track I'm mounting in my son's room. I also ordered 50 feet of Atlas Superflex track from another seller. - hopefully the included transformer will be able to handle that much track.

How did I do?

(Some of the bullets in the description are for a different train. Seller says I'm receiving the Bachmann Southern Explorer Set as in the title.)

Thanks so much for your input!

[Anonymous]

That's a nice set. The spectrum line is great. You did fine. The only problem I can see is that unless I'm mistaken, I think the flex track will be difficult to use with the EZ Track included with the set. I could be wrong about that, but I don't think I am. I wouldn't let that worry you. You got a nice deal, I think.

[Jetrock]

One potential problem with the set--the description in the text DOES NOT match the picture!

Here's the description:

Bachmann Southern Explorer HO Train This ready-to-run train set includes:

Baldwin 2-8-0 locomotive with tender & operating headlight
Center-depressed flat car with camouflage missile
Steel reefer
Floodlight car with track-powered light
Steel caboose
63" x 45" oval of nickel-silver E-Z Track® with 16 pieces of 22" radius curved track, 3 pieces of straight track, and 1 plug-in terminal rerailer.
Spectrum Power pack.
VHS Video with assembly instructions.

The illustration shows a 2-8-0, all right, but with three heavyweight passenger cars: a combine, a coach, and an observation car. A passenger set. The description is for a freight set!

The illustration also mentions the "Bachmann Spectrum" line, which is Bachmann's premium line--the description does not. Other warning signs are things like the floodlight car and the flatcar-with-missile, which are the hallmarks of toy-train equipment--items that are more cheaply made, with less detail and in brighter colors, intended for kids who will run the train fora few hours, then take them out to the backyard to smash with rocks.

If you did indeed pay $139 for the toy-train set with the missile, then you probably got ripped off.

[Anonymous]

whoops.

[Jetrock]

I assume that the seller correctly identified the set--the set pictured is the Bachmann Spectrum "Explorer" set, in Southern Railroad colors. Just kind of a big thing to miss when one is posting an eBay sale...

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Unless you want the freight set, I would demand a discount from the seller for false advertising. That picture does NOT match the description and that's a fraudulent sale. What was advertised via the picture appears to be worth considerably more than what was described.

I couldn't find the freight set anywhere else so it must be discontinued or a few years old. The pictured set is reasonably priced and still available via a search for Bachmann sets on Froogle.com. Too bad that's not what they are selling.

If you call them on it now, chances are you can get them to knock it down under threat of negative feedback. I'd aim for $100 without any direct comparison of what it's really worth.

Hope that helps.

Jawbone

[SMassey]

The Picture does match the explorer set. Only problem I see is the Southern Locomotives are green with a red roof. That looks like a Pensy locomorive in the box. I have the southern Freight set and it does not come with a depressed center flat car or any of the cars described in the discription. The Set that is described in the Spectrum Military set that has an EMD Deisel in it and I believe it is an old "F" unit. Even if you get the Pensy locomotive these heavy weight cars are nice I have a set for B&O and a set for N&W they are good cars and the locmotives are really nice too. I paid about $150 for both my sets of Spectrum steam engines.

As for the flex track it can mate to the EZ-Track but it will be a pain your LHS should have some EZ-track to buy if you want to make the layout for your son larger. You can also just use the flextrack for the layout you are not limitied to using only the EZ-Track. Also that Spectrum set comes with a really nice transformer, so you should not need one. If not you paid too much for the set. Well good luck with your new train. [8D]

[jsoderq]

If you got the set with the frieght cars as described you definitely got ripped off. It is NOT Spectrum, but a very low value toy train set. This is the problem with Bachmann - they have all different quality stuff and too many people assume they are all good (NOT).

[Soo Line fan]

The freight cars are typical low quality non-Spectrum Bachman cars. I have never knew them to be sold under the Spectrum line. You should have gotten what was in the photo, which looks like a good set. Contact, and pin him down to see exactly what he shipped. Save the email.

Jim

[Anonymous]

I did notice the three our four unmatched descriptions. The title of the auction and the pictures match the set I wanted, as does the first line of the auction.

I did email the seller to confirm though.

Thanks everyone!

[jecorbett]

I hate to nitpick but technically, HO trains do not use transformers but power packs. A transformer is used for the larger scales like Lionel. A transformer would burnout an HO motor. There is a component that can be added to the transformer that converts it to a power pack. One of the first books I got when I started in this hobby was an HO primer written by the late Linn Westcott and this was one of the points he explained in the book. You would never want to use a Lionel transformer to power HO trains.

[SpaceMouse]

Now that you have all the rigamroll about which engine was bought vs described, I'll talk a little about the track. I have combined flex track with EZ track on my layout and it does connect. However, the combination of flex and cork is just a hair shorter than the EZ track so you have to build up your flex/cork at least for a foot or so to gradually make the transition.

Don't go too whole hog until you come up with a plan.

[rolleiman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jecorbett

I hate to nitpick but technically, HO trains do not use transformers but power packs. A transformer is used for the larger scales like Lionel. A transformer would burnout an HO motor. There is a component that can be added to the transformer that converts it to a power pack. One of the first books I got when I started in this hobby was an HO primer written by the late Linn Westcott and this was one of the points he explained in the book. You would never want to use a Lionel transformer to power HO trains.

I don't know about the bachman power pack, never owned one but The initial power comes from a transformer which is then rectified to DC for HO and N scales.. Even the old tyco power packs had a transformer.. Burned one up before I knew about reverse loops once. You are correct though, you couldn't just hook a stand alone transformer to an HO scale DC loco.. The train would just hum while the motor burned out.. The lights may glow though.. for a second..

With respect to the auction descriptions, it isn't unusual for a seller to re-use the same descriptions over and over only changing a few words or a picture.. I've seen auction listings describing events that were to occur 2 years ago. With the bulk listers available, I frankly don't understand that laziness but to each.. It's wise to make sure you are actually getting what you think you are before placing a bid.. I do hope that you are getting the spectrum set.. The loco and cars if purchased seperately could easily cost that much when all is said and done..

Edit:

If you look at the sellers completed auctions, he's sold a couple of Bachman Special Forces sets in the last 30 days.. In the auction in question, the last 3 items are different.. 16 vs 12 pieces of curved eztrack, the spectrum power pack, and the video.. The set You bought, was listed earlier in the month with a $10 higher buy it now, and it ended without a bid. But it has exactly the same description. I'm going to be an optimist here and say my hunch is right.. Seller didn't completely edit his listings (to your advantage) and you'll recieve the spectrum set.. If you want to make sure, you may want to write him and ask..

Good luck,
Jeff

[SpaceMouse]

I've seen the Bachman Power Packs and I think it would be a stretch for 70 feet of track. Pick up an MRC (I got one on eBay for $30) or just go straight to DCC now. Use your Bachman to power turnouts and accessories.

If you do go DCC, SoundTrax makes a great sound decoder for the 2-8-0 that drops right in. I had mine installed in under 10 minutes.

[csmith9474]

"How did I do?

(Some of the bullets in the description are for a different train. Seller says I'm receiving the Bachmann Southern Explorer Set as in the title.)"



I don't think he is going to "luck out" and get that Spectrum set. Bad seller.

[Soo Line fan]

Seems to be a rash of this stuff lately, probably a combination of the season and a sigh of things to come. Maybe they need a new reality show, sort of like that stupid net nanny. Some mediator could go out to some of these dysfunctional ePay sellers and set them straight. Teach them the basics, i.e., make sure you actually have what you are selling, use the correct picture for the item you are selling, ship it within a reasonable amount of time, no threatening your customers. Just normal, basic stuff. Nothing fancy. I might even watch an episode, if a train was involved!

Jim

[loathar]

I just saw the Bach Explorer set at a Freds dicount store by me.It was a CHEAP F unit toy train with the spot light, missle car, caboose, freight car and track as described by the seller. It was selling for $25. I sure hope you didn't get taken.

[Anonymous]

The seller just returmed my email and confirmed that
"This is the Southern Explorer set with interior lighted cars"

I used the buy it now option, which qualified for free shipping. He even refunded the shipping cost as the checkout process forced me to pay it.

Looks as if I'm good to go!!!!!! (not over until I recieve it, but I feel much better now).

[csmith9474]

::keeping my fingers crossed::

[Darth Santa Fe]

The seller did describe the set as having a 2-8-0, so it should still be a Spectrum set. It also has a Spectrum power-pack and a VHS. The seller also described it as having freight cars, but I've never seen a Bachmann explorer set with freight cars. He may have messed up the description. I've seen it happen before.

Bachmann's standard train sets don't have VHSs, Spectrum power-packs, or 2-8-0s. They stopped making the standard 2-8-0 in the 80s. If you look on their website, they have two train sets with the name "Explorer". One set is Spectrum, the other one standard.(the standard set is called the "McKinley Explorer") Both are passenger sets.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Defiantly

The seller just returmed my email and confirmed that
"This is the Southern Explorer set with interior lighted cars"

I used the buy it now option, which qualified for free shipping. He even refunded the shipping cost as the checkout process forced me to pay it.

Looks as if I'm good to go!!!!!! (not over until I recieve it, but I feel much better now).

Lights are good.

[Anonymous]

The seller seems kind of shady to me. Hope things come out nice.

James

[howmus]

Save ALL your e-mails about the purchase! E-bay is a place to be very, very careful. I have made only 4 purchases and have had no problems, but then I am very, very careful of who I buy from, and do a lot of research before I bid.