You're pretty safe with Bachmann

[Anonymous]

I will say that the DCC decoders Bachmann fit are dire - the locos are good but the decoders are cheap and very nasty. Better to buy the standard version and drop a decoder in yourself - the Bachmann ones lack silent drive and BEMF and are therefore not the most pleasant of driving experiences!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: I thought we were going to leave the word junk out of it?

We are.

QUOTE: I cannot beleive you said the LL F40PH is compairable to your Atlas U-bout. Thats like having a Pinto aginst a 4 wheel drive truck in a pulling contest!

I find it hard to believe as well but it pulls as many cars as the U-boat. There is about 16oz. of steel weight and w/ rubber traction tires on the 4 wheels that actually drive it has a high tractive effort. But the L-L's are terrible runners (at least mine are)

[jeffers_mz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Virginian

Springing or weighing steam engine pony or trailing trucks is trying to cure the symptom, not fix the problem. Check your trackwork. Put a straight edge along the top of the rails and check level from rail to rail as well. Dips and bumps are a no-no.

The only way I have to judge the track quality is by running the trains I have over them. When everything stays on the track, I tend to call it good.

Then I attended a show and got new locomotives, Model Power tender driven 2-8-0's, and these opened my eyes to a whole new level of precision laid track. With the boiler's weight and the driven valve gear's resistance to forward travel, an errant puff of wind from a gnat's wing would cause the front half of the loco to leap off the track sideways to get out of the way of the tender.

I ripped out two sections of track, rails, ties, bed and risers, down to bare benchwork to smooth out some minor flaws and did some work on the MP 2-8-0's, wheel cleaning, pick-up tweaking, lubrication, driver quartering, etc, and now they run ok, but my Spectrum 4-6-0's leading truck and tender still derailed frequently. with the track as good as it's ever going to get.

I added less than one ounce to the tender, and bent the "spring" Bachman had installed between the leading truck and boiler enough to actually engage both the mount and the truck at the same time (from the factory it was a dead flat piece of leaf brass), and it has stayed glued to the rails ever since.

In my opinion, the tender was so light on that engine that tension from the drawbar wiring was lifting it off the track, and as mentioned before, the spring on the lead truck had yet to be sprung. In many cases, problems do originate in the trackwork, but with Bachman's well known quality control issues, I'd hesitate to suggest that trackwork is the sole source of derailment problems.

[waltersrails]

i like my spectrum but not my new b30-7 it derails when i hook anything to it.

[Paul3]

Bachmann... Oh, boy. They are incredibly inconsistant. I think they must take pride in doing so, for that's the only reason I can think of.

These are my experiences with Bachmann:
1) When I was a kid, we had several train set types of Bachmann locos. Junk. They wouldn't last, they wouldn't run smooth, and they were Lionel-like in looks. Ecch!

2) Later, I was given a 4-8-2 Mountain. Out of the box, it "hunted", or wiggled from side to side going down the track. I could have nicknamed it the "sidewinder". Other than that, it worked well and pulled a decent amount. However, after several years of ownership (but not that many hours of run time) I suddenly heard a sound not unlike the sound of a baseball card in the spokes. One of the pick up wipers on a driver had slipped off and got caught in the spokes of the driver. When I attempted to fix it, it broke off in my hands. Now the wiggle problem is even worse.

3) I purchased a new (still sealed) H16-44. When I opened it up at home, I noticed that the nickle-silver plating was falling off the wheels leaving a naked brass wheel tread.

4) Ten years ago, I picked up a pair of new Bachmann Plus F7A's. After custom painting them, I was able to run them for about 30 minutes before each one developed a high pitched squeel. Seems that Bachmann couldn't be bothered to use oil-impregnated bearings on their motors, and no matter how frequently I oiled the motor bearings, the darn engines wouldn't run more than a train length before squeeling once again.

5) I bought a New Haven EF-4 (E-33) from Spectrum (new), and while the loco runs alright, it's a coffee grinder and a lightweight for such a big engine. They also messed up the paint job a hair by incorrect placement of the "NH" logos. Oh, and they modeled all the roof latches up...why, I don't know.

6) I have several of their Spectrum heavyweight cars (I got them cheap). Now, they aren't that bad looking...well, at least the Pullman's are OK (the other cars are almost all PRR types), but their coupler mounts are atrocious. All need to be replaced with the Jay-Bee coupler pad and Kadee's.

7) A fellow club member had to return a Spectrum K-4 because the center driver was crooked on the axle causing derailments.

8) A different club member has returned his Spectrum "George Washington" Mountain and got a replacement as it did not run at all. His replacement, when a DCC decoder is installed, still operates as if there is no decoder at all (runs under address "00" and "sings"). How is that possible? I don't know, but that's Bachmann for you.

9) Yet another club member got two 2-6-6-2's: one runs like a Swiss watch, the other was so bad (herky jerky, etc.) that it was returned to the retailer.

Now, all that being said, I've heard nothing but good things about the Acela set (well, except that it's too slow), the HHP-8, and the Shay.

However, with regards to everything else Bachmann...buyer beware!

Paul A. Cutler III
*****************
Weather Or No Go New Haven
*****************

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AntonioFP45


I'm not knocking Bachmann, but in looking at them realistically, as far as diesels, they're comparable to Athearn's RTR locomotives.

I would have to disagree with that. Athearn's newer RTR offerings are a whole lot better than Spectrum's new diesels, although the new Spectrum 8-40CWs are comparible to Atlas and Kato.

[TrainFreak409]

I'm a big fan of Bachmann products.[:D]

I think that the standard line is pretty good. My standard line GP40 I had for ten years still ran until I sacrificed it for a kitbash. And not to mention that it was neglected for about five years in my father's workshop.

The Spectrum line is awesome. I have two N scale Dash 8-40CWs, and a 2-8-0 Consolidation. All are great. I just wi***hey had Kadees on them, but I can do that myself.

[on30francisco]

I have four of their On30 locos. They have die cast frames and boilers that make them heavy enough for good tractive force and reliable running at very slow speeds with no stalling. The wheels conform to the RP25 standards so they will run on rail sizes as small as code 55. The detailing is also top notch and the prices are very affordable.

[ICRR1964]

I thought we were going to leave the word junk out of it?

The picture the other forum member had were of the older Bachmann line they made in the 70's, these are easy to spot at train shows and on ebay if you know what your looking for. These heavy loco's had 5 pole motors, 8 wheel drive, and 8 wheel pickup, and ran pretty good out of the box. The F unit chassis that was pictured was used by AHM for a few years to it had the same drive as the other 8 wheel drive chassis used for the GP40.

The 4 wheel drive chassis that were made in the late 80's buy Bachmann and LL were made poor, I have boxes full of these that I aquired over the years, some ran ok while others were less desirable, they could be converted to dummys real easy though. The tiny little motors could not take heat, if you pulled to many cars they would lock up after they smoked. I had several of these as a kid, because that was all that I could afford back then. The newer Bachmann items now are a huge plus for Bachmann, its almost like they went back to the old heavy dicast 70's years. And these new loco's are fair priced for beginners or a 30 year vet.

dingoix,
Was it not a few days ago you were using the word "junk" on other manufactures? I cannot beleive you said the LL F40PH is compairable to your Atlas U-bout. Thats like having a Pinto aginst a 4 wheel drive truck in a pulling contest! I just got done putting a Athearn powered chassis that I put together out of parts from my supplies for a young boy who got it for Xmas as a set. He loved it !!!

From what I have seen of your post you seem to know allot about nothing at times, and seem intent on sparking flames. I've noticed others seem to notice this about you too, you need to sit back and spend more time working on your layout and saving some money to buy the things you want, instead of hanging in forum and creating 834 post in a little over 2 months. Your the only person that I have seen in here who seems to have something to say about every post or thread thats put up, and 9 times out of 10 you do not have a clue as to what your taking about. Your little saying is true to. You are an expert at not knowing what your doing! Show some manners for gods sake, and quit letting your butt do the talking.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Well perhaps the newer ones run well...

No, they don't run well i was just stating they pull a lot.(it may not out pull the U33C but it would be darn close) The F40PH jerks when it starts and stops so it's hard to keep anything on the track. I suspect top speed is well over 200 scale miles per hour. (but it is a passenger engine)
Roadtrp glad someone else dislikes regular Bachamnn. Well let those people buy engines for $30 just because they're DCC. Just because Bachmann is willing to fix it that doesn't make it a good prouduct. I've learned my lesson about buying cheap stuff.
DISCLAIMER- this is just my opinion. I am not here to offend anyone.

[CrossTrack Trains]

I like the fact Bachman has many various types of steam loco's(unlike other manufacturers), at affordable prices.
My Bachman's have all run great, especially the Spectrum line

[Anonymous]

I have seen new Bachmann with retooled locomotives on eBay... are these any good, detail wise (pics are small to see)? I have an old Spectrum Dash 8-40W Santa Fe and it runs fine considering I bought it used off eBay about 6 years ago. The details sucked.. snowplow snapped in half, grab irons are not even bent correctly 90 degrees and not even painted and others I can't think of at the moment. So I wonder if it has got better. I couldn't find any reviews off google, just a bunch of retail sites.

[Sunset Limited]

I have to disagree here, I have two GS-4 'Paper weights'. The last running GS-4 was a Bachmann 'Plus' that ended up with split driver gears. I had this locomotive for 6 years with no problems until I ran it in December. I even e-mailed Bachmann, but it's been a couple of weeks already without a reply. I have always kept this locomotive in good care and left in room temperature. Only ran it with 6 Rivarossi passenger cars. Now my Daylight is going to a Steam to Diesel transistion. [(-D] Besides brass, it's too bad Bachmann only makes the GS-4. [:(] Note to BLI !!!!!

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by steffd

Well perhaps the newer ones run well but this one which also happens to be an Amtrack F40PH and the other few I had in my tweens were absolute garbage.

I have a standard Life LIke F40PH purchased two years ago and it has been one of my most dependable locomotives. It is very quiet and has excellent low speed capabilities. If every inexpensive loco I purchased was as good as that Life Like, I would probably buy nothing else.

Of the locomotive brands I’ve owned I would rank them like this:

Operational characteristics:
1) Kato
2) P2K
3-4) tie between my standard Life Like and my Bachmann Spectrum.
5) Bachmann standard (my first Bachmann standard loco went in the garbage within 30 days and I have not tried another)

Detailing:
1) Kato
2) Bachmann Spectrum
3) P2K
4) Life Like standard product
5) Bachmann Standard product (Unbelievably crappy. The flanges where the frame was connected to the plastic body were very visible)

[steffd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

I have two life-like engines with the driveline like the one in your first pic- whaddya mean they don't pull themselves down the track? with the rubber traction tires on the wheels that drive (one truck only) and filling it with weight Life-like made them strong pullers- my L-L F40PH (4 axle 1 truck drive) will out pull my Atlas U33C (6-axle all wheel drive) anyday. I plan on selling the F40PH sometime.

Well perhaps the newer ones run well but this one which also happens to be an Amtrack F40PH and the other few I had in my tweens were absolute garbage. I have yet to see a unit like this start from a full stop and gradually increase in speed smoothly pulling a full load of cars. In my experience most ran like slot cars. You needed to almost crank you throttle to maximum to gain sufficient force and momentum to pull a train which at that point ended up traveling at a scale speed faster than a small airplane and generated the sound of a dentist tool buzzing around the layout. The other pain in the a -- were those frequent stalls since the pick ups were only on the rear trucks and the weight was not very well distributed on those plastic chassis. However, if they operate well for you than great, although I would like to see which one would prevail if both your Life Like and Atlas U33C (6-axle all wheel drive) engine were both powered and pulling in opposite directions [:D]. Either way, I no longer own or buy any of the "Domestic" brands anymore although Bachmann now owns Liliput but it too is now made in China...[V]

Stephan

[Anonymous]

I have two life-like engines with the driveline like the one in your first pic- whaddya mean they don't pull themselves down the track? with the rubber traction tires on the wheels that drive (one truck only) and filling it with weight Life-like made them strong pullers- my L-L F40PH (4 axle 1 truck drive) will out pull my Atlas U33C (6-axle all wheel drive) anyday. I plan on selling the F40PH sometime.

[steffd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by howmus

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

take a look at the regular DCC GP40 http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/dto/item160-60302.html -tell me i'm wrong.

Checked at the Bachmann site and you are indeed right. I don't check out the diseasals as I model 1925. Their Standard Steam though is not DCC ready nor equiped unless I missed some new development. Mea culpa![:(]

I’m actually surprised, as I too was not aware that Bachmann had DCC capabilities in their low-end models. I was actually referring back to my younger days with the cheap models from Bachmann, and the likes of Life Like, Tyco and Model Power with their tinny truck mounted motors that could barely pull themselves on the track never mind a fleet of cars. I included a pic to illustrate what I’m talking about, notice all the metal weights to compensate for a "Motor". I suppose even the junk needs to evolve at some point. Oddly enough with all this talk about Bachmann, it evoked a flashback. After a quick search, I found an old Bachmann F unit model from the early 80’s in one of my junk boxes which no longer runs due to some missing parts. The unit has a center drive motor, eight-wheel drive and pick up with worm gears to the trucks and a full solid metal chassis and resembles a high-end model by today’s standard; bellow the chassis indicates it was made in Hong Kong. I included a pic as well. Was there a high-end series produced by Bachmann back then prior to the introduction of the Spectrum line?

Stephan



Old Low-End Life like Model similar to Bachmann, Tyco and Model Power


Old Bachmann from the early 80's (High-end???)

[David_Telesha]

As a general rule of thumb stick only with Spectrum models but stay away from diesels.

I've never had an interest in any Bachmann diesels, but I have heard about many problems with them for some reason, and the same units can be obtained from other mfgrs with better detail, dimensions, and drives in my opinion.

HOWEVER, that said, my Bachmann Spectrum Acela and HHP-8 ELECTRICS are some of my favorite units.

The Acela set is well done - good detail and paint - the lighting is good and it runs VERY well - smooth, no trouble at all.

The HHP-8 is EXTRAORDINARY. It pulls better than some of my LL and Atlas engines. The detail is amazing, the lighting is great (a little blue, but great, especially the ditch lights), the MU hoses, coupler cut bars, and roof detail is amazing. Plus, they NAILED totally captured the look of the HHP8 - it looks right and the painting is great. And like I said it pulls like an champ and runs perfectly smooth...

I think they scored major points here - now if only they'd do some NH stuff and do it as accurately as they did the Amtrak items.

For engines I have on my layout Atlas Silver Series, Proto 2000, Proto 1000, Athearn RTR, and Bachmann Spectrum.

I consider them all top notch.

[Soo Line fan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jsoderq

I'm confusewd here. With all these people having to send locos back for repair, how does that make them a good product? I have never had to send a Athearn loco back in almost 50 years (first one in 1957).

I too am somewhat confused. If you have 20 locos and send in 7 that is close to a 33% failure rate! If you have 2 identical locos and one is great and the next is poor that is inconsistency. The Spectrums from what I hear are really great, but the others are problems. I have the J and the GS-4. The heavy frame was real nice. Too bad the driver hubs were nylon and the motor belonged in a slot car. I purchased the Bowser re-power kits and never considered sending them in and playing the mailbox shuffle. When a product breaks quickly, something is very wrong. Improper assemble is a possibility. Low quality materials are more likely. If it broke once, it will break again, unless the part is improved. Its too bad, the bodies are really nice, they simply have cheap mechanisms. I am wondering, do you guys know what is it that is failing with these locos?

Jim

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

take a look at the regular DCC GP40 http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/dto/item160-60302.html -tell me i'm wrong.

Checked at the Bachmann site and you are indeed right. I don't check out the diseasals as I model 1925. Their Standard Steam though is not DCC ready nor equiped unless I missed some new development. Mea culpa![:(]

[Anonymous]

take a look at the regular DCC GP40 http://www.discounttrainsonline.com/dto/item160-60302.html -tell me i'm wrong.

[howmus]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dingoix

QUOTE: With all these people having to send locos back for repair, how does that make them a good product?

It doesn't make them a good prouduct.

QUOTE: I am assuming we are referring to the Spectrum series and not the lower end Train Set grade models.

Nope. At least the othe Bachmann topic that's on here is about the "train-set" model. As for Spectrum my 2-8-0 has been the worst piece of sh** The wires you have to connect to the tender were broken right out of the box. Took it to the LHS. Wires got fixed. Still doesn't run. Took it directly to the repairman. Still doesn't run. Next week i'm sending it to Bachmann at a cost of $20 plus i have to pay to ship it to them.

QUOTE: even though Bachmann is a well established and reputable company who stands by their products which is commendable, I question their quality. Budliner has sent 7 units back for repair , that's not something to brag about in terms of product reliability or company image

I agree. All these people seem to want to buy regular Bachmann because their DCC and inexpensive. Well I'll stick with high quality (Athearn, Atlas, P2K) Just because a company will fix your "junky" engies doesn't mean you should buy them. My [2c]

While I would say I am not an expert as I have only 7 "new" locos since I got back in hobby a couple of years ago, I do have to disagree with you. Of the 7, 2 are Athearn 2-8-2s. One never ran (had the broken gear thing) it is now in the parts box. The other can now pull 6 or 7 cars up at 2% grade after adding weight everywhere it would fit, and is the loco most likely to derail somewhere. Not a good experience. One is an MDC RTR 2-6-0. After putting in a decoder, this little baby can sometimes run 6 or 8 inches on freshly cleaned track on its own power, but is easy to push..... Two are Proto 2000 0-6-0 switchers. Very nice, and beautifully detailed, nice runners but not good pulling locos. 2 are Bachmann Spectrum. AWESOME! Run smooth do not derail, and can pull half the world up the grade. I have a 2-6-6-2 and a 4-8-2. The 2-6-6-2 pulls 20 cars up the grade with ease, the 4-8-2 has pulled about 12 cars up the grade (which is also on a curve), and I have no idea how many more she can lug up there. Zero problems and a great product. So I guess my money will be on more Bachmann Spectrum Steam.

BTW, the Standard line of Bachmann is not DCC ready and is a whole different ballgame. I would not buy anything in the Standard Line.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: With all these people having to send locos back for repair, how does that make them a good product?

It doesn't make them a good prouduct.

QUOTE: I am assuming we are referring to the Spectrum series and not the lower end Train Set grade models.

Nope. At least the othe Bachmann topic that's on here is about the "train-set" model. As for Spectrum my 2-8-0 has been the worst piece of sh** The wires you have to connect to the tender were broken right out of the box. Took it to the LHS. Wires got fixed. Still doesn't run. Took it directly to the repairman. Still doesn't run. Next week i'm sending it to Bachmann at a cost of $20 plus i have to pay to ship it to them.

QUOTE: even though Bachmann is a well established and reputable company who stands by their products which is commendable, I question their quality. Budliner has sent 7 units back for repair , that's not something to brag about in terms of product reliability or company image

I agree. All these people seem to want to buy regular Bachmann because their DCC and inexpensive. Well I'll stick with high quality (Athearn, Atlas, P2K) Just because a company will fix your "junky" engies doesn't mean you should buy them. My [2c]

[AntonioFP45]

QUOTE: Originally posted by emdgp92

I've had pretty good luck with my Bachmann Spectrum F40s. Even after one took a trip to the floor, it still runs great. The only gripe I have with them is in the detailing--the grab irons are mounted so they're flat against the carbody. Shouldn't they be raised a bit?

Additionally, heightwise the Spectrum F40s are slightly lower than the prototype by about six scale inches, but for most modelers that might not be a big deal. The write up in MRR a few years ago about the Spectrum F40 pointed that out.

If your grab irons are separate pieces and you can' t pull them out any futher check out either Details West or Details Associates. One of them makes decent looking grab irons for EMD diesels with prongs long enough that will allow the proper distance from the locomotive's carbody.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Not sure about inconsistancy, at least in the cheaper models. I've bought three GP40s so far, all ran quieter than an Athearn BB, the best of them is as smooth as a Proto too. The others got to a similar stage after a few hours running to bed everything in. So far I've not had to send any diesel produced by their company back for repairs either!

[emdgp92]

I've had pretty good luck with my Bachmann Spectrum F40s. Even after one took a trip to the floor, it still runs great. The only gripe I have with them is in the detailing--the grab irons are mounted so they're flat against the carbody. Shouldn't they be raised a bit?

[steffd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jsoderq

I'm confusewd here. With all these people having to send locos back for repair, how does that make them a good product? I have never had to send a Athearn loco back in almost 50 years (first one in 1957).

I was thinking the very same thing. In 20+ years in this hobby, not once have I ever needed to send back a locomotive for repair “Knock on Wood”. I am assuming we are referring to the Spectrum series and not the lower end Train Set grade models. I do not have any experience with their steam locomotives although they do look very nice. However, I do own an early VIA rail Spectrum series F40PH which although a little noisy has operated without any problems, although most of my equipment was Atlas, Genesis, Kato, Proto 2000 / 1000 prior to converting to European models in 2003. In my view, even though Bachmann is a well established and reputable company who stands by their products which is commendable, I question their quality. Budliner has sent 7 units back for repair [:0], that's not something to brag about in terms of product reliability or company image… they too manufacture their products in China where quality assurance is often forsaken in the name of cost cutting and profit margin.[V]


Stephan

[Anonymous]

Nope, they ain't the only ones. http://antiques-internet.com/colorado/rgsrrhobbies/dynapage/IP36.htm

QUOTE: Originally posted by cacole

Even in G scale, Bachmann Spectrum makes some very smooth running steam engines. That's the only brand I run outdoors because they are the only manufacturer that produces 1:20.3 scale locomotives to represent narrow gauge engines.

I have no Bachmann diesel engines at all in any scale, but other members of our HO scale club have several. Two are Spectrum and the others are standard line Bachmann. Two have had to be sent back to Bachmann and were promptly replaced.

One member of our club has a Bachmann Spectrum N-scale Consolidation and it is the best running N-scale engine that she owns. During our November open house it ran on an outdoor layout for two days almost continuously with no derailments or glitches.

I also own quite a bit of Bachmann rolling stock. Their cheap line is not very good and it in difficult to replace couplers and wheelsets, but the Bachmann Silver Series already has metal wheels and the couplers are easily replaced.

[jsoderq]

I'm confusewd here. With all these people having to send locos back for repair, how does that make them a good product? I have never had to send a Athearn loco back in almost 50 years (first one in 1957).