Spectrum HO 2-8-0 review

[Darth Santa Fe]

This review is on the early production Bachmann Spectrum DCC ready 2-8-0s.[:D]



When I first opened the box and saw the detail of this engine, all I could think is "WOW."[:D] All the detail is beautifully done, and almost every pipe, grab iron and other detail is a seperate part. The thin details, like grab irons and small pipes, are durable blackened wire, which have a better look to them than thin plastic parts, which could break if you do so much as blow on them. The larger details are plastic, but they're thick enough to be durable, and are cast very smoothly.[:D] The painting is just as nice as the detail, with smooth, even coats all around. The color seperation is perfect, with no colors leaking into eachother. There are round builders plates on each side of the smokebox with very small but clear lettering, and on my Western Maryland 2-8-0, it clearly says the prototype was built in July, 1918. I'd need a magnifying glass to read the rest.[:D] The cab windows have glass in them, and, although they can't be seen through clearly, it's good to have it there. The interior is fully detailed, with a backhead and painted crew.[:D] There is a stamped metal drop-step on the back of the engine that is positionable, and lays flat on the front of the tender in the upward position.[:D] The blackened valve gear is very detailed, and there's a dummy reverse gear on the right side of the engine. The tender is also well detailed, but Bachmann forgot to put a lift bar on the back. The coal load is painted gloss black instead of the usual flat black, so it looks more realistic.[:D] The headlight barely shows up, because they made the light go through a very thin bar to the headlight part, instead of putting the light bulb into the headlight. That could be fixed, but it may take some work to do it.



My 2-8-0 ran very smoothly right out of the box, but there are two plugs that have to be connected to the tender. The engine runs perfectly smooth at all speeds, and the only sound you hear is the wheels on the track, and a slight wine from the cogged belt at higher speeds. It wobbles as little as an Atlas diesel, and Atlas diesels don't wobble at all.[:D] At 12 volts, it reached a maximum of 87 scale MPH and drew 0.17 amps. When I stalled it at 12 volts, it drew a maximum of 1.3 amps. The minimum speed it ran steadily at was about 4.5 scale MPH. The valve gear works very smoothly, making no noise, and not affecting the smooth running at all. Both eccentrics were backwards on mine, but that was fixed easily with a little pressure from my fingers. The engine alone weighs just a little less than a pound because of its diecast metal frame, cab weight and split metal weights, which hold the motor, flywheel, worm and belt. The second and fourth driver axles are sprung for better traction, and based on how hard it pulls on the coupler, I'd say it could pull 40-50 free rolling cars.[:D] All the drive wheels pick up electricity, along with four on the tender, giving it twelve wheel pickup, so it should just glide right through dirty track without a problem.[:D] The tender holds all the electronics, including a DCC plug. There should be enough room for a sound system inside.

Bachmann's Spectrum 2-8-0 is one of the best steam engines I've ever seen. Except for a couple small mistakes, it's one of the best quality, best detailed, best running steam engines you can get for under $150.[:D][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

I've had mine for several years now,,,been a gem the entire time!!

[tstage]

Thanks for the review! I've heard nothing but good things about the Spectrum 2-8-0. One of the guys in my train club brought one to a meet one time and I was very impressed with both the detailing and the performance of it.

Tom

[grayfox1119]

Thank you DSFE for an excellent review. It is reviews such as yours that make it easier for the rest of us to decide what to buy when were're ready to lay the $$ on the table. GREAT JOB !!!

[SpaceMouse]

Pull out your maginfying glass and look. The train drivers are Chinese women.

Mine was pretty sweet as well and the SoundTrax unit drops in. Took all of 5 minutes to install.

[jeffers_mz]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe
...clip of an excellent review...

I love mine, but I'd love it better with 4 (three before I read Space mouse's post) changes.

1. They could have painted the tender connections black, instead of the attention grabbing multi colored wiring harness they actually used.

2. If they'd built an 1890's Connie instead, I'd have bought 9 of them instead of 1.

3. How the heck do you pick it up without risking the details?

4. Chip, the jury's still out on the sex of the drivers here. Yes the hair may be a bit long, but there are...anatomical discrepancies ...which don't support your contention. Not sure what, if any, inroads the Playtex Corporation made into Chinese markets, but until I see them, they aren't there.

The Spectrum 2-8-0 is the best steam puller I have, four heavy cars and a full size caboose up a 5 percent grade on an 18" curve.

Finally, not bragging or anything, just sharing info, but I walked with mine for a cool Franklin, plus tax, from my ever so friendly LHS. You may have to hunt for them, but they're out there.

P.S., the builder's plate small print says "Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia USA".

[ereimer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeffers_mz

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe
...clip of an excellent review...

I love mine, but I'd love it better with 4 (three before I read Space mouse's post) changes.

1. They could have painted the tender connections black, instead of the attention grabbing multi colored wiring harness they actually used.

2. If they'd built an 1890's Connie instead, I'd have bought 9 of them instead of 1.

3. How the heck do you pick it up without risking the details?

4. Chip, the jury's still out on the sex of the drivers here. Yes the hair may be a bit long, but there are...anatomical discrepancies ...which don't support your contention. Not sure what, if any, inroads the Playtex Corporation made into Chinese markets, but until I see them, they aren't there.

1) at least that's easily fixed

2) oh yeah , no kidding . it's amusing how massive the 2-8-0 looks sitting next to the spectrum 4-6-0

3) very carefully but not always successfully

4) i need a magnifier just to see that there is a driver , determining the driver's sex would require special equipment beyond my railroad's operating budget [:D]

[Anonymous]

The 2-8-0 is a great steamer, but I have a few problems with mine:

1. Mine dances down the track. Wobbles all over the place.

2. Low speed operation is very jerky.

3. Noisy at higher speeds.

4. Looks too big. Thing is almost taller than my UP Northern, I don't think Spectrum got their proportions right.

5. Mine will barely pull 5 passenger cars on level track.

Maybe mine's a dud. Either way, I still like it.

[Isambard]

QUOTE: Originally posted by jeffers_mz

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe
...clip of an excellent review...

1. They could have painted the tender connections black, instead of the attention grabbing multi colored wiring harness they actually used.

2. If they'd built an 1890's Connie instead, I'd have bought 9 of them instead of 1.

3. How the heck do you pick it up without risking the details?

4. Chip, the jury's still out on the sex of the drivers here. Yes the hair may be a bit long, but there are...anatomical discrepancies ...which don't support your contention. Not sure what, if any, inroads the Playtex Corporation made into Chinese markets, but until I see them, they aren't there.

The Spectrum 2-8-0 is the best steam puller I have, four heavy cars and a full size caboose up a 5 percent grade on an 18" curve.

Finally, not bragging or anything, just sharing info, but I walked with mine for a cool Franklin, plus tax, from my ever so friendly LHS. You may have to hunt for them, but they're out there.

P.S., the builder's plate small print says "Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia USA".

I have three of the 2-8-0's and love them all. I've painted the tender connecting wires and connector edges black, added plastic pellet coal on top of the molded coal for greater realism, added canvas curtains to the cab rear (Canadian winters are cold) and in one case added an Elesco feed water pump, and heater. All are fitted with plug-in DH123 decoders and run smoothly.

I pick up using two 0-5-0's (two hands, ten fingers), holding the cylinders at the front end, the cab in the middle and the tender front end, avoiding pressure on the valve gear and connecting rods. I avoid disconnecting the tender from the loco. I transport them to and from the club weekly or so, cradled upright in 1/2 in. soft foam in turn cradled in Rubber Maid kitchen drawer organizers and in turn these sitting in a foam lined cut down bankers box. I do the same thing with the other Grizzly Northern loco's. Despite the frequent handling involved I've had no related problems.

[:)]

[Anonymous]

My Spectrum 2-8-0 was my favorite steam locomotive until I got my P2K 2-8-4 and 0-8-0 I'm lucky to have gotten one that has run flawlessly since day one. I eventually plan to assemble the passenger cars I need to have it pull a 1970's excursion train around the club layout.

[jondrd]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe

This review is on the early production Bachmann Spectrum DCC ready 2-8-0s.[:D]

There should be enough room for a sound system inside.

For models shipped before Oct'05 SoundTraxx DSD-B280LC(sound) is a virtual plug-in. This install was detailed in MR-don't know which issue at the moment.

When this model first appeared in MR news I thought, "Wow, almost looks as good as brass." [tup] [tup] [tup] I have two, one runs better than the other. I'm hoping installation of decoder will help the weak performer.


Jon[8D]

Jon

[Cheese]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Darth Santa Fe
...clip of an excellent review...

I love mine, but I'd love it better with 4 (three before I read Space mouse's post) changes.

1. They could have painted the tender connections black, instead of the attention grabbing multi colored wiring harness they actually used.

2. If they'd built an 1890's Connie instead, I'd have bought 9 of them instead of 1.

3. How the heck do you pick it up without risking the details?

4. Chip, the jury's still out on the sex of the drivers here. Yes the hair may be a bit long, but there are...anatomical discrepancies ...which don't support your contention. Not sure what, if any, inroads the Playtex Corporation made into Chinese markets, but until I see them, they aren't there.

The Spectrum 2-8-0 is the best steam puller I have, four heavy cars and a full size caboose up a 5 percent grade on an 18" curve.

Finally, not bragging or anything, just sharing info, but I walked with mine for a cool Franklin, plus tax, from my ever so friendly LHS. You may have to hunt for them, but they're out there.

P.S., the builder's plate small print says "Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia USA".

Yes,

I love the Spectrum 2-8-0, but I'd love to see a Spectrum HO "Connie"

Cheese

[PASMITH]

Has anyone tried to covert this loco to an early SP prototype?

Peter Smith, memphis

[jacon12]

That's a good review of a fine little engine.  I certainly agree with the brightness of the headlight, or rather lack thereof.  For several days I thought something was wrong with mine, was on 'dim' or something.  I bought mine on sale with Tsunami sound decoder from Micro Mark for about $142 plus shipping, which I thought (and still do) was a good deal, considering what I paid for my P2K and BLI locos.  Below is a picture of mine that shows that tether wire that should be black.  Gonna paint them black also.

JaRRell

[doctorwayne]

These are great locos:  I have seven of them, and they all run smoothly and pull great - even better after adding some weight to them.  While they are big Consolidations, they compare favourably the the CNR's N-2-b class, to which one of mine will be converted.  They were rated at the same tractive effort as most of the CNR's Mikados.

 

[rrebell]

Yes adding weight is a must if you pull heavy cars!

[faraway]

I have two Spectrum 2-8-0 and like them very much.

However, the P2K 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 are running much more smooth. They are extrem silent engines.

I assume the belt is good but not as good as a conventional gear box. Seams to be the same is true for the Spectrum 2-10-0.

[BRAKIE]

Darth,I am about to order a unlettered connie and decal it for a C&O G9.While not 100% correct it is a fairly good stand in.Now since some G9's had vanderbuilt tenders I made add  that type of tender.

 

[doctorwayne]

  

3. How the heck do you pick it up without risking the details? "

 

These locos aren't really that fragile.  One of mine took a three foot, head-on dive to the concrete floor.  The only damage was a broken drawbar pin on the tender, and one of the plugs between the loco and tender damaged.  Both were easily fixed, and she still runs great!

Wayne

[dstarr]

Yes adding weight is a must if you pull heavy cars!

 Where do you find room inside to add more weight?  

[doctorwayne]

Hmm, it's been a while since I've done mine, I'll have to check one that's still "in the shops".

There's a little bit of room in the smokebox ahead of the factory weight - I remove the lights from most of my locos in favour of extra weight, so this option is not for everybody.  You can also cut off the front of the factory weight (back to just ahead of where the screw that comes up through the cylinder casting attaches) and replace it with a similarily-shaped piece of lead.  There's also room in the domes, on the cab floor, and between the drivers atop the frame:  the latter option is not really visible when the loco is on the layout.  On the ones in my previous picture, I fabricated new air tanks from lead-filled brass tubing, and added an extra one on the pilot deck.  On these locos, I didn't bother replacing the front of the factory weight, as the locos will pull the trains that they were purchased for, although the one that's being converted to a CNR loco will have more weight added.  The stock 2-8-0 (loco only) weighs 12.75 oz., balanced about the mid-point of the driver wheelbase.  My modified locos weigh 14.25 oz., also balanced at the mid point of the driver wheelbase.  The balancing is just as important as the amount of weight added, as too much on one end can decrease the downforce on the drivers at the opposite end.  I also added 1.75 oz. to the tender, with up to another 1.25 oz. available when the bunker is loaded with loose "coal".

While it doesn't deal with the Bachmann 2-8-0, you can check out some ideas for adding weight to any steamer here:

 

Wayne

[orsonroy]

4. Looks too big. Thing is almost taller than my UP Northern, I don't think Spectrum got their proportions right.

Actually, the engine measures out perfectly for what it is: an IC 942-series 2-8-0 built in 1909. The core measurements (driver centers, boiler diameter) are exactly the same as the IC's giant fleet of Harriman-standard 2-8-2s, which leads me to believe that the Consolidation is basically a Harriman-standard designed engine too. That means that it's probably a good starting point for UP and SP engines. As an IC modeler, I'm VERY happy with mine!

[gmcrail]

I have a couple of these little beauties.  Great little locos.  The only detail quibbles I had with mine were that the builder's plates were printed in the negative - that is, with black lettering on a gold background - I made some decals to replace them; and the bell was lacking in detail - I replaced it with a Cal-Scale casting. 

 I'd kinda like to replace the whistles, but haven't gotten around to it yet.  (Have you ever noticed - "round to-its" can be really hard to find? )

 The headlight issue is easy to solve.  Remove the boiler and pull out the light pipe that goes from the boiler into the headlight housing.  Then slip a 1.5v micro bulb into the headlight from the boiler, and tack it in place with a bit of glue. I removed the circuit board in the tender and substituted a constant lighting unit based on a TTR (Three Terminal Regulator).  The circuit details are on mrollins.com .  It's the  "non-directional constant light circuit for "can" type motors" one. 

[Graham Line]

What a useful old thread!  Are the current production Bachmann 2-8-0 engines with this shell different in any way from the 2006 introduction?

[BigDaddy]

There were a bunch of Bachmann Spectrum locos on sale at Modeltrainstuff and Trainworld early in the year.  My impression was the Spectrum line was being phased out, but I am just a guy at the end of the bar.  I don't know that for sure.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

Graham Line

What a useful old thread!  Are the current production Bachmann 2-8-0 engines with this shell different in any way from the 2006 introduction?

 

 

Bachmann made a number of small changes to the Spectrum 2-8-0 over its many years of production. Then they moved the loco to the regular line mainly because the newer entries into the Spectrum line were generally more proto correct than the 2-8-0.

The current 2-8-0 is the exact same loco previously offered as the Spectrum model, less the fancy box, and currently not offered with with sound, but it is dual mode DCC decoder equiped and I believe the tenders are sound ready with a speaker mounting location.

It is my understanding that the Spectrum line is not being phased out, but that releases will be less frequent.

Bachmann has upgraded the detail and drives of its regular line and has introduced a number of completely new items - they don't need to say Spectrum to be good models anymore.

Starting with the regular line Berkshire some years back, Bachmann has done a great job at higher quality yet still affordable models.

My own steam fleet includes over 35 Bachmann steamers, all good locos.

I have 10 of the 2-8-0's, great running locos.

Sheldon

 

[Graham Line]

Thanks for the help. Not much info about later runs.

[ATLANTIC CENTRAL]

Graham Line

Thanks for the help. Not much info about later runs.

 

The only stuff they changed were circuit board designs, changed to LED headlights at one point, and modified the tender floors for sound versions. Mechanically and cosmeticly still the same as it started out.

Today it just comes ina smaller, simpler box........

Sheldon

[richg1998]

About three or four years ago a Bachmann rep said the loco has a three pole high performance motor and was moved to the standard line.I did notice the loco diagram disappeared from the diagram page but you can still find the diagram via the parts page. DCC on board, DCC ready and DCC with sound.

http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_86

HO Seeker also has diagrams of the loco.

Rich

[Darth Santa Fe]

The 2-8-0 has actually had a 3-pole Mabuchi motor from the beginning. I've used the same motor in quite a few projects since it's smooth, powerful, reliable, and has very good speed control and consistency.