2-8-0 as a switcher

[Isambard]

I ordered a sound equipped Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from Micro-Mark by phone Friday 16 Feb. It was shipped Tuesday 20 Feb. That's hard to beat for a response. I had the same experience with a Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 Decapod that I bought from Micro-Mark in December.

I received the 2-8-0 yesterday and gave it quick test runs yesterday and today, straight out of the box, without making any adjustments. My first impressions on the sounds - Wow! Very impressive! Now I have to get busy and adjust the individual sound levels to suit my preferences and the club environment. This is the Grizzly Northern's first sound equipped loco. It joins a fleet of three other 2-8-0's, four 2-10-0's, a 2-10-2, a three-truck Shay and a Gas Electric, all Spectrum, and a 1st release Proto 0-8-0.

Apart from sound, the new loco has the same excellent appearance and running characteristics as its older companions, although I find the tender to be a bit light at the front end than the earlier 2-8-0's and likely to lift off the rails due to the upward force of the wires to the loco. I'll be adding some weight to compensate. Also unlike the other 2-8-0's and 2-10-0's, each of the two sets of wires (one set of two wires and one of three wires) is encased in two lengths of tubing, each about 3/8 inches long, rather than through several small solid beads. As a result the wiring either jack-knifes upwards or downwards, lifting the light tender. Fortunately I've found that the tubing is very soft and can be cut back to shorter lengths using nail scissors (being very very careful), thereby relieving the jack-knifing.

Now to tackle the Tsunami manual and have some fun tomorrow playing with those sounds!   

[warhammerdriver]

 Lillen,

       Just my again........

       You might want to check out discounthobbywarehouse.net as to availability and price. Shop around you can definitely beat Walthers. I've never dealt with aforementioned mail order house-maybe others on forum could chime in as to whether it's a good source.

 

   Jon

 

Their webside says they're going out of business as of 6/15/07.

[snagletooth]

 I dont model steam, but I am curious. Which way did they use for yard switching, pilot towards cars or tender towards cars? Or where steam yard switchers considered "bi-directional" and crews went with whatever directon it was facing when they grabbed it?

[jon grant]

I picked up a Heritage 0-6-0 in B&O livery a while back

 

 

Jon

 

[Tom Bryant_MR]

With the IHC 2-10-2, it means it has a plug. (quick and easy)

If you  want a good price on a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 w/DDC and Sound, check out Micro-Mark at $142.50

 

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=40281

 

I just couldn't resist.  At that price w/SND, and given the excellent reviews aka this forum, this will be my first steam switcher - dropped Micro-Mark and order this am.

Regards,

[Hoople]

With the IHC 2-10-2, it means it has a plug. (quick and easy)

If you  want a good price on a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 w/DDC and Sound, check out Micro-Mark at $142.50

 

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=40281

 

[Lillen]

Well ad one more customer to that store. I'm going to oder a 2-8-2 with sound and a 2-10-2 with sound, both unlettered. The 2-8-0 will be used in yard service as a switch engine and the 2-10-2 will be used to pull along my new Pullman heavyweights(in that lovely dull green).

Do you think it will be able to pull ten sleepers and one observation lounge up a 2% grade?

 

Lillen

[Newyorkcentralfan]

Bi-directional. 

If you look at switcher tenders you'll see a lot of them have sloped back or have a coal bunker that's very narrow so the engine crew has better vision when running backwards.

 

 I dont model steam, but I am curious. Which way did they use for yard switching, pilot towards cars or tender towards cars? Or where steam yard switchers considered "bi-directional" and crews went with whatever directon it was facing when they grabbed it?

[Newyorkcentralfan]

 

Some railroads had 0-10-0 switchers and even larger articulated ones

However the IHC loco is way too long to just remove the LT and TT and have it look good. Too much overhang. You might be able to replace the boiler casting with their shorter mikado boiler after removing the trucks but you'd still the problem of the driver diameter being way too big.

I'd think that removing the LT for a Bachmann Russian decapod and shortening the pilot would be a better choice to turn into a ten coupled switcher.

 

Having looked around some more I was wondering if the 2-10-2 would be able to be passed of as a switcher or am I way out now?

 

Lillen

[jondrd]

I ordered a sound equipped Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from Micro-Mark by phone Friday 16 Feb. It was shipped Tuesday 20 Feb. That's hard to beat for a response. I had the same experience with a Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 Decapod that I bought from Micro-Mark in December.

I received the 2-8-0 yesterday and gave it quick test runs yesterday and today, straight out of the box, without making any adjustments. My first impressions on the sounds - Wow! Very impressive! Now I have to get busy and adjust the individual sound levels to suit my preferences and the club environment. This is the Grizzly Northern's first sound equipped loco. It joins a fleet of three other 2-8-0's, four 2-10-0's, a 2-10-2, a three-truck Shay and a Gas Electric, all Spectrum, and a 1st release Proto 0-8-0.

Apart from sound, the new loco has the same excellent appearance and running characteristics as its older companions, although I find the tender to be a bit light at the front end than the earlier 2-8-0's and likely to lift off the rails due to the upward force of the wires to the loco. I'll be adding some weight to compensate. Also unlike the other 2-8-0's and 2-10-0's, each of the two sets of wires (one set of two wires and one of three wires) is encased in two lengths of tubing, each about 3/8 inches long, rather than through several small solid beads. As a result the wiring either jack-knifes upwards or downwards, lifting the light tender. Fortunately I've found that the tubing is very soft and can be cut back to shorter lengths using nail scissors (being very very careful), thereby relieving the jack-knifing.

Now to tackle the Tsunami manual and have some fun tomorrow playing with those sounds!   

 Isambard,

     Obviously you've played with the Tsunami sounds since above post. I was wondering Micro-Mark current add(29-Apr-07) re Bachmann/sound equipped steamers lists a fairly truncated number of sounds available(doesn't mention brake squeal, coupler crash etc.). I'm used to QSI up to now and was wondering if MM just fails to list all sound options or is Bachmann install via Soundtraxx a "value" package with less features? Thanks in advance for any info re your 2-8-0's sound performance.

    Jon  

[jondrd]

I ordered a sound equipped Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from Micro-Mark by phone Friday 16 Feb. It was shipped Tuesday 20 Feb. That's hard to beat for a response. I had the same experience with a Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 Decapod that I bought from Micro-Mark in December.

I received the 2-8-0 yesterday and gave it quick test runs yesterday and today, straight out of the box, without making any adjustments. My first impressions on the sounds - Wow! Very impressive! Now I have to get busy and adjust the individual sound levels to suit my preferences and the club environment. This is the Grizzly Northern's first sound equipped loco. It joins a fleet of three other 2-8-0's, four 2-10-0's, a 2-10-2, a three-truck Shay and a Gas Electric, all Spectrum, and a 1st release Proto 0-8-0.

Apart from sound, the new loco has the same excellent appearance and running characteristics as its older companions, although I find the tender to be a bit light at the front end than the earlier 2-8-0's and likely to lift off the rails due to the upward force of the wires to the loco. I'll be adding some weight to compensate. Also unlike the other 2-8-0's and 2-10-0's, each of the two sets of wires (one set of two wires and one of three wires) is encased in two lengths of tubing, each about 3/8 inches long, rather than through several small solid beads. As a result the wiring either jack-knifes upwards or downwards, lifting the light tender. Fortunately I've found that the tubing is very soft and can be cut back to shorter lengths using nail scissors (being very very careful), thereby relieving the jack-knifing.

Now to tackle the Tsunami manual and have some fun tomorrow playing with those sounds!   

 Isambard,

     Obviously you've played with the Tsunami sounds since above post. I was wondering Micro-Mark current add(29-Apr-07) re Bachmann/sound equipped steamers lists a fairly truncated number of sounds available(doesn't mention brake squeal, coupler crash etc.). I'm used to QSI up to now and was wondering if MM just fails to list all sound options or is Bachmann install via Soundtraxx a "value" package with less features? Thanks in advance for any info re your 2-8-0's sound performance.

    Jon  

[Isambard]

I ordered a sound equipped Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from Micro-Mark by phone Friday 16 Feb. It was shipped Tuesday 20 Feb. That's hard to beat for a response. I had the same experience with a Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 Decapod that I bought from Micro-Mark in December.

I received the 2-8-0 yesterday and gave it quick test runs yesterday and today, straight out of the box, without making any adjustments. My first impressions on the sounds - Wow! Very impressive! Now I have to get busy and adjust the individual sound levels to suit my preferences and the club environment. This is the Grizzly Northern's first sound equipped loco. It joins a fleet of three other 2-8-0's, four 2-10-0's, a 2-10-2, a three-truck Shay and a Gas Electric, all Spectrum, and a 1st release Proto 0-8-0.

Apart from sound, the new loco has the same excellent appearance and running characteristics as its older companions, although I find the tender to be a bit light at the front end than the earlier 2-8-0's and likely to lift off the rails due to the upward force of the wires to the loco. I'll be adding some weight to compensate. Also unlike the other 2-8-0's and 2-10-0's, each of the two sets of wires (one set of two wires and one of three wires) is encased in two lengths of tubing, each about 3/8 inches long, rather than through several small solid beads. As a result the wiring either jack-knifes upwards or downwards, lifting the light tender. Fortunately I've found that the tubing is very soft and can be cut back to shorter lengths using nail scissors (being very very careful), thereby relieving the jack-knifing.

Now to tackle the Tsunami manual and have some fun tomorrow playing with those sounds!   

 Isambard,

     Obviously you've played with the Tsunami sounds since above post. I was wondering Micro-Mark current add(29-Apr-07) re Bachmann/sound equipped steamers lists a fairly truncated number of sounds available(doesn't mention brake squeal, coupler crash etc.). I'm used to QSI up to now and was wondering if MM just fails to list all sound options or is Bachmann install via Soundtraxx a "value" package with less features? Thanks in advance for any info re your 2-8-0's sound performance.

    Jon  

Jon:

My Tsunami Spectrum 2-8-0 came with the following adjustable effects: F0 Headlight, F1 Bell, F2 Whistle (choice of three different ones), F3 Short Whistle (choice of three again), F4 Steam release (blow down), F5 Dynamo, F6 Water stop, F7 Coupler clank, F8 Sound mute, Direction button Johnson Bar clunk, Throttle -exhaust chuff, snifter valve and brake squeal. In addition it has as background air pump and blower sounds. The sounds are realistic, and adjustable over a wide volume range . I was impressed as were other club members who operate with sound.

However having said that, I am not happy with my purchase due to other problems, which may be associated with early production batch problems. See my post below at 7:32 pm yesterday under the thread "About Bachmann DCC and Sound".  This was my first venture into sound. Excluding the 2-10-0 sent to Bachmann for repair, I operate eight other Spectrum steamers, a Spectrum Doodlebug and a Proto 0-8-0, without significant problems.

 

[gderem]

So I guess the general agreement is that it's a good buy. I have found the DCC no sound variant for 122 dollars and the one with sound for 183 dollars.

to what others have said -- I've had the sound version for about a month and it just crawls and the sound is great!  I picked it up from WholeSale Trains for $157 delivered.

[dinwitty]

Hi. I'm looking for a switchengine for my 1950's B&O layout. I have had problems finding one with DCC but then I found this;

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-84502

 

A 2-8-0 from Bachmann.

Fist of all, how good are they.

Second, would it be suitable as a switchengine?

 

Thanks, Lillen

 

The B&O is a large RR and had plenty of specialized locos to suit their workings.

A small 2-8-0 would be used for a variety of services including switching duties but it would be suited for a branch line run.

Switch engines vary, from little 0-4-0 to 0-8-0 to DM&IR 0-10-2, and either PRR or NYC had 0-8-8-0's for switchers.

N&W used their 2-8-8-2's for switching duties.

 http://www.northeast.railfan.net/bo_steam4.html

check this site for a great photo-roster.

I thought the N&W only had 2-6-6-4's, woops B&O too!

I dunno if anyone made a B&O 2-6-6-4, well, time to do it!!! 

[turkeybuzzard]

The 2-8-0 Spectrum with sound I received from MicroMark runs like a dream.I have two lines, one DC with a MRC Tech4 where the sound (although limited) is very good and the operation is smooth and satisfying. However, my DCC PRR main line is operated by a Command 2000 and I get no response from this unit on there. I would assume I have to step up to a Zepher or such for DCC operation to get the full benefit from the range of sounds and to even run this beautiful unit. I am tempted to just perhaps forget DCC altogether and maybe just stick with DC. Notice my June issue back cover of MR is advertising a "Black Box" to get the full range of sound with DC. Any thoughts?

[Tom Bryant_MR]

Also received my Spectrum 2-8-0 this last week from MicroMark for $155 incl shipping.  Love the break squeel.  Runs great straight out of the box.  Now need some time to work with the Tsunami.  And I agree with previous posts ... the tender is a little light ... solved by adding some weight.

Regards,

[Isambard]

I ordered a sound equipped Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation from Micro-Mark by phone Friday 16 Feb. It was shipped Tuesday 20 Feb. That's hard to beat for a response. I had the same experience with a Spectrum "Russian" 2-10-0 Decapod that I bought from Micro-Mark in December.

I received the 2-8-0 yesterday and gave it quick test runs yesterday and today, straight out of the box, without making any adjustments. My first impressions on the sounds - Wow! Very impressive! Now I have to get busy and adjust the individual sound levels to suit my preferences and the club environment. This is the Grizzly Northern's first sound equipped loco. It joins a fleet of three other 2-8-0's, four 2-10-0's, a 2-10-2, a three-truck Shay and a Gas Electric, all Spectrum, and a 1st release Proto 0-8-0.

Apart from sound, the new loco has the same excellent appearance and running characteristics as its older companions, although I find the tender to be a bit light at the front end than the earlier 2-8-0's and likely to lift off the rails due to the upward force of the wires to the loco. I'll be adding some weight to compensate. Also unlike the other 2-8-0's and 2-10-0's, each of the two sets of wires (one set of two wires and one of three wires) is encased in two lengths of tubing, each about 3/8 inches long, rather than through several small solid beads. As a result the wiring either jack-knifes upwards or downwards, lifting the light tender. Fortunately I've found that the tubing is very soft and can be cut back to shorter lengths using nail scissors (being very very careful), thereby relieving the jack-knifing.

Now to tackle the Tsunami manual and have some fun tomorrow playing with those sounds!   

 Isambard,

     Obviously you've played with the Tsunami sounds since above post. I was wondering Micro-Mark current add(29-Apr-07) re Bachmann/sound equipped steamers lists a fairly truncated number of sounds available(doesn't mention brake squeal, coupler crash etc.). I'm used to QSI up to now and was wondering if MM just fails to list all sound options or is Bachmann install via Soundtraxx a "value" package with less features? Thanks in advance for any info re your 2-8-0's sound performance.

    Jon  

Jon:

My Tsunami Spectrum 2-8-0 came with the following adjustable effects: F0 Headlight, F1 Bell, F2 Whistle (choice of three different ones), F3 Short Whistle (choice of three again), F4 Steam release (blow down), F5 Dynamo, F6 Water stop, F7 Coupler clank, F8 Sound mute, Direction button Johnson Bar clunk, Throttle -exhaust chuff, snifter valve and brake squeal. In addition it has as background air pump and blower sounds. The sounds are realistic, and adjustable over a wide volume range . I was impressed as were other club members who operate with sound.

However having said that, I am not happy with my purchase due to other problems, which may be associated with early production batch problems. See my post below at 7:32 pm yesterday under the thread "About Bachmann DCC and Sound".  This was my first venture into sound. Excluding the 2-10-0 sent to Bachmann for repair, I operate eight other Spectrum steamers, a Spectrum Doodlebug and a Proto 0-8-0, without significant problems.

 

I'm cautiously optimistic about the new 2-8-0 today. Last evening based on recommendations from other posts, I reset the CV's to factory levels (008 to 008) and specifically disabled analog power conversion (CV12 set to zero). The loco ran smoothly throughout the layout. More running will tell if the problem is cured.

[dti406]

Hi. I'm looking for a switchengine for my 1950's B&O layout. I have had problems finding one with DCC but then I found this;

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/160-84502

 

A 2-8-0 from Bachmann.

Fist of all, how good are they.

Second, would it be suitable as a switchengine?

 

Thanks, Lillen

 

The B&O is a large RR and had plenty of specialized locos to suit their workings.

A small 2-8-0 would be used for a variety of services including switching duties but it would be suited for a branch line run.

Switch engines vary, from little 0-4-0 to 0-8-0 to DM&IR 0-10-2, and either PRR or NYC had 0-8-8-0's for switchers.

N&W used their 2-8-8-2's for switching duties.

 http://www.northeast.railfan.net/bo_steam4.html

check this site for a great photo-roster.

I thought the N&W only had 2-6-6-4's, woops B&O too!

I dunno if anyone made a B&O 2-6-6-4, well, time to do it!!! 

 

First of all the B&O 2-6-6-4 were not even close to the N&W version, they were purchased second hand from the Seaboard Air Line who disposed of them when they dieselized and the B&O picked them up.  They were offered in brass by Key IIRC, but could have been another importer, but I don't have my Brown Book handy.

Next: the Pennsy did not like their giant 0-8-0's, so much of their switching was done by 2-8-0's and even their 2-10-0's.  The 0-8-8-0's were used for hump yard and transfer service. 

Rick