Hi floks, I've juste recieved my Bachmann Acela train set and I must admit my very first impression has benn : That's a pretty nice train.... Then i put the train on my DCC Layout, call the adress 03, and the first US bullet train starts to run... the train arrived on a tight curve (12.75 inches) : The head car derailled and then the train slowed down a bit as the bar coach (motor coach) drove trough the curve... Then I found that on a 10.5 inches curve the train could totally stop on the curve as all cars were touching each other... It didn't happend when the trains entered the curve at FULL speed, below this full speed it would allway be stopped. I have also a standard coach that derailled on a straight track... It seems this train needs a real highspeed track with very large curve all over the layout... I know you may think my layout isn't well built but i can tell you i have several Kato bullet train (NOZOMI / Thalys / Eurostar / etc) and i never had any off these problems. Did someone found similar or other difficulties with this train? And why not, the solution to it??? Anyway Bachmann will allways be Bachmann and unfortunately will never be kato. Happy new year to all of you. Seb.
The Acela and Amfleets state 19" minimum radiouses right on the box. Remember the Aela is slightly larger then a comparable TGV, and that this omes into play when working on tight radiouses and working diaphrams. Here is my Amtube review: http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23317&SearchTerms=amtube Here is my coupler tutorial for the Amtubes: http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23367&SearchTerms=amtube This will give you a few more inches tighter radious. Here is my HHP-8 review: http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=23713&SearchTerms=acela Here are TWO methods of installing MTL couplers to the HHP-8: http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24023&SearchTerms=acela Here is my Acela Express review: http://forum.atlasrr.com/discussion/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24419&SearchTerms=acela
Well... i've spend 315$ for a 7 (5+2) car bullet train and you're right for the moment i can't really enjoy it. i'll soon add some weight to the two loco to avoid derailement and to the motorized car to increase the traction performance , and i hope that by the time i finish the layout, there'll be at least a loop where this train can run...
The Acela run well on a 14.25 inches curve but of course a 19 inches would be great. I might have one somewehre....
I'm sorry to hear that about the Bman. My Kato 800 series bullet will take an Unitrak 8" curve at a very fast clip. I'll be happy to post pics if any would like.
That's an Idea Doug.... If i can fix all these stupid deraillements first... i'll try it your way....
i got one as well and fortunately for me, i designed my layout around the acela instead of designing a layout and then getting an acela. a quick warning though, the trucks have a fatal design flaw, the rods that hold the gears in place in the trucks have nothing to hold them in place and will eventually slide out enough to allow the gears to pop out and your train will make a buzzing sound but there will be no movement. the train, though masterfully designed and with a powerful motor is a piece of junk since there is no way to fix this problem unless you are VERY good at modding things
It's interesting to read the date of the 1st post and the last. In 5 years Bachmann hasn't fixed the problems of the Acela. Growlithe - Welcome to the TB!
I would contact Bachmann's service dept about you defective truck, I have had the Acela since it's first release in late 2005, and other than a broken coupler (my fault), there have been zero issues with it. FWIW, my min curve is around 15", and only in one spot, all others are 17", 19", 22", or greater . entering 18" curve
