New 44-Tonner - Bachmann Spectrum

Hi all,

Just wanted to share the news of a new acquisition.
A bouncing baby Bachmann Spectrum B&O 44-Ton diesel switcher!

As a newbie, the arrival of my SECOND loco is definitely cause for celebration.

Now my 2-8-0 Consolidation can keep her feet clean and stick to the main while the little ol' 44 does all the hard work spotting freight!

And so far she is a very smooth runner.
I got some advice on the board that it was a worthwhile loco (thanks to whomever that was...), and it is certainly true.

If anyone was considering it, I would recommend it as well.
2 hours running last night starting to break it in and it was a smooth as silk (and quiet!).

Sure glad I used the old "Christmas Layout" excuse with the wife to kick back into the hobby and grab some real estate in the house (which also lays the groundwork for a semi-permenant layout in the rec room)...

Anyway, Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Mark

 

No pictures???

Nice to hear you're happy with your purchase! Being happy and having fun is the most important part.

 

I have a yellow 44-tonner. I put the optional long headlight covers on mine using a tiny tiny bit of glue on the end of a pin. I also got rid of the stock dummy couplers and put some McHenrys on there (they fit better than any of the MTLs I have).

I have been pleased with mine, aside from the coupler issue. I think you will like this loco.

 

Congratulations on your new 44-Tonner! That one is on my wish list...maybe someday.

 

The Spectrum 2-8-0 and 44 tonner are two of the best small engines available in N scale.

 

I've got one of the Bachmann 2-8-0's that I picked up two weeks ago.It is a good runner awaiting a decoder install. I have been thinking of the 44 tonner as it comes with DCC but can anyone who has one tell me how many cars it will pull? Thanks.

 

I've got 2 and each will regularly pull 7-8 or so cars in a mixture of boxcars, grain hoppers and tanks. This is on a level loop of Kato Unitrack with 15" radius curves.

John H. Reinhardt

 

I have 1 in the paint shop haven't ran it yet though.

 

one at work.
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#2

 

One of my clubmates had his pulling about 10-12 modern boxcars on dead-level N-Trak sort of track.

 

Thanks much. My MP-15's pull that many so it should suffice as an industry switcher.

 

I like the Turtle Creek Logo. Looks great on that little loco

 

Hi all,

She us running really well so far.
I swapped out the dummy couplers for some MTL's since all my stock is on those...
This was a little more bodywork than I wanted, which involved shaving and trimming both the body and then coupler, but I couldn't find a conversion and I was really impatient to get it moving and pulling.

I am using Kato Unitrack and all is smooth as I go through the break-in period.

As to cars, I am pulling 8 right now with no problems.

My only complaint is the speed.
It tops out really quickly (on DC at least).
I would guess it is about 20% faster than the 2-8-0 Consolidation...
I am anticipating some better slow speed performance. Right now it is just a little bit "sticky" right off the gate when I apply throttle.

Anyone feel that a high top speed and stickiness at start indicates any problems?
How much running is it before I am out of the break in period?

Thanks again

 

I'm looking at getting one.
It would be cool to have one switching the cement plant.

 

There great little locos Mike, I have one just like pictured here. And for the price with DCC I don't think you could go wrong.