A couple of quick questions from a new comer (to the board and to "N" gauge)... 1.) I gather one of the best steam locomotives available is the Bachmann 2-6-0. It is a locomotive that interests me because I would be modeling the Colorado mountain area and it seems the 2-6-0 had a strong run in those parts. Is it true that the 2-6-2 from Bachmann is an OK piece of gear? 2.) If what I have heard about the Bachmann model is true, is there any reason not to buy the Bachmann "Stationmaster/Southern" set that ships with this locomotive, several pieces of rolling stock, some starter track, and a power pack? Originally this set was marketed with a green 2-6-2, but it would seem that changes have been made and the finish is now black... that would indicate a more recent locomotive than the green version that originally shipped with the set. Now I've read tons of stuff about getting stung with sets, companies selling off what they don't want, selling off bad models, etc, but I can't see a problem with this one. What am I missing? It seems to me that this would be a good way to determine if these old, arthritic hands can manage the small sizes of "N", and if these old eyes can even see it. It also seems to me that i might get some enjoyment out of it while I work on my Colorado layout and decide what I really want for power and rolling stock. I'm intrigued with the Atlas 2 truck Shay, and lots of them were used in the mountains of Colorado. Anyway, any and all thoughts are welcome. Thanks, KCD
Welcome to the board KCD! Come on in, and sit a spell. As for you questions on Bachmann, It is the 2-8-0 Consolidation that was the locomotive turning everyones head, not the 2-6-0. That said, with any new locomotive, you will need to test run the locomotive before you buy. Good luck with your model railroading dreams, may they all come true!
If it is indeed the 2-8-0 you need to be modeling, then the Spectrum version should serve you well. fatalxsunrider43
Not so. The Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 is one of the best steamers in N, except for spotty quality control. If you get a good one, it is the equal of the Kato Mikado (2-8-2), considered to be the "Gold Standard" in North American prototype N scale steam. If you don't get a good one, take advantage of Bachmann's warranty! Is it true that the 2-6-2 from Bachmann is an OK piece of gear? The Prairie? So-so. Older one's are truly "trainset" quality, (i.e. not so good), I don't know if they've reworked it yet. 2.) If what I have heard about the Bachmann model is true, is there any reason not to buy the Bachmann "Stationmaster/Southern" set that ships with this locomotive, several pieces of rolling stock, some starter track, and a power pack? Originally this set was marketed with a green 2-6-2, but it would seem that changes have been made and the finish is now black... that would indicate a more recent locomotive than the green version that originally shipped with the set. Now I've read tons of stuff about getting stung with sets, companies selling off what they don't want, selling off bad models, etc, but I can't see a problem with this one. What am I missing? Trainsets are generally (not always, but generally) the realm of the lowest quality products. However, if that is the Stationmaster with the Spectrum (notice that I keep empahsizing that! It's because Bachmann makes two different 2-8-0 locomotives. A trainset quality one, and the Spectrum) 2-8-0, you should be good. From the picture of the set at Walthers Spectrum(R) Train Set w/Nickel Silver E-Z Track(R) -- "Station Master" w/2-8-0 Steam Loco - Southern (160-24121) -- Walthers Model Railroad Mall, it does look to be the Spectrum. If you aren't stuck on steam, then the best value in a trainset today is the Atlas Trainman GP-15 set. A gem of a locomotive, you should be able to get a good sense of whether or not you're comfortable working with N. If stuck on steam and you prefer not to go the packaged set route, then I would suggest scoring either a Kato Mikado, Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0, or Athearn/MDC 2-6-0 or 2-8-0. The latter are the smallest of the lot, and run quite reliably. The Athearn versions are available in the nice colorful 19th century paint schemes, whereas the MDC versions are pretty much all black. Athearn acquired MDC a few years ago, hence the two versions. If possible get the Athearn version, as they have operating knuckle couplers. Pick up a small assortment of cars, either some Kato Unitrack or Atlas Tru-Track, and a power pack. In short, build your own set. The most important thing is, get a good quality locomotive, reliable track, and a decent power pack.
Welome to TrainBoard, KCD. A good reference for locomotives is: http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/locos.html Hope this helps.
Biker Dad... You are correct (I was not). The locomotive with the "Stationmaster/Southern" set is a Bachmann 2-8-0, and the set shown in the link you sent is the set that I have been looking at. However, when I asked about the availability of this set, I was advised that it was available, but with a black locomotive. My initial thought was that this might be a good thing since the reputation of Bachmann's locomotives seems to have improved over the years, and if the "green" ones were all gone, they might be replacing the item in the set with a newer (and better) version. Now I'm concerned that they may be replacing a "Spectrum" with a lesser engine. Thanks for the tip, I will make inquires and otherwise follow your advice. Thanks, KCD
Hi KCD, Welcome aboard. As you can see there are a lot of good folks on here willing to help you with sound advice.
Biker Dad, You emphasized the following: "...However, if that is the Stationmaster with the Spectrum..." and provided a link to Waltheres which lists the Stationmaster/Southern set as "Spectrum(R) Train Set w/Nickel Silver E-Z Track(R)", but lists the locomotive as a ..."DCC-ready Baldwin 2-8-0 steam locomotive with operating headlight..." with no mention of Spectrum. I have asked the hobby shop (Trainworld) specifically about this set and the included Spectrum Locomotive. Here is what they say, "...we offer this premium Spectrum® set. The Stationmaster features our DCC-ready N scale 2-8-0 Consolidation, voted N Scale Locomotive of the Year...". They have also told me that the "green" locomotive that originally shipped with the set has been replaced by a black 2-8-0. When asked if the black replacement was the same as the green in although black in color, they sent the description from which I quoted above. To the novice, what they sent makes it sound as though the black is a replacement of a different color only, and that the set has not been ¤¤¤¤¤¤¤ized. My problem is that I have no experience with Trainworld and know nothing about them other than they are in New York (Brooklyn and Lynbrook). I've never had much luck with retailers from Manhattan. Do you know anything about these people? Also, given what I have quoted from them, does this sound like the same set you found at Walthers? Thank you for your patience... KCD
If you like steam and want to model Colorado, I would buy these items. N RTR Old Time 2-8-0, D&RGW #683 N RTR 50' Overland Passenger Set, D&RGW (4) M1 Basic Oval w/ Kato Power Pack With this, you get a D&RGW Athearn 2-8-0 steamer (regarded as one of the best N-scale steamers), four D&RGW 50' Overland passengers cars and a Kato Unitrack starter oval with powerpack. Kato Unitrack is widely regarded as THE standard for plug and play track. Total investment of $175 and you actually get the best of everything and something that would have run in Colorado. Trainworld has always been good to me and I haven't ever had a problem with them. If the Bachmann starter set says Spectrum, it will have the Spectrum 2-8-0 in it. The problem is that as others have mentioned, even though most of the Spectrum 2-8-0s run good, some do not and you will have to mess with Bachmann to get it fixed. I personally have gone through more than 20 of the 2-8-0s and only found 3 that ran well enough to keep. I am very picky about running qualities of my locos though. The Atlas Shay is an awesome little loco as well, especially when you add a couple of the Micro-Trains log cars.
