I noticed that Bachmann was sold to Kader Group a Hong Kong based manufacturer that used to make they're products. I've seen that they are bringing out some new products and a lot more expensive then any bachmann used to be example the 70 ton GE switcher but Bachmann's quality was alway marginal nothing more. I mean only time will tell but they still don't have a good coupler yet, they are still using the raido style couplers on a lot of they're products other than that they have that useless dummy knuckle coupler . I still think that all the other manufacturers have an upper hand on bachmann as to bachmann stepping up they're quality only time will tell.
I'll try to be nice...where have you been? Bachmann has been owned by Kader for something like 20 years. They already have a working coupler, I have one that came on the back of my C&O H-4 that has been on my layout for 3-4 months. All new product is coming with the same coupler. It is a copy of the McHenry coupler. Bachmann Spectrum steamers, originally the 2-8-0, and now the Heavy Mountain have been considered one of the benchmark steamers for quite a while. The 44 ton switcher released last year has been an astounding success, leading to the 70T that you are refering in your post. Bachmann is not your grandad's Bachmann anymore and hasn't been in at least 5-6 years. Besides - Kader was making most of the products you buy. They just dropped a bunch of companies that they were supplying so that they can concentrate on their main vendors; Bachmann and it variations in other countries, Atlas, Lionel and a few other biggies. ***I see YoHo beat me on the ownership issue.
This is correct. Kader also owns Sanda Kan (which appears to be run as a seperate company) Sanda Kan makes Athearn, Atlas and a number other companies products. Of course, those other companies do the mold work and define the electronics and gears and all of that, but still...
I would like to say that my arcane opinions of Bachmann went along the traditional route until they introduced the Spectrum line. Sputtering at first with that big Dash 8, it certainly was a step in the right direction. Then along comes the Consolidation, then the Light Mountain, which turned my opinion north. Those steamers outcompare just about any other steamer before and after, and their detail matches the best brass. Just one look at their headlights and builders plates will convince you. Then with the new opinion, I pull out a very old PRR faded red F9, put some light lube on it, and run it on my track, and be darned if it didn't outrun and outperform my Trix F units. Golly. I like to think I like to tinker, and with some tinkering, and couplers you can make some nice rolling stock, outlandish locos and consider your Bachmann stuff a part of the gang. It just takes a little opening of the heart eyes and brain. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I've been around I just haven't focused on Bachmann because they don't make any Diesels that I was interested in. And I've only been back in the hobby for three years I took a seventeen year break.
Get out and buy the new Bachmann $#!+, some really good $#!+. I never thought I'd see the day when Bachmann would put out some good stuff. It's about time and they are doing a right nice, fine job. My suggestion with the older stuff is give it a heave ho. I wouldn't keep it or give to someone else. Although, I have been known to ship my older stuff out but only to someone who knows what they are getting. I usually include a disclaimer as big as all outdoors. Usually accompanied by a description of Granddad's old out house.
The GP-7 they've announced looks like a bona-fide non-junk product as well. http://nscalesupply.com/BAC/BAC-loco-GP7.html
Wowsers!! I clicked that link and the first thig that caught my eye was that HUGH coupler hanging a scale 5 feet out the front !!:tb-wacky::tb-shocked:. Otherwise...from the picture... the model doesnt look to bad :tb-cool: .
My thoughts: Are we looking at some serious overhauls here? Yes. See-through steps, the trucks show a lot more wheel than most brands, and the detail on the main body looks pretty crisp. The numberboards appear to be part of the shell, so expect painted-on numbers (no backlighting). Look at ow high-up the fuel tank sits underneath, looks like they are sticking with their cast fuel tanks as part of the frame. Adds some needed heft, in my view. Handrails look thin and crisp, but the mounts are a bit big to me. Despite the longer shank coupler, the pilot has good detail. All in all, I would say we're about to see one of the best looking Bachmanns produced to-date, and if their "quiet drive" holds up to its name, I will be buying at least a few to re-paint shells and run. Only time will tell if they'll stand up to the new Atlas Master GP7's/9's coming this fall!
I am looking foward to the new hoppers. Sure they may not be perfect but at a price of 9ish on the street vs intermountain's at a 16 dollar street price, its almost a 2 for 1 deal. To be honest, i am just a runner, and these will be perfect for Ntraking. 50 bachmann cars X 9 bucks a pop = 450 bucks, vs 50 intermountain cars X 16 bucks a pop = 800
It's a preproduction shell. People panned the 44 tonner too when it was first shown. But you'd be hard pressed to find anyone now who would admit to it. Wait till the finished product arrives then you can flail away if you want.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/2010_NMRA.pdf Page 4, half way down. N scale cylindrical grain hopper. 15 bucks MSRP, BLW had them for 8.95 street price.
I picked up a few of these flatcars with loads the other day, they still have the dummy knuckles but still not bad for the price. Bachmann Trains Online - Product Catalog Bachmann Trains Online - Product Catalog
Just remember the black models in the catalog are what is known in the trade as the first engineering prototype. They are not the final version. Cheers David
And remember, these come with DC and DCC, ready to go. I hesitated when Bachmann first started doing these (I'm still a DC dinosaur) but their heavy mountain has just been superb. So, for the DCC crowd, this will become the cheapest Geep, and if it runs well, it becomes serious competition for Atlas...
Looking at one retailers pricing of both the Bachmann DCC GP9 will be about $10 cheaper than the Atlas analog version. It should be a good entry level engine for beginners in both N scale and DCC. I always knew the day would come when DCC would be as cheap as analog, I just didn't think I'd see it coming from Bachmann.
