I just got a look at the pre-production model of the Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 consolodation (October MR, p. 47). Wow...I really think it will put the MDC consol. to shame! What I want to know is, why do they keep doing this to me ? Don't they know how poor I am ? Surely they realize that I will now need to sell another of my kids to afford the fleet of these things I will need ? Can't they have some mercy? For all N guage steam folks, this is sure to be a GREAT opportunity ! Happy Modeling!! John
Everyone who has seen the N scale 2-8-0 model has had nothing but praise for its looks. No one, that I have seen or heard, has reported on its operational abilities. Bachmann has said this is an all new mechanism. I hope so as I have had very poor experience with Bachmann products (locomotives)in the past. I will not be in rush to buy this thing without seeing some objective comments on its running abilities. I am interested in the tender, however, as I have two Micro Ace 2-8-0's that would benefit from an American tender rather than the three axle Japanese tender that they came with. Another thought is the Bachmann boiler bashed with the Micro Ace mechanism.
Inkaneer, From what I know of the Spectrum line, they run very well (much better than the previous Bachmann stuff), but I have only seen the Spectrum line in HO...may be a different story in N...Happy Modeling!! John
From my experience, *i have had 2 Spectrum locos, a Dash 8, and a SD40-2 both in Conrail* they run smooth, and have nice pulling power. Better gearing than a non-spectrum loco. I still am stuck on Kato's!
No doubt: its Kato, then Atlas, then Bachmann in a distant third for me, BUT if this steam engine lives up to the Spectrum name, then Bachmann will move up in my book...especially if it is affordable! How many manufacturers make good steam engines in this scale? Darned few, so the more the merrier I say! Happy Modeling!! John
I hope its good as well I was about to give up on Bachman. I am still waiting on the Bachman F7's due out in July? If they work as good as the last Spectrum release that will be my last Bachman.
THough I am withholding my wallet until I SEE the 2-8-0 run my take on it since being announced it that in my opinion they haven't gotten diesels right (Spectrum line looks or operations) and since steamers are a lot harder to get the running right I am very concerned about the operational abilities. The only steam I think runs well enough for me out of the box are Kato made stuff the Trix decapod and RR articulateds. BUT even if it is a poor runner the shells may be of great use. My only complaint about the Consolidation thus far is their decision to paint the Southerns green! But I'm used to the steam hitting the detail and paint shop prior to running anyway. Vandy
