I tried to see if this had been posted and found no results so I apologize if I am being redundant. With that being said, sometime in the near future I am hoping to pick up several new steamers. Probably some 2-6-2's, a Norfolk J and probably something pretty big. I was in my local hobby shop the other day and they had several Bachmann Spectrums including a 2-6-6-2. I didn't try them out but they looked pretty good to me. I really like the Kato Daylight but I would like to get some other stuff too so I was wondering how close to proto the spectrum stuff is and how well they run especially after prolonged use.
I'd consider the new 2-6-0 instead of the upgraded every now and then but still a couple of generations old 2-6-2. It'll get suggested sooner or later so Spookshow http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/trainstuff.html is a good site to check out what N scale locomotives are really like without the manufacturer's hype.
I have a couple of their 2-8-0's. They all look good and run well. Several of my clubs members have the 2-6-0's and love them.
As has already been suggested, I would pass on the 2-6-2 (unless you were planning on replacing the tender with something better). All of the Spectrum steamers currently available are excellent models IMHO, so you really can't go wrong. The only caveat is that Bachmann's QC still isn't quite where it could/should be and you may wind up with one that wasn't put together quite right. The good news there is that Bachmann is very good about honoring their lifetime warranty, so if you get a bad one just keep sending it back until you get a good one. -Mark
I have two Spectrum 2-8-0's, a heavy 4-8-2, and a first run 2-6-6-2. The 2-8-0's are great runners and surprisingly good pullers, but installing DCC was a bit of a challenge. The 4-8-2 came DCC equipped and has run many trouble free hours in both DC and DCC on my layout and at our N-Trak club shows. It's a little noisier than a Kato 2-8-2, but again a very good puller (Kato needs the optional traction wheelset to match it).The 2-6-6-2 has been back twice to Bachmann due to various drivetrain problems, but as mentioned Bachmann is very good about honoring their warranty and the service was prompt. It's now been trouble free for a couple of years. It wasn't a good puller until I put Bullfrog Snot on the drivers. Now it will pull 50 cars on the level.
I just recently bought the Class J and she runs like a charm. Nothing to complain about. I also have the spectrum 2-8-0 and had to do a little maintenance on her but now she runs like a dream. The level of detail and variety on the bachmann steamers IMHO is far superior to that of other mfgrs. I haven't seen a spectrum that I have been disappointed in.
I agree with everyone on the Bachman spectrum's. I have half a dozen of the 2-8-0's, and four of the 2-6-0's one 2-6-6-2 and I love em all. The only 2-6-2 is a bachman oldie, and if I get one, I'll replace the motor and do some work on the tender. I won't be surprised if someone comes out with a new 2-6-2 before long, it's one that is needed. I'd like a couple for my logging RR.
I have the heavy Mountain and it's a beaut and a brute. Looks good and plenty of pulling power. Wouldn't hesitate to buy another Bachmann steamer (hoping to land a 4-6-0 and 2-8-0 soon, maybe a 2-6-0 after that). Jim
Thank you everyone for your replies. I've been really thinking about getting one or preferably a few sometime soon. Hopefully I can afford one in the near future. I remember how bad Bachmann was back in the day and when I left the hobby they only had the low end stuff. Sounds like they really stepped up their game.
