I really like the looks and performance of my new Bachmann 2-6-0 and last years 4-6-0. What makes keeps them from being in the Spectrum line?
Good question. Maybe it has something to do with the level of detailing? Seems like the Spectrum steamers have a lot more fine detail parts. -Mark
I wonder if maybe they are going to drop the Spectrum part of the name? Seems like the new 2-6-0 and 4-6-0 are pretty much in the same catagory as the Spectrum models.....Mike
The 4-6-0, while technically not a Spectrum, matches in many ways the Spectrum quality and detail standards. The main Q.C. still seems "crowd-sourced," but I can't figure out why they aren't Spectrum models.
Hi! Can you please explain and describe the differences between a --technically not a Spectrum-- and what makes it a --spectrum--? It is not the lack of flywheels, that is what I know, but what................? Regards Mathi
I think it's most constructive to think of Spectrum as a division within Bachmann. The Spectrum division decides to do certain things and they generally do a really good job with them, thus the reputation. Every now and then Bachmann standard does Spectrum like work. In general, Bachmann is much better now than even five or six years ago, though the "crowd-sourced Q.C." can get a little old.
Further complicating matters, Bachmann appears to be using three different stratas of packaging at the moment. Blue label (basically older trainset-style stuff, but also the DD40AX), Yellow label (4-6-0 and 2-6-0) and then Black label (Spectrum). -Mark
All interesting. Above all, I don't want to poke a company that is doing a great job of proving such a wide selection of steam engines.(Note the many threads bemoaning a dirth of product). That said, I still cringe at the non Spectrum labels, just as I cringe at most of their rolling stock. If they stick to making quality stuff, I willl get past that. Face it, I buy most stuff after it's been reviewes here anyway. As yet noones said "awesome loco, but I won't buy one, until the box is green. Mybe I will ask on the bmann forum. And report back
Per the Bach-man, the difference is cast v separately applied detail. The thought being delivering affordable models, in this economy. Its an answer, but I disagree, I'd rather buy the better detail, for a few more bucks. That said, since I couldn't tell the diFference.... Its all good to me.
Ummm. I promise to keep using your site. Hopefully we both win more people poking Bmann to move more towards Spectrum small steam.
Same here. Your site is the first place I go for model loco-info. Personally, I just wish b'mann would manage to do that "Russian" decapod they promised us way-back-when. Those things ended up all over, and the Erie had about 70 of them. Besides, I need the chassis...
