Looked again at that PDF file - increased the engineering photo of the RS-3 to 400% size and determined that once again Bachmann is not including any grabiron details on the RS-3 just as they did on the GP-7. Think this an unnecessary omission that has led me to preorder instead FVM's GP60M. That at least has separate grabs to be added by the modeler if desired.
That logic doesn't make sense. You are willing to add seprate grabs to the FVM GP60, Bachmann has made it easier for you to do the same to the RS-3 by not putting oversized blobs of plastic on the loco and it is a point of contention causing you not to buy it? The only advantage that the FVM model has is pre marked dimples so you know where to drill. You still need to drill the holes and install the grabs on either one. A GMM or BLMA drill guide solves the lack or dimples on the RS-3. I have a GP-7 and the only time you miss the grabs not being their is in a close up photo.
Most N gauge diesels locos come with cast on grab irons - like it or not. Not being a rivit counter, I also think that most modelers will not install separate irons. Besides - already have a RS-2 and a RS-3 and much prefer to order the FVM GP60M. Also have 3 models that came with preinstalled metal railings - think that may become a more popular feature.
I personally have bad eyesight so as far as I am concerned keep casting them on when the train is 2-3 feet away from me I cant tell. I appreciate what others do with their locos, very impressive work. Its too much for me I would have to go to a bigger scale, thats not an option ive been in nscale since 80 I love it. Jay
I don't like brand X's oven because I don't like the size of the door handle, I think I'll buy brand Y's refrigerator instead.:tb-wink:
since youre such a discriminating modeler, can you explain your reasoning behind having alco hood units and then deciding to order a GP60M because of said complaint? Id be less worried about your cast on grab irons(Id rather have them not be there instead of having to cut them off and paint match when i add my own grabs later) and more worried about your idea of what modeling a railroad somewhat correctly is................. I model this thing called the transition era when the RS2s and 3s were in their prime and a GP60M was a LOOOOOOONNNGGGG ways away at that point.................
I would rather have the grabs cast on or separately applied by the manufacturer-preferred.. But wait! I notice I don't see the grabs on my Atlas Geeps under normal operating viewing!!
exactly!! LMAO!! some people pick the dumbest reasons to talk smack about a mfg thats DOING something and producing new models!!
I find this discussion amusing. I get people not liking Bachmann or wanting better detailed (prototype specific) locomotives... thats fine. I simply like operating trains and dont care much for rivet counting. I can tell that the Bachmann loco is an RS-3 and thats good enough for me. B&M fans don't have a lot to choose from and I get tired of pre-ordering locomotives a year or so out just to make sure I can get them. Bachmann exceeded my expectations with their 44 tonner and were nice enough to produce it in B&M. I have run their GP-7 and love it, but it isnt available in a road I care about. This RS-3 will fit in nicely on my layout, even next to the two Walthers B&M RS-2s I am still waiting for, once they arrive...
When I ordered it, I knew that my Bachmann B&O GP7 could be less detailed than my Atlas New Haven and Rock Island Geeps, but I paid $ 30 less for that Bachmann unit than for the Atlas Geeps. And when it arrived, I was surprised that it looked better than I had expected! If you want the extra detailing, buy an Atlas Geep and pay a higher price. If you can live with less details and a simple decoder, buy Bachmann. I am happy with both.
Changing impressions thanks to N scale I like to think that I rationalize and develop my opinions just like everyone else, and one of those characteristics is to basically assign a quality level toward a certain brand, and rely on it. I am finding that my interest/love in N has given me the impetus to not pursue that behavior any longer. I no longer lump things together, or predetermine what something would be just because of the label involved. That first started with the Spectrum Consolidation. When my LHS demonstrated it to me, I am sure he felt he had to overcome my "egad, another Bachmann piece of @$##@$@" mentality but after inspecting it, and running it, it shot my developed opinion of their new direction. Now in the past few years, IMHO, Kato has come down a few pegs, Spectrum has shot way up, IM has come about, MT remains great, and ConCor has had its literal behind handed to it on the boards, and is now in a state of recovery. Nothing like the old days, for sure. At my advanced age it is quite easy to fall in that lull of having preconceived opinions on anything but now, it is a struggle for me because my natural sense of reason is telling me that nothing is sacred anymore and to judge each product on its own, no matter who or where it comes from. With that in mind, I salute Bachmann/ Spectrum's RS3 and hope it will do very well, but already over the years I am quite over-inventoried with old Alco units, numbering 30 or more of the RS series, most of them Kato, and still are running and gunning. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
I don't model any particular era or railroad - might say I'm a collector and operator of both Lionel and n gauge trains. N gauge is basically a RTR scale - come to think of it looks like all scales are becoming mostly RTR - like it or not. Obviously there some modelers here who like to add details, adhere to a strict era and railroad, and be as prototypical as possible. But I submit that you are in the minority - people want instant gratification and let the chinese do all the assembly work - enjoy your trains.
I suspect Bachmann may suffer from the "there are a lot of RS-3's around" syndrome. The Atlas RS-3 has been in more of less continuous production for around a quarter century, with improvements. However, it is a later version. I have been asking for one with the single beam and original stack for years, no luck. Bachmann has my business. Providing I have the money when they arrive. Dealing with family problems at this point. Don't know how long it will last, or the final tab. Same thing happened with those O&W F units. No pre-orders this time. Frank
I didn't realize this, (Santa Fe had no RS3's so I didn't look at them that close), Bachmann's H16-44 is also a different 'phase' to the Atlas version so maybe Bachmann do a little research after all.
I dont see this as an issue. Life Like produced both RS-2s and PAs in direct competition with KATO (Walthers is releasing a new RS-2 run this fall). IM and Micro Trains both released their FTs around the same time as well, although the Mirco Trains FTs never seemed to sell as well (probably due to price). Different "phase" aside, I will get the Bachmann because it will run well and be less expensive. The Atlas is still easily found in B&M on auction sites but, at $99 or so, is still a bit pricey for me. I think a number of people will agree and, when those people who start out with a train set look to upgrade, I wager the Bachmann Geeps and RS-3 will be among their first choices. When I started out in N Scale I got a Bachmann train set with F9s (they stunk) my first upgrade was a Life Like GP-38 (the older plastic chassis version) because it looked close enough and the price was right. The shop had other brands of modern Geeps, but price was more important than details for me as a new N Scaler.
I have an Atlas RS3. Needs a decoder. And a new coupler. That will cost me more than buying a new Bachmann...
The biggest surprise was in HO - Bachmann is going to produce the B&O EM1 yellowstone. Since most new Bachmann HO locos tend to migrate down to N scale, looks like there is an EM1 in my future someday.
