New Bachmann Spectrum N&W Class J review.

Steam-Monsters Dec 19, 2006

  1. Thirdrail

    Thirdrail In Memoriam

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    Sort of doubt that, as the Con-Cor version is still available. Bachmann has pretty much followed their HO scale Spectrum models with N scale ones, except for the Ten-Wheeler and Decapod due to motor problems. The only HO Spectrum steamers undone are the PRR K4s 4-6-2 and the Heavy Mountain. While I'd love the K4s, suspect the Heavy Mountain may be next. :cat:
     
  2. Sizemore

    Sizemore TrainBoard Supporter

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    I'd love a GS4 just not at the astronomical prices I've seen. I thought they did the GS4 in HO?

    S
     
  3. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    Or perhaps a three truck Shay. I have the HO version on my file cabinets.


    Stay cool and run steam......:cool::cool:
     
  4. J Long

    J Long E-Mail Bounces

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    I realize that but the street price of the Con Cor Daylight is around $250. The Spectrum J is around $150. My thinking was Bman can do a Daylight for $150.
     
  5. BugNerd

    BugNerd TrainBoard Member

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    Hi All,

    This is my first post here. I'm glad to see the excellent reviews for the N&W Class J! I ordered one from a local shop and it should be here soon :teeth:

    This will actually be my first locomotive (not counting the cheap ones we had as a kid). I'm having a little trouble finding info for beginners on layouts, etc. Does anyone have suggestions as far as track preference (brand, material, etc) or a nice beginner transformer?

    Not trying to hijack the thread, just thought it might be an appropriate thread since the topic is the N&W Class J. Maybe I bit off more than I could chew by getting this one as a starter:eek:mg: I hadn't even realized that is has a minimum turning radius of 19...Doh!
     
  6. Powersteamguy1790

    Powersteamguy1790 Permanently dispatched

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    BugNerd:

    Welcome to Trainboard. Enjoy your new steam loco.:thumbs_up:


    Stay cool and run steam......:cool: :cool:
     
  7. AB&CRRone

    AB&CRRone TrainBoard Supporter

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    On the Atlas forum are some additional comments about the new J Class from Victor Miranda after he took his apart. Also an offer to provide answers to any other questions before he reassembles it. No interest here, just passing the info along in case you are interested.

    Ben
     
  8. BugNerd

    BugNerd TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks, I really love the steam! :thumbs_up:
     
  9. J Long

    J Long E-Mail Bounces

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    I think Bman has some opportunities here such as a UP FEF, ATSF Northern, and Espee MT-4.
     
  10. BugNerd

    BugNerd TrainBoard Member

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    Steam-Monsters, what is the radius of turns on the track it was tested on? Just wondering because Bachmann recommends a minimum of 19 EZ track for best performance. I was trying to see what I could get away with as far as radius is concerned.
     
  11. Steam-Monsters

    Steam-Monsters TrainBoard Member

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    BugNerd, all my wide curves are 22 & 24.
    All Atlas Flex-Track.

    Ernie
     
  12. N&W

    N&W TrainBoard Member

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    It can certainly do less than 19" radius.
     
  13. BugNerd

    BugNerd TrainBoard Member

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    I sent mine back. It smoked the tender and the arms were catching on the plastic parts hanging from the boiler. Hoping they will replace it and that it returns quickly :)
     
  14. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Minimum Radius?

    Does anyone know the official minimum radius for this loco? I had mine out for the first time today and it seems to be unable to negotiate my 12” radius.
    Over all it is a beautiful loco and I am very happy with it as is Rrrr.
     
  15. skipgear

    skipgear TrainBoard Member

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    I've watched one run beautifully on a test loop of Bachmann 11 3/4 EZ track. We then pulled another out and the front truck would derail periodically on the same loop. It is possible to have one run on 11 3/4 but not all do this well.
     
  16. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Thanks Skipgear.
    Mine hit's 12" Kato and the wheels spin.
    Any suggestions?
     
  17. skipgear

    skipgear TrainBoard Member

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    Hopefully I will have an answer tomorrow. I have one setting at the shop that I need to look at for one of the other guys that works with me. He bought one that doesn't do so good on 11 3/4. I will try to figure out what makes one loco run perfect and the other derail on the same track.
     
  18. Grey One

    Grey One TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ooops. um, er, well, ya see, I was wrong.
    Somehow I slipped a 10 inch radius into the mix.
    Anyway it now runs very nicely on my Kato 12" radius curves.

    Thanks for trying Tony.
     
  19. BugNerd

    BugNerd TrainBoard Member

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    Before I sent it back :), it ran great on the 12 3/8 Unitrack
     
  20. skipgear

    skipgear TrainBoard Member

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    I'm no help. I got out the J that I was supposed to look at, hooked it up to the Kato Zephyr Set that happened to be on the test loop and let her run. An hour later, trying both directions around the test loop, no derailments. This thing runs beautifully on a test loop of Bachmann 11 3/4 Radius EZ track with about 6' of straight between the loops.

    It was fun to play with though. Oh well, I suspect the track work to be the issue for this gentleman, it certainly isn't the loco.
     

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