Anyone try the latest GP7 or the Peter Witt streetcar? How well do they run compared to the older Bachmann offerings. Any special notes about decoders? Whats the verdict?
I don't have any of these but my LHS had the GP7's in stock and I have to say they are far far better then what b-mann produced years ago. The owner had it set up on a small layout and it was quiet and I asked him to make it craw and it did very slow and quiet. So I was surprised that how much nicer these new GP7's from b-mann are. I can't really say anything about the decoders cause they have a small DC layout. But I if I would not have my Atlas U.P. GP7's I would consider these B-mann locos and I can't believe I'm saying this but b-mann is getting better.
Now that Bachmann has the Sanda Kan engineering used on the Atlas and LifeLike/Walthers diesels, most of their new offering 'should' be mechanically comparable to Atlas and LifeLike/Walthers products. I have a couple of the new Bachmann Spectrum GE 44 Ton diesels which are very good... AND... includes a basic DCC decoder at a price comparable to a non-DCC equiped Atlas model. Yep... Bachmann seems to be getting better.
Hearing kudo's for Bachmann is almost like dying and going to heaven... well almost anyway. And the N scale locomotive manufacturing scene is getting sort of crowded with Kato, Atlas, LifeLike/Walthers, Model Power, Bachmann, Intermountain, PCM/BLI all in the pool together. In addition we are starting to see prior models being re-released as in the GP 7's, SD40-2's, F series, etc. Makes one wonder if more obscure models will ever see the light of day. Interesting times to be sure.
I just received a Bachmann GE 70 ton loco. I figured it would at least look good sitting if it didn't run good. I was really surprised, not as good as a new Atlas but I might even run this loco and plan to purchase another.
I am hoping that is the case, however sceptisim in a mesured dose seems practical when considering Bachamann's track record. I know they are capable of making very good N scale locomotives. Even after proving they could build a good working locomotive they have built some real dogs. I will reserve judgement on these recent models until someone speaks out about them or I suppose I can be the guinea pig if no one chimes in. I will wait a little longer and see. Thanks for the comments
After the crap that the Bachman owners pull last year on the MR community, I will not buy anything from them.
^ Which would be?????? All of their offerings last year were quite good, and the GP7's, the street car, the 44 tonner, and the 70 tonner are all excellent models. But don't let those grudges get in the way.
Here are a couple more images along with a wee bit of technical info on the Bachmann GP7's... The engines are just under 3 oz, which makes them a good 1/2 oz heavier than the Atlas GP7's. One can pull a 6 car train up a 4% incline. The electrical pickup system is somewhat like the one used on the Spectrum SD45, meaning the brass wipers on the trucks, rub against the frame of the loco rather than against brass strips, like those used on most Atlas and Kato locomotives. That I wasn't too keen on, knowing how lousy the electrical pickup is on the SD45. However the truck wipers used on the Bachmann GP7's use a dimpled piece of brass to rub against the back of the locomotive's wheels, as opposed to the SD45, which tries to maintain electrical contract with a piece of brass staying in contact with the axle. The GP7's maintained good electrical contact all throughout the layout, without a single stall. I prefer the Atlas or Kato method of maintaining electrical contact, but if the engines don't stall– then I'm a happy camper. The Bachmann GP7's are a little noisier than the Atlas, but the decoders showed good response and will creep along at a very slow speed. Overall for the investment, I think they're A-OK.
"I asked him to make it craw and it did very slow and quiet" LOL ! I remember when my son was little and used to "CRAW" LOL ! You made me chuckle when I read that, ! No worries... I would really like to see Bachmann add the Northern to their Spectrum Steam line up. I know they have imporved the current version but, still not there yet. fatalxsunrider43
Michael, very nice pics of the Geep, thank you for posting! BTW, your scenery work is wonderful and the trees are stunning... Regards, Otto
Couldn't hold out I dove in an ordered a Peter witt street car. Thanks for the info on the GP 7's. I am going to hold out on those at least untill they make one in SP. Sounds like there are some improvements. Hopefully Bachmann can hold the line.
well....hold your breath. The SSW was the only road in the SP family to own a GP7, 320 was delivered in 1950. It had a steam generator, but it was the ONLY Geep other than the torpedo tube GP9's not to have DB's. It was painted in Daylight, was renumbered to 304 in 1952, and in either 1955-56, was relettered to read COTTON BELT instead of it's as delivered St.L.S-W. It was repainted to Black Widow in the mid to late 50's, and was repainted to Bloody Nose by 1968. It was vacated by July, 1973
Thanks for the info Maybe I will luck out and they will do an SP GP9E. Actually that is specifically what I would like.
I'm hoping for a GP9 Phase III. The GP9E was a rebuilt GP9's out of all three phases....and they had MANY different changes between the first and the last GP9E or GP9R
One thing I noticed after ordering a UP GP7 for dad and him commenting that if they are as good value as they seem he would get more is that they are only doing one number per roadname. We have gotten a bit spoiled by other manufacturers offering multiple road numbers. On another note, has anyone seen the Clinchfield version?
