Yes, I checked Spookshow's site...but he has not updated the GP40 page. I was looking at EBay and it looks like there is an updated Bachmann GP40 with a full pilot and a nuckle coupler. I have an OLD junky/broken unit (1970's) and I have a N Scale of Nevada retro frame for a later unit. I was thinking about using the "warenty" to get a new GP40, then swap out the frame and custom paint it for my daughter.
Over the past few years Bachmann has been abandoning the Rapido-style couplers on their old locomotives (first with one piece knuckle couplers, and more recently their automatic "EZ Mate" couplers). I'm not aware of any pilot changes to the GP40, though. Got a link to the eBay listing? It could just be one that someone has modified. -Mark
Or it's an HO model pictured, Bachmann loves those. I'd love to see an update, my first N scale product purchased was ARR 3015, a GP40. Pretty nice paint, but the lighting and motor just don't do it for me.
Mark, here you go http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Bachman...888822?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item43b44f0eb6 FEATURES: Fully assembled and ready to run Die cast chassis Operating headlight Detailed trucks with blackened metal wheel sets Finely molded railings and air horn cluster See-through steps Detailed pilots and hood panels Accurately molded plastic body shell painted yellow and grey Hard plastic storage case
I think that picture is of an HO model. Or at least, it's the same picture Bachmann uses for both the HO and N scale versions on their website. As pie noted, Bachmann often uses HO pictures as stand-ins for N scale. http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=523 -Mark
This is what their "updated" GP40 really looks like... http://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SCALE-MOD...IC-GP-40-DC-LOCOMOTIVE-BACHMANN-/251187318003 Wonder how many people are disappointed when they receive this... thing... after seeing the photo of their HO scale model...
They're still making them with truck mounted couplers and open pilots? Are they rubber-band driven too?
Gotta squeeze every last cent out of that old tooling... Hard to believe the same company makes this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Bachmann-Alco-RS-3-Boston-Maine-1545-N-64251-NIB-/290883368280
that's what I thought guys, you can never be safe with Blotchmann.... As I said, I was thinking about it for my kid. D'oh! they raised their warranty to $25.00!
I would hardly call them "crap". Compared to what they used to be, the current GP40's are decent and reliable runners. And since Bachmann has basically relegated them to trainset duty these days, they probably don't need to be much more than that. If you want a "modeler quality" GP40, Atlas has that end of the spectrum covered quite well. I don't really get your gripe about the warranty. They will replace it for free for up to one year after your purchase, or for $25 after that (forever). Ain't nobody else offering a deal like that. -Mark
Some problems can’t be solved until customers vote with their $$$. I am no longer buying from one manufacturer because of what I believe are unethical marketing practices. Having spent thousands of $$$ on the manufacturer’s products, I certainly hope that they change their ways, for their sake as well as mine. Bob
Understood if these are considered their "trainset" models, but there are a lot of details that are so completely shoddy looking. Even ignoring the truckmounted couplers and open pilot: the numberboards are a mess, the horn is huge, and the cab windows are warped-looking. As someone else mentioned, its hard to believe their steamers are so nice but their diesels are sent out like this. I can understand the tooling is expensive, but this model is pretty poorly detailed. IMHO I'd rather cough up another 20-30 bucks for a used Atlas GP40 just for the peace of mind. This is what Atlas considers their "trainset" model: True, it is a GP15-1, but all the features of a modern loco.
He's also comparing a model with an MSRP of $53 to one with an MSRP of $80. Apples and oranges. -Mark
Having followed multiple threads like this, I've come to the conclusion that some people are just never satisfied. I mean, the world needs Yugos, too! Why can't they accept that. Not everybody wants to spend $60-$70 on a toy locomotive, and these little guys fill that niche. More power to 'em.