no, i am not out of my mind...did Bachmann update their GP40?

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.

 

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

 

HO model shown for illustration purposes. If not , I want those couplers !

Randy

 

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

 

I know! and all the great steamers they have done! but still put out this crap!!!

 

And the raising the warranty...that covers at least their cost of two locos!

 

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.

 

Well, to be fair, you're comparing tooling that's separated by decades.

 

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.

 

And Atlas uses uses drawings to design their locomotives. Not really a fair fight.


Jason