Bachmann NW2 with DCC

Must be time to start bashing another manufacturer. I'm sure it will give them more incentive to introduce the new stuff.

Harold

 

I think we should encourage Bachmann, their locomotives are a 1000 times better than they were less than ten years ago. How many other manufacturers can we say that of?

My only wish is that they would bring out multiple road numbers in their locos and freight cars.

 

So do I; I don't mind renumbering few locomotives when I need to, but getting multiple car numbers would be nice. And yeah, I think Bachmann has come a looong way baby, I love their new stuff.
Otto K.

 

I purchased two Bachmann S4s and I have to say they run pretty dam good. They also don't derail going threw several medium Peco turnouts pushing 20 coal hoppers. I also have two Atlas S2s pre-ordered, I really like Atlas locos but to say they will be 100X better IMO is a joke!

 

Yes, it is a little far fetched. Has anyone seen the Atlas S-2 running at any of the shows?

 

Just having correctly scaled or propertioned cab windows is half of it. The bachmann windows are an embarrasement and for some reason include an extra lower cab door window???.

Then there's 10-20 small things that won't be guessed from pictures or butchered to make tooling easier (front cab step as an example).

And personally just having walkway tread and grab irons will make Atlas a much better model, IMO.


Jason

 

I guess we'll find out once the S-2s arrive. I can tell you that my Ignore List works well though.

 

*Your mileage may vary.

 

LOL


Jason

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You are comparing apples and oranges. The price point for the Bmann is much lower and will appeal to those who can live with small compromises and have the talent to correct them as they wish (these people are typically called "modelers"). Have you actually had either of the offerings in your hands to make an assessment?

 

You need to move up to a lot larger scale so you can count rivets! I'm happy with a great running loco with a few less perfect features!

 

I totally agree with the first part. I never said there wasn't a place for Bachmann stuff. They just are not very good models when compared to the prototype or even like models from other companies.

The second part is total hogwash.

There's not a single 'modeler' who's going to fix the cab windows (maybe the Arnold cab can be made to fit). There's also not a single 'modeler' that's going to fix all the louvers. Nor is anyone going to add tread plate. Maybe someone will fix the foot boards and cab step and blank out the extra cab door window, but I doubt it.

These new models are just the next generation of GP40, SD40-2, F9 or whatever (except that the running characteristics are much, much better).

And there's nothing wrong with this per se.

It's just that at some level, we're all being taken advantage of. Bachmann (and some other companies) have really gone to cutting corners. After so many years of advancement, we are started to get lesser quality models. And if you guys keep your heads in the sand it will eventually get bad enough for you to start noticing.

Jason

 

If Bachmann does not fit the need of the hobby, they will go the way of the Dodo. However, I am betting that will not happen as they are appealing to the entire spectrum of modelers with their offerings, from the beginner to the more demanding modeler. You do not have to buy it and I seriously doubt that the hobby is going to start moving backwards. Without affordable options to attract people to the hobby, the bobby will surely die as the people on this forum are not great enough in number to support it alone.

As for your "hogwash" comment about what modelers will or won't do, I would suggest you look at the latest issue of "N Scale Railroading" magazine. Marc Lupia did a fine job of reworking his S-4 to suit himself. I notice you did not answer the question as regards having held either of these models in your hands.

 

Not too sure which side of the fence I want to be shot at from... maybe both...

I prefer the models to be as close to prototypically correct as possible because I prefer NOT to have to be a 'micro detail modeler'. But... that comes at a heftier price tag than a rather basic model that skimps on detail. IF you want perfection... you'll have to accept the higher price tag... which usually comes with another rant from modelers that want perfection for FREE.

I will say that the most important aspect of any model should be how well it runs and how reliable the source of parts for repairs are if needed. Kato and Atlas have been good on reliability of mechanism, quality workmanship and availability of parts. I'm not too sure about Bachmann... someone else can fill us in on that. I know that the LifeLike/Walthers situation has soured some modelers because there have been issues about parts... though that may have changed. I know first hand that Intermountain has been very good at customer service for defects and parts. I don't know about others... such as... Fox Valley, PCM/Broadway Ltd, ConCor etc...

 

I have always had great customer service from Atlas and Intermountain. When I wanted to return one of the Kato SD45's that had a poor quality paint job, I was rebuffed by the hobbyshop and Kato. As you mentioned, parts from Walthers is a bust, but they contend that when the Life Like trains business was sold to Walthers, they did not receive replacement parts. I will say that they did cannibalize defective engines for parts when they could in an attempt to fill some needs. As for Bachmann, I have only called on their service department one time when I broke one of the shells on a new S-4, and they promptly sent a replacement.

 

This thing is certainly popular. The certain East Coast dealer who does both on line and brick and mortar, and, has good prices, is sold out of all roadnames.

Still trying to find GF's digicam to post comparison photographs. Just got home; GF is asleep.

 

The fact that they are selling out indicates Bachmann must be doing something right... and that Kato has made the wrong decision not to make more of theirs.

 

I like the Kato units that I have, but I have not ran them enough to experience a failure. What is the typical problem? As for few roads at a time, that is typical of all manufacturers. The bigger problem is how long between runs with Kato. It remains to be see if Bachmann will be any better in that respect. I will buy the Bachmann NW-2, especially if they run as well as the S-4 (and the stores get more stock).

 

I don't personally care about minor details, even when I customize/kitbash a locomotive or freight car I don't get too crazy with the details. Bachmann has made solid products for quite a while now and they run next to and along with my Atlas, Life Like, and Kato locomotives. If I look at a locomotive and it is obviously an S4 or NW2 well... that is good enough for me, even if some dimensions are off; N scale always involves some compromise. I agree that Bachmann should release additional road numbers with each release and, as a B&M guy, it would be nice if Bachmann released their GP7, S4, & NW2 factory decorated for B&M.

I do plan on waiting for the Atlas S2 I have on order but I am also considering a Bachmann S4 and NW2 for repaint just to get a couple more B&M switchers.