They tend to be pretty much all over the map in my mind, and the biggest reason for Mark (Spookshow) to exist, because that brand name means nothing. You can get feathers or fois gras from the same goose. You have to go to not just the model, but the version and production year, to determine if you've got a junker or jewel. I have an old GP40 dating back to the 70's in the junk drawer. Multiple 4-4-0's with the worst tender wheels ever. A 4-8-4 in the past (first run!), rebuilt beyond recognition to fix all the problems. A gas-electric that runs terribly, 44-tonner that's wonderful, and have torn apart and modified several more. The 44-tonner mech changed my attitude about new stuff. The dumbest thing they have done is repeat the design mistakes of HO models on N, without going back to original prototypes to fix the glitches. The 44-tonner's hood is too wide because they copied the HO model, right down to the nonexistent square roof seams. The N model's motor is actually narrower than the frame, they didn't have to make it wide. You can fit that motor in a scale width hood, I have, when I scratchbuilt mine years ago. They repeated similar mistakes in the 70-tonner, particularly on the cab roof, I happen to have an HO 70-tonner and compared it to the N. They just scaled down the HO, warts and all. There's an inexplicable degree of laziness in there in the designs. Yet I was stunned how well it ran and bought it anyway. I was skeptical about the GP7, got one to test, ran like velvet despite pickup wipers and no flywheels. Yet no cab steps, like they didn't know what they were, modeled solid blocks. Duh. Save money on molding or never saw a real GP7 before they designed it? You be the judge. Yeah, light years ahead of where they were, but..... I'll never buy one until somebody else reviews it. Thanks Mark! http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bachgp7.html And after trying Rapido lighting, I'll never pay more for live-track pickup wiper lighting again. It just won't work and not worth it. Save your money, design, and parts. You can be Kato and design for it, but sell the stuff separately if you want to upgrade. That's a lot of money for a coach, when you can get an MT heavyweight for the same street price or less, and the MT cars are pretty phenomenal in their own right.
I couldn't be (much) happier with Bmann's steam since the Spectrum 2-8-0 came out... but my experience with their diesels has still been very hit-and-miss. The 44-tonner has become one of my favorites (a tiny locomotive that performs well?! More please!) and I've never had a problem with my Doodlebug, but an RS3 and several F7s (all newer production) turned out to be lemons. I do get the impression that they're continually improving their products, though, so as long as the steam is good I'll keep coming back... I'll just keep buying most of my diesels from Atlas or Kato. I still wish Bmann would overhaul the 0-6-0 though. I know it's still their go-to cheap train set steamer, but it's also the only small steam switcher currently being made in N scale, and if they made a retooled Spectrum version with prototype-specific detailing I think I'd kiss them. The price of the heavyweights is depressing, but since they evidently will be going for less than $50 I'll still probably get a few. Eventually.
They're totally different coaches though. And as nice as the MT cars are, the last baggage/express car was rather low on details.
You are correct this is a Spectrum locomotive that came without dcc; I had dcc and sound custom installed in it and a second locomotive from the same run.
I have been checking prices of Backman EZ track, and it's way to expensive. I was going to build another 4X8 layout, and as I can't find any Atlas flextrack anymore, have been checking out Bachman stuff. I'm not a wealthy person, retired on a fixed income. How does anyone afford track now days?
Well, to find relatively inexpensive track, you can check to see if your hobby shops have consignments, or if they know someone selling off their track. of course ebay always has people selling stuff in lots. It all depends on what you want and how much you want to work old track. Otherwise if you want new, your stuck. I think the snap track stuff is great. But it just costs a lot. easy to use. Great conduction. Its all up to you. I am sure there are other options I may be missing here..
I have been retired for 10 years, so understand your situation. I am fortunate that I purchased adequate amount of Kato Unitrack before I retired and have since purchased some Atlas True-track. I learned in 40+ years of n-scale model railroading that reliable track is worth the cost; if the trains do not run smoothly the fun of the hobby fades.
How would bringing all model train manufacturing for the US market to the US effect the hobby other than as many speculate the prices would increase? Joe D'Amato, I would like to see your reply.
I wouldn't even consider E-Z Track. Kato Unitrack is a better product and cheaper most places I've looked. You need to look harder, there are places with it in stock.
Interesting question and one to which a lot of people would like to see answered. However, I doubt if the current business model could accommodate returning manufacturing to the U.S. I would think it would take a relatively massive infusion of capital which few companies have the ability and/or the inclination to do.
A few years back I looked into Bmann's track and came to the conclusion that it was way over priced, limited my options for what I wanted to do, and the quality was cheap. Easy decision to stay with Atlas track and for some of my turnouts Peco. And don't even get me started on what I consider some very over priced rolling stock even at discount.
Not to stray off topic too far but I was just looking at some Model Power Steam that had DCC & Sound and it was costing From $168. - 198. reasonable; so I guess that Bachmann for that price isn't all that bad
That puts most N steam in the same general price range... not bad at all. I'm not happy that prices are going up, or that some products aren't available in straight DC anymore, but at least everybody seems to be on the same page, and the MRC/MP steamers actually seem to be good runners now. I can't wait to see the 2-6-0 and 4-4-0 re-releases. In the meantime, though, I still have at least one more Bmann K4s on the shopping list. I've been very happy with the one I got.
I see having the technology and capability to manufacture model trains in the USA as a part of the BIG picture which in my view includes the capability to manufacture items in small size with reliable performance and durability. I also see it as having workers in the USA trained and experienced in doing this type of manufacturing. We are not just talking trains! Whether one looks at the automobiles in the US or the big ticket home appliances in the US currently...how many does one find that were Made in the US.
Bachmann Track looks ok but not really any good. I had a loop that came with the old time cars i wanted. I had to clean it almost everytime I wanted to run trains. Kato track i have now is several months now. I have yet to clean it at all. Works with dcc and no drop outs.
I have several N scale Bachmann Spectrum steamers; Two 2-8-0's, the 4-8-2, four 2-6-6-2's and one 2-8-8-4. I have some old Bachmann standard series too, but I don't run them anymore, they serve as static rusted-down junk engines. The Spectrum steamers run very well, pull good and they are well detailed. The C&O J-2 Mountain and H-4 Mallets are quite prototypical and the B&O EM-1 is a full hit and an extremely good runner/puller. (even if I model the C&O, I couldn't withstand the EM-1) Overall, the Spectrum series have gotten successively better with each new model. I haven't gotten the 2-8-4 yet, though. I'd recommend any of the N-scale Spectrum loco's.
