I am relatively new to N Scale, have been modeling in Z scale for past 10 years or so. I am debating whether to purchase a Kato GG1 vs a Bachmann GG1, I am looking for opinions / recommendations on both. thank you, Ed
Anything Kato over anything Bachmann any day of the week and twice on Sundays. But don't break either of them because you may not be able to get repair parts.
Definitely I would put my money on anything Kato ahead of Bachmann. Kato has the edge on electronics, couplers, body shell work, and running performance.
That has been my experience in the past, I had an n scale layout about 25 years ago (another lifetime) as well as an HO layout. One can only hope Bachmann can improve the quality of its' products as compared to Kato and other companies. Your Replies are much appreciated.
They can, and have for some of their products. Some of their stuff is still of the quality I would never buy, but I've had a couple of their spectrum steamers and they were high quality. I don't have any experience with their GG1 but it's gotten high marks. If you haven't checked out Spookshow's site, I'd recommend taking a look there to supplement your research as well as check out some YouTube reviews out there. My only input of Kato vs Bachmann on GG1 is price (Bachmann's is a tad pricier), and possibly pantograph design. I don't like the Kato pans at all - not spring loaded so they're floppy when you try to extend them. The Bachmann is spring loaded so you could run them under a cat and they'd stay tight. Mike
