Yeah, whatever. I'm not here trying to say that the Bachmann GP40 is a great model (I only rate it a "C" on my website). But for what it is (cheap/reliable motive power for cheap train sets), it certainly fills a niche. Like Ron said, not everybody needs or wants high end models. Frankly, I've never understood this attitude of "if it's not good enough for me, it shouldn't even exist". -Mark
No argument here. There needs to be lower end and entry level models and Bachmann fills that need very nicely. I was just pointing out that it's not fair to compare different manufacturers models when one is based on actual drawings. Of course it's going to be higher quality and cost more money. Jason
The Bachmann GP40 hasn't received an really updated shell for a while. I think, given Bachmann's recent releases, it would look better for only slightly more money if they retooled the shell and kept the mechanism (which isn't great but is still functional). The GP7 isn't really all that much more expensive on the street and is a passable looker and runner. The world needs $30-$50 N scale locos, I would be hard pressed to let my kids run my N scale stuff without them.
My Bachmanns get a good workout whenever I do "Rail Camp" each summer. After the kids finish their T-Track module we plug them together and run trains. They are rugged and the kids don't care.
last month it was $15, and all I relly need is the $12 shell...I have an N Scale of Nevada retro frame that works GREAT (for a Bachmann trainset loco)
Really? I've heard $25 for HO scale stuff for at least the past 3 years. Anyway, the Bachmann GP40 is one of the few old Bachmann N scale clunkers I didn't own, but I just need to say that you N-scalers have been squinting at your little mini models too long if you think that HO model is good. The Bachmann HO GP40 is based on the old Atlas/Roco shell from the 1970s. For goodness sake there isn't even step detail on the Firman side front step or engineer side rear step. The fan detail....is better than Tyco and that's about all you can see about it. The only think Bachmann upgraded was the Mech and Fuel tank. Now, it takes less than $10 worth of detail parts and only some minor surgery to make her look better, but still. If you think that's a good shell, you should get your eyes checked.
YoHO, I might be wrong about the price, and no, I did not say that it is a goood shell, I said that it would be for my daughter since I don't want my SD40-T2's, U30C or GP35R's handled by someone not tall enough to go on the thrill rides at Six Flags. This possible loco would be quickly repainted purple....
understood, I just like to troll these threads where they turn into complaint threads. Beats workin anyway.
If you just want a shell, blister-packed Bachmann GP40 shells have been available for sale on eBay for many years ($12 shipped) - http://www.ebay.com/itm/BACHMANN-GP...367001?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item439fe496d9 The only problem is, I've never been able to tell if they're the old 60's-era "bloated" shell, or the more recent version. But hey, if you want to do some recon and take one for the team, feel free. I'll be more than happy to record your findings in my encyclopedia -Mark
Well, if you're buying a brand new one, it'll come with EZ Mates. If you're retrofitting an old version, it would depend on which version - http://www.micro-trains.com/conversions/sheet003.pdf -Mark
Here is one of the Bachmann train set quality N scale GP40s on the left, that I added some detail too. BLMA pilot face plates and MU hoses, brake hoses and MT couplers attached to the body. I also ground the raised lettering off of the fuel tank and painted it the same color as the front and rear face plates. I still need to replace the horns. A Kato SD40, is on the right I use one as dummy engines to add the the two SD40 consist, when I want to pull lots of cars. Looks fairly good mixed in with the Kato's. I just happened to be given these so I made them useful. I would not buy any of the train set, non DCC compatible Bachmann. The Spectrum and high end line is a different animal though.
Why, thank you. It was the first time I tried any thing like that. Now to get those air horns replaced.
Mark,I'll tell you exactly what they are,I bought two of them for a pair of new chassis I ended up with..They're the prehistoric ones from the old metal chassis,too short for the new frames..
Decades ago, there was a similar problem with one of Arnold's German steam engines. When I received that model, I really felt cheated. And it led to me shying away from any newly announced Arnold models.
