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RAN
Switcher
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 Posted - October 31 2011 : 4:26:06 PM
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Okay, I've read a number of posts that really dog Bachmann products. I have several Bachmann locomotives and not all of them are dogs. The consolidations run well as does the 2-6-6-2. But I have to admit the mountains and the Sante Fe locomotives do not. The best thing to improve operation of any Bachmann locomotive is not to use a Bachmann decoder. It's kind of sad because their locomotives are good looking, generic locomotives, they just tend to be bad runners. I intend to buy an em1 when they come out. I hope I'm not disappointed.
Does anyone have a good fix to make these locomotives into better runners? ran
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Posted - October 31 2011 : 4:46:20 PM
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Just a natrual Bachmann AKA Botchmann problem. I just suggest getting a DC version to save costs and add your choice of DCC decoder. Some of the engines have QC issues and Bachmann will replace them with a new engine or repair it. Just gotta make sure it ain't overally greased/oiled and underly lubed.The blacked nickel takes some run time to evenly wear down and run better.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - March 29 2012 : 06:29:22 AM
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I recently bought the Bachmann Spectrum B&O EM-1, 2-8-8-4, with the Bachmann Decoder and Tsunami sound chip and the thing runs GREAT, sounds GREAT, and pulls like a champ! They really steped up to the plate with this one!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid... 
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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Posted - March 29 2012 : 7:37:42 PM
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| I have found that Bachmann is truly hit or miss. Their kit diesels with the pancake motor are not good runners at all. I had three steamer (2-6-2 and a pair of 0-6-0) that ran well but due to their weight they were not the best pullers. Replaced those with old Mantua shifters with cast boilers. Had a Spectrum GP 35 that had gear noise. Sent it in and it was returned with the same issue. They claimed that it would go away after a few hours of use, never did. Have an GE 44 ton with the dual motors. That works well but is under weight. I have a Bachmann Spectrum F unit that runs great.
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Posted - March 29 2012 : 10:44:13 PM
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I have 3 standard line USRA 0-6-0s that I maintain beautifully but I agree they aren't good pullers at all. I have a spectrum 4-4-0 and 4-8-2 that I sent to back to get a new tense pcb because they break to easily!! My 4-4-0s pcb broke in the box! The 4-8-2 is 4 years old so it happens, but both last ran on my old layout in 2010 and they said it's gonna take 8 weeks to put new tender pcbs in! I already removed the 4-8-2s so that made me mad caus that's way to long for a simple job that I intended on doing myself but now my project list is stacked! I could ramble on and on about how slow they are but I sent them first week of march so I'd love to get then back before my birthday on may 1st but I'm cutting it close. I can't wait to see them run for thefirst time on my newer bigge layout
I buy, repair, and collect
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Hyde.
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Posted - August 27 2012 : 9:00:07 PM
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quote:I have found that Bachmann is truly hit or miss. Their kit diesels with the pancake motor are not good runners at all. I had three steamer (2-6-2 and a pair of 0-6-0) that ran well but due to their weight they were not the best pullers. Replaced those with old Mantua shifters with cast boilers. Had a Spectrum GP 35 that had gear noise. Sent it in and it was returned with the same issue. They claimed that it would go away after a few hours of use, never did. Have an GE 44 ton with the dual motors. That works well but is under weight. I have a Bachmann Spectrum F unit that runs great.
Originally posted by tkruger - March 29 2012 : 7:37:42 PM
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Except for the Spectrum F unit, all of those mentioned have been known for running problems in one form or another. The pancake motors are now gone completely, the GP35 chassis has been refined, and the 44-Tonner has an entirely new chassis. They've become a much better product in the last 10 years.
Darth Santa Fe, doing weird and challenging projects for the fun of it!
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Posted - August 28 2012 : 06:05:47 AM
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Really? I haven't seen nor heard of the F units being troublesome but thenagain, I don't own one either.....I do however got the Bachmann "Plus" series F units so......
I been thinking of getting a set of the Bachmann FA-2's......BUT, then again, I have an ABBA set of the Proto-2000, from Life-Like units so......Which these I have are undecorated, currently. That will change, and they will become B&O, all but 2 A units, as I have one A unit thats painted in Western Maryland!
But agreed, the past 10 years for Bachmann, has brought them, along ways! The new EM-1 is the best from them, yet! (I'd LOVE to see it in N scale! You bet, I'll be getting one!
~John
Many have tried to, and failed, ya just can't repair stupid...
Do NOT try to Idiot-Proof anything!!!! God, will simply create a better......IDIOT!
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Jim
Little Six
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Posted - September 30 2012 : 12:31:31 AM
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| I have a Bachmann FP45 screamer (nick name for the passenger units due to running at full tilt just to generate enough headend power for the passenger trains) and a Geep 30 and while they have there flaws (FP45 is a rear truck power unit and the geep40 makes a strange gear noise) they are nice runners, granted they are used and kinda broken a bit they serve the intended purpose for me, and thats to pull passenger trains (FP45) or freight/MOW train (Geep30) other then that the two I have (least I think thats all I have for bachmann) run well.
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