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Posted - February 01 2015 : 11:03:24 AM
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Post all your LOTW's here. I'll do mine once I decide, hopefully.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 01 2015 : 1:37:43 PM
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Picked up this Roco-built Atlas GP-38 on Friday at the LHS. I'd been eyeing it for some time, and after test-fitting a different shell, I got it. What fits on it? Later Kato- made GP-38 shells. Life-Like GP-38 shells. And, older Bachmann GP-40 shells. All they need is body mounted couplers. No more nasty pancake whine and grind! Evan
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Posted - February 01 2015 : 4:53:12 PM
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I kind of enjoy the Tyco whine and grind, sort of like HO sound effects- until the works seizes up. I have relegated my Tyco power to 20 minutes at a time status and use Athearn for any prolonged hauling.
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Posted - February 01 2015 : 5:43:29 PM
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quote:I kind of enjoy the Tyco whine and grind, sort of like HO sound effects- until the works seizes up. I have relegated my Tyco power to 20 minutes at a time status and use Athearn for any prolonged hauling.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 01 2015Â :Â 4:53:12 PM
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My Tyco Royal Blue takes 20 minutes of running before I can make it haul anything with any grace haha
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 01 2015 : 7:45:23 PM
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quote: quote:I kind of enjoy the Tyco whine and grind, sort of like HO sound effects- until the works seizes up. I have relegated my Tyco power to 20 minutes at a time status and use Athearn for any prolonged hauling.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 01 2015Â :Â 4:53:12 PM
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My Tyco Royal Blue takes 20 minutes of running before I can make it haul anything with any grace haha 
Originally posted by RDC1Â -Â February 01 2015Â :Â 5:43:29 PM
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Same with my Chattanooga, actually.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 01 2015 : 11:12:15 PM
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I swear that the other night I was reading a thread about rare locomotives, but now I can't find it. Anyway it made me think of this one, so I'll just post it as my LOTW. I don't really know enough to know if it is rare or even special. I just know it's not what I usually see around here:

So any and all comments welcome.
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Posted - February 02 2015 : 06:25:54 AM
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~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 02 2015 : 8:40:08 PM
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 Sweet old AHM Krauss-Mauffei pulling a string of Tyco Dutch Maid cars at the El Paso Model Train Club. Rescued from the junk pile, her motor was frozen. A drop of lube and little wheel cleaning and she burst forth anew, running her little heart out.
Edited by - Chops124 on February 02 2015 8:41:39 PM
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Posted - February 02 2015 : 9:35:18 PM
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quote:  Sweet old AHM Krauss-Mauffei pulling a string of Tyco Dutch Maid cars at the El Paso Model Train Club. Rescued from the junk pile, her motor was frozen. A drop of lube and little wheel cleaning and she burst forth anew, running her little heart out.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 8:40:08 PM
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Chops, sweet resurrection ... multiple kudos.
Hey, how about posting your old time fire engine for accessory of the week, close up of course!
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 02 2015 : 10:20:39 PM
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quote:  Sweet old AHM Krauss-Mauffei pulling a string of Tyco Dutch Maid cars at the El Paso Model Train Club. Rescued from the junk pile, her motor was frozen. A drop of lube and little wheel cleaning and she burst forth anew, running her little heart out.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 8:40:08 PM
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That actually sounded quite beautiful.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 03 2015 : 07:58:35 AM
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** A loco patiently awaiting proper restoration in its box. A some day project.
*** A United PFM, Southern Pacific GS4.
frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - February 03 2015 : 10:31:05 PM
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That will be quite the machine Frank.
quote:** A loco patiently awaiting proper restoration in its box. A some day project.
*** A United PFM, Southern Pacific GS4.
frank

Originally posted by toptrain - February 03 2015 : 07:58:35 AM
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 09:27:43 AM
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quote:That will be quite the machine Frank.
quote:** A loco patiently awaiting proper restoration in its box. A some day project.
*** A United PFM, Southern Pacific GS4.
frank

Originally posted by toptrain - February 03 2015 : 07:58:35 AM
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Originally posted by Barry - February 03 2015 : 10:31:05 PM
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Oh, yeah, that'll definitely be pretty sweet. I completely agree.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 11:16:57 AM
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Well Steve and Barry, Thank you for the nice comments. Being a SP model it is low on the rebuild priority list. If it ran in NJ, PA, or NY it would be done by now. frank
toptrain
" It's a Heck of a Day " !!!
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 2:24:07 PM
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No kind of follow in Frank's theme.. My LOTW is a custom made Mantua Mountain Mechanism kit, built into a Southern Pacific GS4? steam locomotive. It is the first one like it I have ever seen fully assembled into an actual locomotive. These kits are ultra rare and did not come with boilers from the factory. The fell out of production post 1952 and were only ever available as special order. I had three in my collection. I have since sold one. This one is a gem as far as I am concerned! For a total purchase price of $58, I'd say it was a bargain too!






Sean
"If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough!" - Mario Andretti!
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 5:42:30 PM
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Mr Stang, I like how the builder left his mark under the tender .. very kool
~ Dave
They're ALL toys
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 8:32:12 PM
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That is an absolute beauty. I've seen some of Lyle's other pieces online but I'm not 100% sure who he is/was.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 9:26:21 PM
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quote: quote:  Sweet old AHM Krauss-Mauffei pulling a string of Tyco Dutch Maid cars at the El Paso Model Train Club. Rescued from the junk pile, her motor was frozen. A drop of lube and little wheel cleaning and she burst forth anew, running her little heart out.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 8:40:08 PM
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That actually sounded quite beautiful. 
Originally posted by kovacste000Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 10:20:39 PM
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You are very kind, I must mention the fire station, and layout it sits on, is the El Paso Model Train Club. I believe the fire house scene was built by a then teenager in or about 1987, shortly after the Club took over its new quarters.
Standing invite: all TFers welcome to come and run your train(s) at the club, bring your Tyco, bring your Genesis. All good here. Also, we are HO DCC ready at the flip of a switch. We have a dang big N scale layout and a medium small O scale layout too (analog). You and I will do a heck of a photo shoot of your work.
Edited by - Chops124 on February 04 2015 9:28:05 PM
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Posted - February 04 2015 : 10:20:52 PM
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quote: quote: quote:  Sweet old AHM Krauss-Mauffei pulling a string of Tyco Dutch Maid cars at the El Paso Model Train Club. Rescued from the junk pile, her motor was frozen. A drop of lube and little wheel cleaning and she burst forth anew, running her little heart out.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 8:40:08 PM
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That actually sounded quite beautiful. 
Originally posted by kovacste000Â -Â February 02 2015Â :Â 10:20:39 PM
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You are very kind, I must mention the fire station, and layout it sits on, is the El Paso Model Train Club. I believe the fire house scene was built by a then teenager in or about 1987, shortly after the Club took over its new quarters.
Standing invite: all TFers welcome to come and run your train(s) at the club, bring your Tyco, bring your Genesis. All good here. Also, we are HO DCC ready at the flip of a switch. We have a dang big N scale layout and a medium small O scale layout too (analog). You and I will do a heck of a photo shoot of your work.
Originally posted by Chops124Â -Â February 04 2015Â :Â 9:26:21 PM
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No problem, Chops.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 05 2015 : 08:43:49 AM
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Sean that is quite a locomotive you have there. All the western modelers here must be drooling over it. Too find one, A GS4, that has Mantua heritage is a very rare thing. Kits were sold but it is ridicules hard to find one built up like that one. A little of your magic and it would be perfect. Being a official CNJ nutty modeler, I dream of someday finding A CNJ heavy Mikado, set up as a CNJ Super Mike for working the back track's ridicules grades along side of the Ashley Plains, south of Wilkes-Barre. My boy is building one now. Kitbashing a old brass USRA. heavy MIKE. I think it was a old Akane model. I get photos once it is done. frank
toptrain
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Posted - February 05 2015 : 6:47:09 PM
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My LOTW is a new Bachmann UP F7A. I got it mainly for the drivetrain, to mate up with the Bachmann ATSF F7A in my Super Chief ABBA set so I have two matched powered units (replacing the shell with a F7B). I have to say I am pretty impressed with the shell detail on this. Just for fun, I'm posting an Athearn Genesis UP F7A below it for comparison's sake. I know the Genesis drivetrain is superior, as well as the shell - but still, it's interesting comparing the two, considering the Genesis costs 3 times what the Bachmann does.

The Athearn Genesis:
http://tycodepot.com/
Edited by - JNXT 7707 on February 05 2015 6:48:39 PM
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Posted - February 05 2015 : 7:26:08 PM
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Union Pacific! gimmies! ok ok I wants the Bicentennial 4-6-0 & the KM Rio Grande too
Edited by - microbusss on February 05 2015 7:27:07 PM
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Posted - February 06 2015 : 12:39:59 AM
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Plain and simple this week. LOTW is Tyco Chattanooga 0-8-0 and matching 2-8-0 
 Also added a modified Tyco steamer with a gear drive and modified tender.
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Posted - February 06 2015 : 09:21:29 AM
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quote:My LOTW is a new Bachmann UP F7A. I got it mainly for the drivetrain, to mate up with the Bachmann ATSF F7A in my Super Chief ABBA set so I have two matched powered units (replacing the shell with a F7B). I have to say I am pretty impressed with the shell detail on this. Just for fun, I'm posting an Athearn Genesis UP F7A below it for comparison's sake. I know the Genesis drivetrain is superior, as well as the shell - but still, it's interesting comparing the two, considering the Genesis costs 3 times what the Bachmann does.

The Athearn Genesis:

Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â February 05 2015Â :Â 6:47:09 PM
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There's actually quite a few distinct differences between the two models. The hand rails on the Genesis has more detail, the horn on the Genesis looks more fragile, etc.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 06 2015 : 10:36:57 AM
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Athearn Vs Bachmann I grew up with Athearn. I still have a lot of the ready to run and old blue box stuff, But they are no longer the company they used to be. A friend had some Genesis F7's with sound. These were early units with MRC sound. They were crap. I will continue to run Athearn where they have the model I need, but all my F units will be Bachmann. The best model with the finest detail is a bust if you can't get it or when it breaks you can't find parts.
A $300 diesel engine or a $500 steam engine will seldom be in my budget.
Price /tyco/forum/uploaded/JRG1951/20150206100452_F7s.gif
Diagram > You won't find this on Athearn's Site http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_F7-A_Sound.pdf
Parts > You won't find this type of organized list on Athearn's Site http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_203
I truly miss Irvin and his way of doing business. His was a great success story.
Bachmann is not perfect, but they are working hard to be better.
Regards, John
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. <> Junior
Edited by - JRG1951 on February 07 2015 12:24:15 PM
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Posted - February 06 2015 : 12:38:15 PM
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quote:There's actually quite a few distinct differences between the two models. The hand rails on the Genesis has more detail, the horn on the Genesis looks more fragile, etc.
Originally posted by kovacste000Â -Â February 06 2015Â :Â 09:21:29 AM
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Oh yes, when you have the two models side-by-side there are indeed many differences: paint color, flush window glass, ventilation screen detail, letter spacing of "Union Pacific" just to name a few. However, what strikes me is the level of detail on the Bachmann unit for the price. The Bachmann was new-in-box from ebay for $34, the Genesis was over $100 new-in-box 10 years ago (both are DC/non-sound equipped). Operationally the Bachmann is nearly identical to the Genesis, the biggest difference is weight - the Bachmann is fairly light, however it has plenty of places to add stick-on weights to remedy that.
http://tycodepot.com/
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Posted - February 06 2015 : 5:51:24 PM
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quote: quote:There's actually quite a few distinct differences between the two models. The hand rails on the Genesis has more detail, the horn on the Genesis looks more fragile, etc.
Originally posted by kovacste000Â -Â February 06 2015Â :Â 09:21:29 AM
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Oh yes, when you have the two models side-by-side there are indeed many differences: paint color, flush window glass, ventilation screen detail, letter spacing of "Union Pacific" just to name a few. However, what strikes me is the level of detail on the Bachmann unit for the price. The Bachmann was new-in-box from ebay for $34, the Genesis was over $100 new-in-box 10 years ago (both are DC/non-sound equipped). Operationally the Bachmann is nearly identical to the Genesis, the biggest difference is weight - the Bachmann is fairly light, however it has plenty of places to add stick-on weights to remedy that.
Originally posted by JNXT 7707Â -Â February 06 2015Â :Â 12:38:15 PM
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I have a Bachmann unit myself in NYC livery and it's really good under DCC since it's DCC/Sound equipped Yeah, either way, they're both good models in my book.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 07 2015 : 10:15:19 AM
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quote:Athearn Vs Bachmann I grew up with Athearn. I still have a lot of the ready to run and old blue box stuff, But they are no longer the company they used to be. A friend had some Genesis F7's with sound. These were early units with MRC sound. They were crap. I will continue to run Athearn where they have the model I need, but all my F units will be Bachmann. The best model with the finest detail is a bust if you can't get it or when it breaks you can't find parts.
A $300 diesel engine or a $500 steam engine will seldom be in my budget.
Price /tyco/forum/uploaded/JRG1951/20150206100452_F7s.gif
Diagram > You won't find this on Athearn's Site http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_F7-A_Sound.pdf
Parts > You won't find this type of organized list on Athearn's Site http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_203
Bachmann is not perfect, but they are working hard to be better.
Regards, John
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. <> Junior
Originally posted by JRG1951Â -Â February 06 2015Â :Â 10:36:57 AM
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Seems to me like Bachmann's spent the last couple decades trying to become a better company, and distance themselves from the folks who made crappy locos with cracked gears in the 80's, while Athearn has spent the last decade getting worse, dropping blue box (now that's a complaining session we've all had enough of) and going elitist on us in some ways. Bachmann may have their faults, but they continue to make better models all the time,and their customer service is some of the best I've ever experienced. Respect for them.
--CRC
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Posted - February 07 2015 : 10:45:34 AM
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quote: quote:Athearn Vs Bachmann I grew up with Athearn. I still have a lot of the ready to run and old blue box stuff, But they are no longer the company they used to be. A friend had some Genesis F7's with sound. These were early units with MRC sound. They were crap. I will continue to run Athearn where they have the model I need, but all my F units will be Bachmann. The best model with the finest detail is a bust if you can't get it or when it breaks you can't find parts.
A $300 diesel engine or a $500 steam engine will seldom be in my budget.
Price /tyco/forum/uploaded/JRG1951/20150206100452_F7s.gif
Diagram > You won't find this on Athearn's Site http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_F7-A_Sound.pdf
Parts > You won't find this type of organized list on Athearn's Site http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66_68_203
Bachmann is not perfect, but they are working hard to be better.
Regards, John
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. <> Junior
Originally posted by JRG1951Â -Â February 06 2015Â :Â 10:36:57 AM
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Seems to me like Bachmann's spent the last couple decades trying to become a better company, and distance themselves from the folks who made crappy locos with cracked gears in the 80's, while Athearn has spent the last decade getting worse, dropping blue box (now that's a complaining session we've all had enough of) and going elitist on us in some ways. Bachmann may have their faults, but they continue to make better models all the time,and their customer service is some of the best I've ever experienced. Respect for them.
Originally posted by PRR 4800Â -Â February 07 2015Â :Â 10:15:19 AM
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Definitely. I mean, compare an Athearn Blue Box diesel from 30 years (my Athearn GP unit in custom Alaska Railroad livery) to a modern Athearn (2007 Athearn 60th anniversary GP unit). The 30 year old diesel is much better quality overall than the newer one. Although the newer one has more detail, is DCC ready, (it does look quite nice), it doesn't really run as nicely as the 30 year old diesel although I still like it, especially for the price I got it initially. So yeah, Bachmann has indeed gotten worse in the last 10 years or so. My very first train set was an Athearn one made about 10 years ago and it has a lot of the same qualities of a regular Blue Box model, except newer. And yes, as for Bachmann, they've definitely tried making their products better in the last 10-20 years. For example; the Spectrum lineup. They had their issues here and there but they were nowhere near as severe as the older Bachmann locos from the 70s and 80s, most definitely. They're definitely getting better, for sure while Athearn is slowly losing their quality that they've always been known and loved for.
-Steve
"A lot of modellers out there who go to these train shows see broken HO stuff and go, 'This is useless' when, in reality, they can still be used for modeling whether it's as a prop on your layout or a cool project to make something old new again."
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Posted - February 07 2015 : 1:21:42 PM
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Jerry, If you look at a late production Bachmann F7s you will see some minor improvements. The current units have improved window sets, number boards, and hand rails added to the sides of the headlight. The DCC sound units now have flywheels.
/tyco/forum/uploaded/JRG1951/20150207130746_F7Bach.gif
Micro-Mark has DCC sound units for $108. They are equipped with a SoundTraxx decoders to boot. It would be hard to buy any decent F unit and put a DCC sound unit in for that price.
http://www.micromark.com/Bachmann-HO-Standard-Line-F7-Diesel-Locomotive-A-Unit-with-Sound-Norfolk-Southern-No-4271,10753.html
A DCC ready unit can be had for $50 at New Egg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4WG1JS3369
Regards, John
Blessed are the people whose leaders can look destiny in the eye without flinching but also without attempting to play God. <> Henry A. Kissinger
Edited by - JRG1951 on February 07 2015 1:44:22 PM
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