I'm looking to buy a Bachmann Spectrum Porter 0-4-0.
What do you think about this loco ?
I run only short trains (3 or 4 freightcars).
Thanks for your answers, advices...
I have had 2 of the porters I bought used. One I think was from a starter set and though it looked the same it was a lot more “plastic”.I resold it. My other one I think is a Spectrum it feels sturdier, has metal drive rods, and a metal bell vs plastic and backhead detail.
The trouble I have had with the porter is the really short wheelbase likes to stall out on switches and spots of dirty track. I have thought of adding an extra pickup axle to it to improve the performance.
The little engine will pull 3-4 freight cars. How much grade do you have on your RR? That could be a concern.
I don’t know if bachmann is putting the new metal geared drive train in the porters yet but those seem to be more reliable.
I have another bachmann product that is very similar to the porter and that is the new 2-4-2 with the metal gears. It is a beautiful little engine with nice detail and with those extra pickup wheels it just chugs along without problems.
The porter is a cute little engine.
If it’s the spectrum it’s a good little loco for what it’s intended.
Terry
I think these are great little engines, but be aware it comes in TWO scales.
Personally I prefer the older Spectrum 1/22.5 version, with the metal siderods and upgrades over the original all plastic starter set engine. The latest offering of this engine is full 1/20.3 scale and is physically 10% larger than its predecessor, but that also makes it bigger and wider on small layouts and and looks odder with 1/22.5 stock. If you buy one keep in mind to inquire when was it made.
I have one of the Spketrum line units (1:20.3) and it was my first conversion to self contained R/C. For a 4 wheel loco it has really good pulling power. I had to remove all the weight to fit in my electronics, but it still does pretty good.
My only problem with it is a tendency to derail at switches when shoving a heavy load up-grade. I avoid that situation when I can and it does great.
I have three B’mann Big Hauler Porters. All have metal side rods, brass bells and backhead detailing. Plus they all have an equalized front axle. The newer Spectrum 1:20.3 version does not have the equalized front axle. They run smoothly and quietly and can pull 10 cars easily on level track.
I also gutted mine for battery/rc removing the weight. It can still push/pull 3 AMS tankers up a 1.5% grade.
Many thanks for all your answers. It’s very helpful.
I’ve got one as well (spectrum 1:20) and it runs very well. I mixed up a mixture of Bondo and lead bird shot to fill in the domes and smokebox after I installed the battery, to make up for lost weight. Without any “replaced” weight, the loco didn’t pull more than 2 cars.
Later,
K