Large Scale Central

Bachmann C-19 opinions please

Modeling Motive Power
#1

With the sell-off of the C.V.S.Ry.'s Std. Gauge diesel roster the railroad has the funding to purchase a C-19. Before I plunk down more money then I ever have before on a loco (my wife bought my LS Shay) I’d like to be sure it’s a good fit for my railroad.

I currently run a 1st generation Bachmann Shay or a Bachman 45 Ton diesel for outdoor ops. Both of these will pull my average 5 car train up my 4% + grade from the basement to the front yard. Can I expect equal or better pulling power compared to my Dizzy or Shay?

I don’t expect any issues with turn radius. I am 10 Ft minimum except for a few siding areas that have R1 switches. They have always been switched with only my 0-4-0 Porter. I have everything I need for self contained R/C and sound on-hand except batteries, so that will be an immediate upgrade.

What say you?

#2

I will be following this with great interest. Been thinking of picking one of these up as well. I have a tender I purchased on eBay I use behind an Annie. The quality of the tender is the best I have seen from Bachman. Time is running out on these, soon they will be gone.

#3

Best Bachmann engine I ever bought.

If the price was right, I’d buy another one in a heartbeat. It’s a good puller and Stan has informed me of a way to make it better.

When you come down for the Ops session, I’ll make sure you get a chance to use it and see for yourself.

#4

I have the 346 and its amazing but can you share what changes you made?

#5

It’s an easy engine to convert to R/C battery operation. I believe it’s the best looking and best running engine Bachmann has ever made. Not sure of its pulling power on grades but I’ve pulled eight 1:20.3 cars on a level track with no problems at all.

Doc Watson

#6

Easily the best locomotive Bachmann has produced, and you can still find the undecorated versions making it easy to letter for your Railway .
Very smooth running and should easily pull the grade that you have with five cars.

#7

I am clearly biased as I assisted Lee in The C-19 development. That said I firmly believe that the C-19 is the finest large scale steam locomotive produced by any LS manufacturer to date.

They clearly did it right this time.

A large Pittman 19 volt wound motor, a great gear box, excellent tracking and finely detailed. While the K-27 will always be my favorite (As I have run the prototype), the C-19 is the clear favorite of our crew.

Below is a photo from today’s ops session of a C-19 hauling a train down to Steige.

Stan

#8

Vincent, that picture is absolutely stunning, just lovely. It’s like a painting!

And yellow koi…My favorite!

#9

Jon,

perhaps I can bring mine by sometime soon. do not know how many are left in the pipe line, the prices on eBay vary some what but I would get one from ANA Kramer ASAP. the undecorated ones I think are getting harder to come by, and if you want both domes rounded there is only one choice undecorated with red windows version.

Al P.

#10

Thanks Guys -

I don’t think I need convincing other than what’s been stated here. I was planning on getting an undecorated and letter it for my railroad. I’ve seen a pretty wide price range for these, including some real deals. Hope I can snag the later as my budget is tight.

#11

Well John, this thread of yours could well have cost me a bit. :slight_smile:

We may have to unload the Dash 9 to fund this one.

#12

As of this morning (April 3, 2017) there are several versions for sale on E-bay within a few dollars of $600 including shipping. This is the lowest and best price I have seen on these. The lowest prices are being offered by AL Kramer and Big Boy Toys. I have dealt with both and they are reputable long time dealers.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BACHMANN-C-19-G-SCALE-PTD-UNLTRD-BLACK-RED-WHITE-2-8-0-TENDER-83199-NEW-IN-BOX-/371885841375?hash=item56961f9bdf:g:eTAAAMXQn11ReZq3

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BACHMANN-C-19-G-SCALE-PTD-UNLETTERED-ALL-BLACK-2-8-0-TENDER-83198-NEW-IN-BOX-/371897279853?hash=item5696ce256d:g:pn0AAMXQNbxReZ1-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BACH-83195-DG-RW-C19-345-BUMBLE-BEE-W-DCC-LIGHTS-SMOKE-FIREBOX-NEW-IN-BOX-/112349519931?hash=item1a288da03b:g:mx4AAOSwa-dWnrLJ

Al also has some blowout sales on Spectrum Rolling stock. It is worth taking a look at his other listings if you need boxcars, tank cars or caboose.

#13

Thanks Boomer. I’ve been watching some of those. Will probably pull the trigger tonight.

Just need to decide between the two un-lettered versions. I like both the round domes and the short tender; features not found on one model, so I need to decide which is the ruling feature.

#14

Or buy both, combine the tender with the locomotive you want, and then sell off the other locomotive/tender set. “You know, its rare, since Bachmann didn’t make this version. I can let you have this one of a kind combination for the low, one time only price of…” (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#15

I just ran mine during an ops session on Saturday. It’s a smooth runner and strong puller. I’ve got a 60 foot section at 3.5% grade and a 40 foot section at 4%, and it pulled six cars plus caboose (maximum allowed for operations session) with no problem. I installed Airwire and Phoenix. It took 2 1/2 hours for the complete installation - really quite remarkable.

#16

Bachman could have done us a solid if with the undecorated versions there was a parts bag for all different interchange pieces. heck I probably would buy one or more if available. the tender would have improbable in such a kit but all the other bits.

Al P.

#17

David Maynard said:

Or buy both, combine the tender with the locomotive you want, and then sell off the other locomotive/tender set. “You know, its rare, since Bachmann didn’t make this version. I can let you have this one of a kind combination for the low, one time only price of…” (http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

Sure, no problem. You want to lend me the cash for #2?

#18

I agree Al - But since they didn’t it would be nice to have parts like domes available. I haven’t looked yet to see if they are. The rounded steam dome top was once available but sold out.

#19

Cynnthia Verbrugge said:

Well John, this thread of yours could well have cost me a bit. :slight_smile:

We may have to unload the Dash 9 to fund this one.

Well John I personally think you convince your wife to purchase you another Shay for those 4% grades and then you could double head them on a massive drag.

What I find disturbing is that YOU are convincing a lady to sell a Dash 9 with this thread! I personally think this evil and and deceitful!! When purgatory comes I will be just down the hall “on the narrow path” serving coffee, tea, cookies and fancy sandwiches in the front parlor (shame you won’t be able to join us) .

#20

Now I want a C-19 and a cup of coffee!