Large Scale Central

Bachmann Locomotve Scales

General Discussion
#1

So I was looking over Bachmann’s parts online parts catalog since they are a decent source for some detail parts. Mainly they sell lots of different stacks. But they give no dimensions or scale of their locos that I can find. I am wondering if we could put together a list of the scales, even if just rough, of their equipment as a resource for scratch builders to have and idea at least of what these parts sizes are. So if you know or care to chime in I will start a list.

0-4-0 gas mechanical 1:20.3

0-4-0 Side Tank Porter New version is 1:20.3 older version 1:22.5

2-4-2 Columbia 1:22.5

2-4-2T 1:20.3 (per 2016 catalog)

2-4-4 Forney 1:20.3

2-6-0 Industrial Mogul 1:22.5

2-6-0 Spectrum Mogul 1:20.3 (per 2016 catalog)

2-6-6-2 1:20.3

2-8-0 Consolidation 1:20.3

38 Ton 2 truck Shay 1:20.3

4-4-0 1:20.3

4-6-0 standard/Annie 1:24/1:22.5 under debate

45 Ton Switcher 1:20.3

55 Ton 3 truck Shay 1:20.3

C-19 1:20.3 (per 2016 catalog)

Heisler 1:20.3

K-27 1:20.3

2 truck climax 1:20.3 (per 2016 catalog)

#2

They’re either 1:22.5 or the Spectrum line, which is 1:20.3. They rehashed some 1:22.5 stuff with a bigger cab and labeled it “Spectrum”.

#3

I thought I remembered being told that but wasn’t sure if some of there stuff was smaller, that makes the list easier.

#4

I believe the Shays, 2 and 3 truck, and the Heisler are 1:20.3. Plus the 45 ton Switcher.

#5

The new Porter and the gas mechanical Davenports are 1:20.3 scale too.

#6

2-6-6-2 is 1:20.3 based on the Baldwin proposal. Like wise the “Connie” ( a Mexican prototype ?) and K-27. I have all 3. The Annie’ (and most of the Big Hauler stuff) is reckoned to be 1:24 and based on a std’ gauge prototype. Or so I read on forums here in UK. But what do we know (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)Max

#7

You left off the Bachmann Spectrum 2-4-4 Forney. It is 20.3 also.

Though it does look a little small.

#8

Well thanks for continuing the input. With everyone chiming in it seems 1:20.3 is the norm with a 1:22.5 or 1:24 being the exception. I have been told by several the Annie really was built to “Scale” and that the only attempt to make a scale was in the Spectrum line. But thats all conjecture to me because I know little to nothing about it.

#9

I’m pretty sure the Annie was built to scale, but it sure wasn’t 1:20.

#10

So what scale 1:24 or 1:22.5 on the 10 wheeler I know it wasn’t 1:20 that is for sure.

#11

Good question. When I made my 1:20 version, I just used the running gear from the Annie, so that limited me a bit. But here’s a comparison of work in progress, so you can at least get an idea of the difference…

#12

The only difference between the Big Hauler 4-6-0 and the Anniversary 4-6-0 is the drive train and the added details.

The B’mann Big Hauler was supposedly the same scale as the LGB Mogul, 1:22.5.

#13

Ken Brunt said:

The only difference between the Big Hauler 4-6-0 and the Anniversary 4-6-0 is the drive train and the added details.

The B’mann Big Hauler was supposedly the same scale as the LGB Mogul, 1:22.5.

Bruce,

Actually when the first edition Anniversary model came out it had the Gen5 chassis same as the Big Hauler. Now both models have the Gen6 chassis which has an improved pilot truck inspired by Barry Olsen and brass gears.

#14

Devon Sinsley said:

So what scale 1:24 or 1:22.5 on the 10 wheeler I know it wasn’t 1:20 that is for sure.

Logic suggests that they used 1:22.5 because LGB was the standard of the time and making their products blend in was more important than scale. Remember they substituted On30 for the proper On3. That logic was to run on HO layouts … cheaper to use their HO drives with larger bodies. Plus there already were layouts that could run 'em.

So scale was secondary to joining an established pike. If it looked good with them, it was good to go.

My no cents opinion.

John

#15

Devon Sinsley said:

So what scale 1:24 or 1:22.5 on the 10 wheeler I know it wasn’t 1:20 that is for sure.

Devon

It really depends on what is the prototype. If it is ET&WC #12 then it is 1:22.5 meter gauge. At the time it was first produced this was the NG scale in large scale.

#12 is a large locomotive and is bigger then a White Pass 2-8-2.

I believe the original diagrams were indeed to 1:22.5

However one of the interesting things is the wide variety of sizes locomotives were produced in and how things such as cab height changed over the years… If the prototype were #9 rather then #12 the locomotive might be much closer to 1:20.

So it all depends in large part to what locomotive you are modeling.

Stan

#16

Bill Banta makes wood cab kits in 1:20.3 scale for the Bachmann 10-wheeler, Shay, Climax, and Mogul. I’ve built a couple of these and they are very nice laser-cut kits that fit the Bachmann locos perfectly.

Banta Model Works web site

Bob Hyman

#17

Good point Stan,

And since my original purpose for this thread was to use the parts for bashing and not as much a record on Bachmann’s intention to model to a scale, it really does matter on what your trying to achieve. A case in point is that I am using the 10 wheeler balloon stack on my small 1:20.3 scratch build and the size looks great. So that really is true.

#18

Add the entire Lil Big hauler line at 1/22.5

#19

The only problem with the Lil Big Hauler line is there are no detail parts to rob :slight_smile:

#20

I’ve actually thought most of the models were made from a prototype example. I thought the Climax was modeled after the example at the “Cradle of Forestry” We saw very good examples of all 3 geared engines at the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum. Frame and boiler dimensions would give a pretty good idea of the scale.