Large Scale Central

Bachmann Porter 0-4-0T

Modeling Rolling stock
#1

I just bought this loco on Ebay. What exactly did I buy? Is it the Big Hauler or Spectrum version?

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Bachmann-Porter-0-4-0-Used-but-runs-well-for-an-old-timer-/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/$T2eC16FHJF0E9nmFQWrIBQpES7th1Q~~60_3.JPG

#2

It looks like the better spectrum version. metal drive train, metal bell, details on the back of the boiler like the silver oil can.
I have one like this and not knowing the difference bought another that was from a starter set and wow what a diffence. The cheap one would bend and flex when picked up. They both ran about the same until the starter set version split a gear.
decent little engine you got there.
Todd

#3

Don’t want to appear confrontational, but I think maybe not. Here’s mine (the new Spectrum version…)

(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/slatecreek/_forumfiles/marcus1b2.jpg)

Note the proportions are a bit different, and the turbogenerator behind the stack. I think that’s the Big Hauler version that had metal rods and updated details … (I have a couple of those too.) The new Spectrum’s proportions are different mostly because the whole thing is quite a bit larger. Matthew (OV)

#4

Those do not appear to be Spectrum couplers…nor Bachmann. Someone did some upgrades.

#5
Mark V said:
Those do not appear to be Spectrum couplers...nor Bachmann. Someone did some upgrades.
The seller did state that it has Kadee couplers.
#6

I was going to guess Kadee.

Easy way to tell is to flip it over and read the bottom…All Spectrum cars/engines I own have “Spectrum” molded into them.

#7

Yes thats the upgraded Porter from 1997, with metal rods and equalised front axle, very smooth runners. The scale was still 1:22.5, delivered prior to the release of the 20.3 version, which had a whole new superstructure. These 1997 ones were good models, but watch the axles - it was a split axle design with a plastic insert isolating the two sides - those plastic isolators tend to break, causing the axles to plit in half.

David.

#8

Looks like I stand corrected. I just checked mine on the bottom and it says Bachmann made in China, nothing about Spectrum. So it looks like I have the better version of the starter set example just like Joe Z has.
This little engine even though not a Spectrum is still a much better version than the flimsy all plastic one that followed.
Anyways happy RRing