Large Scale Central

Opinions on the Bachmann 4-4-0

General Discussion
#1

I have been thinking about getting a Bachmann Spectrum 4-4-0 American and there doesn’t seem to be that much info on them. There also doesn’t seem to have been that many produced by Bachmann. Is there a reason why they were not that popular? In the real world back in the 1850’s+ they were a very popular engine. I have in my mind to recreate the paint scheme of one that was named “Highland Light” that ran on Cape Cod back in the day.

I"m interested in how reliable they are, how many cars can they pull up a 3% grade. Do they suffer the same gear problems the annies do?

Does anyone own one of these and cares to share the scoop?

Thanks.

#2

I have one, and I like it a lot. I’ve never really taxed it, just 4 B-mann passenger cars and a B-mann boxcar with RC and batteries in it. I’ve seen it take that load up a 4% grade quite handily.

#3

I have a spectrum 4-4-0 Eurika and Palisades and love it. I have not installed sound as of yet,but it runs really smooth and quiet. I am looking into buying another in the future… Travis

#4

I have one with batteries, RCS & Sierra sound, all on board. It is a great locomotive. Very realistic and a very good runner!

My RR is basically flat, so can’t comment on grade pulling. I usually pull 2 coaches or 2-3 freight cars and a caboose without problems. The prototype locomotive was relatively small and would have been limited to short trains.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

#5

I dont have one but I think Kevin Strong might have one. Check out his blog for info on it.

#6

I had one, but only had about 1 hour run time on it before I sold it.

The 4-4-0 requires much better track work than the Big Hauler/Annie.

I had problems keeping the front pilot on the track, even though my 10 wheelers would run for hours on the same track.

Seems to me I remember reading about a split gear problem. Search the forums here.

I also know two people who’ve had the circuit board go bad.

Ralph

#7

I run mine on track power, it is without a doubt one of the smoothest running locos I have ever owned. The valve gear is a blast to watch. I don’t burden it much, pulling only a few LGB wooden box cars.

It looks great pulling LGB or Bachmann passenger cars. I know the scale is wrong but as it is such a small engine it looks more “believable” than the Annie does.

Mine has run flawlessly for years with regular use (especially at Christmas around the tree). I can’t imagine you would have any regrets.

#8

Hi,

You do not say if you are thinking of a new one or a second-hand one - the latter can have troubless with the gear on the front axle splitting into two pieces, on the earlier ones, a replacement gear is available from NorthWest Short line, and I have the instructions to fit it + photos. Their gear is said to be stronger than the original which is held in position won a knurled location of the front axle

It is said to be quite easy to do, working from the underside of the loco, and sellotaping the inside valve gear together to keep it all in its correct order.

The loco is a superb little loco, and its cousin is the Spectrum Mogul, NOT the little ‘Industrial’ one.

Yours Peter.

#9

From the responses, 5 good 1 not so, it sounds like it is a decent loco yet typical of Bachmann with that pesky split gear issue. I wouldn’t be expecting it to be a heavy hauler just 2-4 boxcars or passenger.

It also sounds like I should stay away from the early models and find a newer one.

I still need to do a bit more research before making a decision.

Thanks for the info guys

Todd

#10

Todd,

It’s a beautiful loco.

The only reason I sold it was because my track work is not up to the standard needed to run the 4-4-0. I kind of like my “humpty bumpty” shortline, and didn’t want to go to the extra effort that would have been required.

If your track work is level(side to side) and smooth, it should work fine. It did not like R1 switches, and all my switches are R1.

Ralph

#11

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/eastbroadtop/openhouse08/open15.jpg)

I like mine. I did suffer a cracked gear, though not all the way through–just enough to where it was spinning on the axle under load. A little JB Weld fixed that, and it’s been fine ever since.

One modification on mine (and I can’t take credit for it–my dad did this when it was in service on his railroad) is to put a brace over the front axle so it can push its way through spring switches.

(http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/eastbroadtop/TVRR5/tvrr524.jpg)

This slides on a styrene sheet on the bottom of the pilot. It works very well for its purpose.

Later,

K