I love forneys and have a question which is better a LGB or one of the new Bachmanns?
Both cost about $400.
The LGB in question is a C+S with the plow and bear trap stack. LGB reliability but not much detail.
The Contender a
Bachmann new inside frame version. The detail is amazing.
Comments welcomed on which is better, best pulling power, longterm reliability. Which would you add to your loco roster if given a choice?
Both have a secret …
The frame is designed to rotate, meaning the cylinders, etc will swing left and right, and the rear truck has a lot of give and a long drawbar to accomodate tight curves. That’s typical for the LGB engine – a bunch of theirs do this. The Bachmann one, in order to accomodate this is raised up a bit on its suspension, to where the pistons are considerably higher than the axles. There are locking mechanisms for both of these, such that if your curves will handle it, you can lock up the front rotating mechanism of the drivers, and the rear tender truck … but it still sits kind of high, like a 4x4 with a body lift kit (but, arguably, not a “monster truck”) Whether that bugs you or not is the deciding factor.
I have a Bachmann one that I’m attempting to “lower.” There are also some details in the cab that I’d like to rework. (it’s the same as the 2-6-6-2, in most respects.) But it does have a family resemblance to a lot of Maine two footers you might know, if you can imagine one that was built to 3’ gauge. (Note that Edaville had a 30" gauge 2-4-4T that they rebuilt to 24" gauge, so I suppose that’s not entirely beyond the realm of possibility… you might know it as WW&F #11 now … and the Florence and Cripple Creek had a forney as well, #51, an 0-4-4T which appears to have been a bit beefier than these both, but a Forney nonetheless.
Mine is still in the “things to think about after I get some other things done first” bin … but eventually…
Matthew (OV)
Oh, and the Bachmann one is quite a lot larger than its LGB cousin, if that makes a difference.
I have both the Bachmann inside frame (SRRL) and the LGB C&S with plow.
A few observations…
Both run extremely smooth and effortlessly.
Size does not appear all that much different, likely due to the LGB plow.
The LGB will stall-out on LGB R3 switches if running slow (Apparently the pick-ups are not spaced far enough apart to keep continued contact through the frog).
The LGB has an optional “adapter” between the plow and pilot raising the plow height and swing to clear 4ft curves and switch machines. Looks much better with the adapter removed.
The Bachmann has a rear truck that can be “un-locked” to allow smooth operation on smaller diameter track.
I prefer the looks of the LGB due to the plow/bear-trap stack but love the added detail of the Bachmann model. The Bachmann has an absurd looking coal load.
I love them both, and could not pick a favorite between the two. Can’t go wrong either way!
Edit: Forgot about your pulling power question…Both could pull a school bus but I never run more than a few cars with them as they just look better that way in my opinion. The LGB has a traction tire which certainly helps.
I also know someone who is selling a “spare” Bachmann for $350 shipped to the east coast!
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/LSC/Forney_zps2f35cefb.jpg)
I happen to favor the LGB Forneys because I park and run them in my unheated, uncooled crawl space where LGB locos have proven to be much more moisture resistant. I also use them as switchers both on R1 and R3 sidings.
In my case I prefer the generic look and lack of detail because there are far fewer parts to break, bend or fall off.
I don’t think there is a winner or a loser. If you want the Bachmann detail buy the Bachmann and if you prefer less detail, weatherproofing and IMHO better durability (with minimum maintenance) go with the LGB BUT perhaps the deciding factor might be that LGB went bankrupt and Bachmann did not. I don’t know what the parts availability for the LGB Forney might be.
The truth is my favorites are actually the LGB Moguls even though the LGB Forneys will out pull them.
Jerry
I think the biggest decision is what you prefer. If durability and reliability is your concern then go with the LGB. If you want a more detailed Forney then go with the Bachmann. I personally would go with the Bachman. Overall it looks so much better.
You can always go with the Accucraft Live Steam Forney
Todd, I have an outside frame Bachmann Forney.It runs great. Regards Ron
Shawn Viggiano said:
I think the biggest decision is what you prefer.
Forney Cation?
Mark V said:
I also know someone who is selling a “spare” Bachmann for $350 shipped to the east coast!
(http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj222/Noble_Dreg/LSC/Forney_zps2f35cefb.jpg)
Why did I have to look at this post…
Vincent D’Agostino said:
Why did I have to look at this post…
It sure would look good next to that new AML 0-6-0 wouldn’t it? 
Jerry
Test run only, Vincent!
Mark V said:
Test run only, Vincent!
If you still have it mid August I will take it, can’t do anything until after I get back from our trip to Ft Myers Florida.
The Bachmann Forney arrived and here it is pictured next to my LGB C+S Forney.
(http://freightsheds.largescalecentral.com/users/capecodtodd/_forumfiles/2Forneys.jpg)
After running them both back and forth in the yard I think I prefer the LGB. It is a bit smaller. I know that Forneys were built in many different sizes but I feel the cab on the Bachmann is just a bit BIG and that coal load is enormous.
I also put my bachmann Climax next to the Forney and they seem OK together given they were both smallish engines the forney still appeared bigger.
I don’t know if I am impressed with the detail on the Forney. It doesn’t seem to have that much more than the LGB.
During the in yard track test the LGB was smoothe whereas the Forney bumped over both R2 and R1 switches and got hung up going through a R1 even though the trucks were unlocked.
The Bachmann Forney is a beauty but the LGB has Character.
Interesting. I think something is wrong with my LGB Forney. It squeaks and clicks as it goes around the track and the slightest imperfection in track-work brings it to a halt (used it to test a new line). It cannot make it through a switch without coming to a stop, slow running is un-thinkable. I’m guessing only one set of pick-ups is working. The Bachmann Forney is the exact opposite. Time for a tear-down!
And I am totally with you on the B-mann coal load for the Forney, silly looking. Currently building an oil-bunker for mine!
Sounds like something is binding there Mark V. The coal load is silly but underneath it is a wonder. Electronics sure have come a long way.
Here is a quick video of the 2 Forneys racing. Same power applied to both through a LGB 1amp starter set controller.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifR-DvsKq-I&feature=c4-overview&list=UUZOfHcAFgcuz5un7x5df4ng
See which wins.
Well Todd, I finally got around to trouble shooting the LGB Forney…No electrical pick-up from the drivers or skates!!! Took the gear case cover off and found the brass contact strips that link everything together were missing! Only the rear truck axle was picking up current.
Now to find some parts!
Edit: The exploded parts diagram doesn’t show any contact strips…Back to the drawing board!
That is a weird piece to go missing. Where does one search for one of those? Is it something you can make up? Good luck in getting your Formey running right.
Sorry Todd, I started another thread rather than run yours off topic…Turns out the Forney block is different than others I’ve torn down. I have a bad switch or PC board. Either way, I found a work-around and got her running sweet!
Great post, thanks for sharing. Always like the Forney.
