Fun fact: The FEF loco that's operating right now No. 844, has never been officially retired by Union Pacific. No other steam engine can claim that distinction.
my biggest gripe with this model is the fact its not even an FEF. Its just a New York Central Niagara repainted into the Union Pacifics greyhound scheme and given a CSA Challenger tender.
Despite the fact that Bachmann have just repainted a NYC Niagara to resemble a UP FEF, in real life the Niagara was based off of the FEF’s design (both were built by ALCO), with several improvements and alterations per Paul Kiefer (CME of the NYC). Interestingly enough Bachmann used to offer this model in a New York Central black livery. I guess they couldn’t settle for a NYC themed set and had to go for Union Pacific. Glad you got to review this one. Great review as always Sam!
As everyone else has said, it's a repaint of a different locomotive from the New York central, the "Niagara", with a different tender. I'd definitely bend that drawbar to try and rectify the issue. I look forward to more American reviews!
America is NOT the UK during the mid twentieth century with just four major railroads. At that time America had scores of major railroads. Which does create a problem with the model railroad industry, manufacturing railroad models for scores of different railroads with minimal differences. The Chinese manufacturer of Bachmann most likely do NOT know the slight differences anyway. Those painting the locomotives and trains are barely able to paint the liveries correctly. Forget about insignificant details... In America Bachmann does not have a good reputation compared to other manufacturers. Now Sam knows why...
@@williamnichols467 looks like pre orders for the next run of Athearn ones are pretty much the same price as the BLI ones. Considering the BLI one is a new tool, made of metal, and has more features, looks like the BLI one is better
Different railroads had different names for the 4-8-4s. The Great Northern called them Northern, whereas the New York Central called them Niagara. The Katy(MKT) never had any passenger locomotive larger than the Pacific. Much depended upon the railroads main line grades...
I must say, one of my joys in life is coming home from work, seeing you’ve uploaded and watching your video whilst I prepare my evening meal. Thanks for all the entertainment Sam, and here’s to the future.
Sam, I have this engine (bought the whole Overland train set new) I have a layout w large curves and it does fine. I converted it to DCC , removed the stock smoke unit and added a Seuthe brand one controlled via DCC function.Also added metal wheels to tender trucks and firebox flicker lights(drill out the fake holes in the firebox door and LED behind it ,decoder set to flicker it). Not a huge powerhouse or speed demon but she runs smooth and quiet. And it was a cheap loco to learn modifications on.
I'd say it might be having derailing issues because of how long it is, these models are built for 22Inch Radius curves. Not sure how that goes into OO and Metric
22 in = 558,8mm, that's a little below the R4 from Peco/Hornby (572mm), and above the continental R4, which stands at 545,6mm. This is one of the many reasons why I have give up modelling US trains long ago.
@@HeavyTanker-vx4oq There’s massive curves over here… Even in Bachmann Ez Track there’s 28 inch radius tracks. There’s even some larger. I have 22” radius on my inside track and 26” radius on my outside track.
It’s another stinker for the end of the year… I love how even you know that you are now going to get requests for this… Maybe this is actually a perfect candidate for one of your “can I fix” videos? You could look at 3-printing a better coupling and re-soldering / routing the wires? Best
that said one is the one i personally have, and it, at least the specific one i have, has none of those wires, just the drawbar and shoddily working bogeys that derail constantly on the track it was sold with, but hey, i got a large ammount of rail cars, so i dont care that much
That set was my first intro to model railroad about two years ago. I recently got a Bachmann Thomas and a Bachmann ex track expander pack to go with it after picking back up the hobby in 2022 december
Finally, an engine that You and I both have! 🤣 However, I got mine from the Overland Limited set. That loco is similar in almost every aspect to the one you have (which is 807), except their road numbers (mine is 806) and the fact that 806 has a built in smoke generator. Also, On the tender of 806, it has plastic wheels, hence, no tender pickups. Everything else externally and internally is practically the same in both engines. My example derails in a similar fashion to yours, and I’m pretty sure it’s because of the size of the curves on my layout. Some of my curved sections of track came with the OL set, hence is 22” radius (best suited for the locomotive). The locomotive worked fine, with barely any derailments. However, when I introduced 18” curves to the layout, it started to derail more. The pilot wheels would jump the track first, followed by the driving wheels, which as you can imagine is extremely annoying, yet inevitable. A little fact, this locomotive is based on a New York Cenrtal ‘Niagara’, not a Union Pacific FEF. The real 806 and 807 were FEF-1’s, and not Niagara’s. This was possibly an idea from Bachmann to show how a UP Niagara may have looked.
You know, it is a shame that so many manufacturers burn themselves by allowing their name to go on rubbish. I dipped one hesitant toe in the Bachmann waters after seeing Sam's review of a Duke Dog, and it has been just as good as he said it would be. But otherwise, I'd cross the street if I saw Bachmann coming the other way.
@@jeffreymcneal1920 Bachmann is insanely uneven given how big a name they are. I have a class 20 that runs like a dream and some halfway decent Bachmann rolling stock, but then models like this exist.
My friend Jack actually has one of these engines with the same wiring issue. He had me fix up the wires on it, and it works way better now. I last ran it on my layout three months ago, and it handled very nicely after I fixed the wires. He actually relettered his for the New York Central as number 6002, and fitted it with a TCS WOW-sound dcc sound decoder not long after I fixed it, and it actually has the prototypical New York Central a200 air horn and air-activated bell. It’s a beautiful engine, and it looks beautiful next to my Bachmann J3a. The grey contrasts beautifully with my standard black roster.
Broadway Limited Imports and Athearn Genesis are where it's at when it comes to American Steamers, a fair amount of £££ though compared with Bachmann, as always, you get what you pay for. :)))
@@yaneljim Yeah, MTH are pretty good but beware, their own DCC sound decoders were not NMRA compatible though, they weren't when I bought one of their SD70ace's about 12 years ago, this limits the amount of functions you can operate with a 3rd party controller.I don't know if that situation changed!
The running number would indicate it to be one of the Union Pacific FEF-1 class, though Bachmann used a slightly modified version of their New York Central 4-8-4 shell, missing the smoke lifters, with a decent enough tender. The final 4-8-4 design on the Union Pacific was the FEF-3’s built in 1944.
That is a colossal Loco. It may not be very good at staying on the track, but I think I still want one. Big American locos are really nice lookers (if not average performers in reality) great vid Sam. Thanks :)
The basis of the Bachmann UP 807 is a New York Central Niagra class (FEF-1s never had what I called "binocular headlights"). The tender is I believe a Vanderbilt tender. That paint scheme is called "Two-Tone Gray. " Athearn sells FEF models for various prices, and I own an Athearn UP FEF-3 #844. I would suggest looking into getting an 844 in the future.
As per Bachmann's usual practice, this is a rancid representation of a UP FEF-1. It's just their NYC Niagara 4-8-4 repainted. At least the tender is correct, but a retail price of somewhere near $300 USD is pretty abhorrent; $100 USD is even a bit high if i'm being honest. Edit: has the logbook given us a hint as to what your next review is?
This was my first model locomotive I ever got. I got it for my 5th birthday. It came with about 10 cars and an oval track. After 4 months, I played with it so much the piston rods broke😂
A note on U.S. steam loco cabs: what you said is true regarding the detail on many HO models and in real life. Many American steam locos built after 1900 had black cabs that weren't as colorful and ornate as a lot of British cabs. The most detail I've seen on American cabs is some controls painted in red. So it does look very basic and cheap, but it is fairly accurate. Great review as always!
@@ronclark9724 remember that some English classes numbered many hundreds and a couple around a thousand. In fact, I think class quantities in Europe tended to outnumber those in the US, for the obvious reasons
Spectrum really only exists with their On30 Shays. The rest of their steam line transitioned to Sound Value after 2015. Spectrum locomotives were definitely a higher class of production value, but some of the locomotives have come out with new tooling that have made them better runners.
Really ? I've got a couple of Bachmann Spectrum Shays that I had to rebuilt from gears to current pickups, lights , etc in order to get them running in a , let's say, semi-decent way. They were brand new and the gears were totally cracked. There is not such thing as "good Bachmann product" I think.
Haven't watched the video yet so idk if this is mentioned, but I just always found it funny how its actually an NYC Niagara with an SP tender in UP paint
The Bachman FEF-1/ NYC Niagara ( the actual engine modeled) is basically a train sets locomotive that's been reboxed for individual sale. Bachman's lowest price series of locos, but it's not alone in it's wiring problems. In a decoder install video, a new spectrum series 2-8-2, the client complained that when properly connected the tender wheels were lifted off the track. Inspection showed that the stiff wiring was the fault, and this was one of Bachman UA's premier series of locomotives.
This was the locomotive the first proper model train set I ever owner around 2011. The locomotive in mine was numbered 806. In case you didn’t cover it, the number would have belonged to a FEF-1. The grey Union Pacific schemes were also known as Greyhounds. They and Southern Pacific had passenger cars in gray liveries that bore minor resemblance from the the New York Central’s two-tone Lightning Stripe grey. Thanks for reviewing this Sam. It can provide you footage of my barely operable 806. Another tidbit, the FEF-3 was the final series of Union Pacific Northern Types. FEF-3 844 was never formerly retired by Union Pacific and is still in a service that is considered active. Later FEF northern were often built with smoke deflectors.
Hey Sam I know the problem with this engine. It requires 22" Radius curves (Bachmann EZ track). I have a Bachmann Daylight Locomotive and it won't work unless you have 3rd Radius Curves. If the drawbar is effecting the way the tender is sitting on the tracks, I have a solution! Just bend it down a bit and it should make it better. Same situation happened with my Daylight engine.
I've known of this model for years as part of Bachmann's "Overland Limited" train set, a true monster of a cheapish train set with a massive number of wagons, just straddling the line between being too expensive for children or beginners and too cheap, both in price and quality, for hardcore modellers, and yet being part of the Bachmann catalog since at least the late 1980's. Thinking about it, it's kind of a bizarre set; none of the rolling stock is particularly high quality, yet it sells for between $250-400, yet you can buy it at WalMart.
This was my first model locomotive. Came in a big train set when I was little, and frustrated me to no end with the detailing trailing wheels (not to mention BEING A NIAGARA NOT AN FEF1)
This was my first bachmann locomotive a good few years ago, i regretted buying it within weeks due to it derailing on curves and switches! It hates track that isn't flat, and the smoke unit had to be removed due to it almost melting the plastic shell around the chimney! Also! be very careful of the tail-light, steps, plow, and the shield on the front, fore they all broke off mine..
I have this Union Pacific FEF aka New York central Niagara in the dcc fitted version and it runs like a dream I did have trouble with the drawbar but after I bent it down it has great tork and decent high speed I love running it at my local club
I'll just put this out there from my experience with american steam is that the most consistently good machines i have come across are usually Athearn or BLI, detail is next level (usually) and i have a 4-6-6-4 challenger from Athearn that probably still runs from their first run (thinking 2006 for some reason) aside from sitting for the last 8 years and me having NEVER done any kind of service. I also have a PCM (BLI before they were BLI) 2-8-8-2 N&W Y6b that may be one of the most impressive models i've acquired. It would run although the electronics have something wrong that i haven't had the time to deal with (i say this because i have seen it run but it definitely has electronics issues). So moral of my paragraph there is, in my view at least, Bachmann is kind of the budget brand that you get for a kid or a "beater" for your layout. High value for what you get, but not something i'd normally be proud to show. I'd use harsher words but i do hold a bit of love for them as they were among my original models as a kid. All in all, don't expect much from them, follow the money and you'll usually find a (drastically) better model.
Ahhh Union Pacific. Having a lot of my favorite steamers from years past. Another great review there Sam :) You are definitely my favorite model train UA-camr :D
You are in fact correct Sam. More specifically, that loco is an FEF-1. Essentially, the first of Union Pacific's 4-8-4 Northerns if I'm remembering correctly.
Actually it is not any Union Pacific FEF series, its a New York Central S-1a Niagara locomotive with a Southern Pacific SP-1 tender, painted in Union Pacific's "Greyhound" scheme.
This particular model is a NYC Niagara Bachman painted it to represent the UP FEF. These locomotives were equipped with centipede style tenders. I believe they were coal fired throughout their careers. The 844 was refitted to burn oil, so it could run the entire UP system. 3985 a restored 4-6-6-4 Challenger has also been converted to oil and the restored Big Boy 4-8-8-4 has also been converted. Look at a photo of 844 and see the differences.
You should get a challenger in ho scale they are very big locomotives. They are done in several different companies. They have two sets of driving wheels and they have a 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement. Some have sound as well. Broadway limited makes them really well. They also have two places were smoke comes out. The main smoke stack and the whistle.
At about 16:10 you see the reason why it derails... no sideplay on the driving wheels. Add RP25 wheels with low flanges to the mix and everything is set for a derailment. For a comparison of UK and Euro size limits, take a look at the Class 66... Most continental operators have the horns and HVAC relocated to the roof
I have one of those locomotives, and it's actually a pretty good model. It has a smoke unit, good pulling power, and is not a bad runner at all. Yes, the locomotive itself is clearly a NYC Niagara, but the tender is an oil tender. In real-life, the Niagaras were coal burners, and used "centipede" tenders.
This loco can also be found in a train set called Overland Limited. A few of the reviews left on the item do point out the derailments from the locomotive, so it seems this is an all around problem with the Bachmann FEF-1.
Nice video! Like everyone has said, yeah, it is an NYC S1 type Niagara with a UP 9000 class (4-12-2) oil tender. A little insight, this locomotive originally was released by Bachmann in a starter set called the Overland. It was one of their largest starter sets and cost about $150 to $200 if I remember correctly. I remember seeing these sets available almost everywhere but they just never sold well. Because of that, I think that is why TrainWorld was selling the locomotives separately for a great price. Compared with your Birkshire and GS-4, I would say it is not the best comparison since our standard of starter sets is near the bare minimum and the other two locomotives are of higher quality. Overall, it's a great video, and I think you gave a fair rating since it is a cheap locomotive. Thanks for sharing, and happy railroading!
This locomotive was designed in the 1980's and the original release I believe had a smoke unit, the loco was redesigned for a train set and then again for the DCC capability, I take it that's the reason it is not designed well
FEF #844 is our Evening Star. Before it was completed plans were already made of preserving it. It's the last steam locomotive ever built for the Union Pacific Railway and stopped revenue service in 1959 before switching to excursion trains and it's the only steam locomotive here in the U.S. to have never been formally retired from service.
So, I got my FEF in the Overlander Bachmann set. It's a specifically DC set, completely locomotive powered, which means no annoying wires to the tender. Detail is identical to yours. Now for some reason, the torque issues aren't present with mine, I can put it up to a wall and the motor and wheels don't slow. Now, the drawbar and bogeys caused derailments all the time for me, mainly because it was either so low that the tender would jump out, or so high that the front of the tender left the ground. Like you, I bent the drawbar into a proper position to actually work, and since I didn't have pesky stiff wires in the way, it more or less fixed the problem. I do still have issues with the bogeys from time to time, but on a flat layout, they usually sit well. I do get a little anxious running it at high speeds though. The main issue is that, because of the way the bogeys and wheels are set, it doesn't take sharp curves. Like at all. That's not so much an issue with length, as it is that the wheels don't slide enough one way or another. Very rigid housing. However, it runs fine with the track that came with the set. Moral of the story, if you want this locomotive, just get the whole Overlander set. It's the only way you'll get something that guaranteed works
Sam thank you for reviewing this engine . I was about to purchase one when I saw the price. Now I know not to buy one . I always trust your reviews before buying an engine or rolling stock you never steer me wrong .
Liked my Kato N UP 844... saw the real thing about 5 years ago. Kato is hopefully doing a Big Boy in N soon. Get to see that one in the flesh later this year too hopefully.
Hi Sam! This model is more correctly a New York Central Niagra 4-8-4! The tender is not even close to correct for either steam locomotive! Both the FEF 's and the Niagara's had Centipede tenders! I have one example that is just like yours, but I altered it to look more like something that the Wasatch Range would operate. I also put a Centipede tender behind it!
Being from America myself, this kind of model is what I was used to growing up and never knew models could be as detailed as UK models! Even our most expensive models don’t come close to the detail levels as your locomotives!! You should try and get your hands on a MTH or Broadway Limited steam loco to review. They are our top of the line models for HO/OO scale. Would love to see your thoughts on them!
Actually MTH are renowned for being bringing 027 toy train detail to HO, not in a positive way. And BLI for instance is not necessarily in the nature of the intended market
Try relocating the tender wiring to a position through the tender floor in front of the lead tender truck so that it runs between the tender steps. This will allow you to move the tender closer and relieve the upward stress that the wiring exhibits in its existing location.
Question: both this and the class 14 have been described by you as "not fit for purpose " yet they score over half marks. If a rubbish loco gets over 5, and the best locos get around 8 or 9, that only leaves 4 or so marks between top and bottom. Wouldn’t recalibration of the scale so rubbish locos get 1s and 2s make the rating system more fit for purpose as the whole of the range could be used?
Nah - because my rating concerns more than just whether or not the loco works properly - it takes detail, performance, pulling power, mechanism and value into account! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains but if you have a wonderfully detailed loco with a whole pile of die cast and a 5 pole motor and flywheels but falls off the track everytime it gets near a corner, it doesn't work and arguably you'd be better off buying a cheaper, motorless, static model for all the use it is ... It's likely to get over 5 marks but is functionally useless as working model train.
Fun Fact: Bachmann's Overland Limited deluxe train set uses a similar type of loco (#806). Unlike the 807 that you have, the train set's loco has no tender pickups, crazy wire configurations, or metal tender wheels, but it does have an operating smoke unit, and no drawbar issues!
My cousin fired 844 as the engine toured for two years. This was back in the late 70's had the Rivarossi set that was a good runner . BTW Big Boy is going on tour next month.
muir 8009, Greetings and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. There is in the National Park Service Steamtown Rail museum on of these monster UP BIG BOYS. It is awesome! When it arrived in Scranton, Pa some years ago they had to reconfigure many of the curves in the yard to allow it to enter. This BEAST sits in the yard as a static display on account the track will not allow it to travel.. I do believe that this is part of the problem Sam has. I enjoy his work in particular when he does some American equipment. I do believe if he could upgrade his track running models such as the UP BIG BOY would give him better results. That is a BIG piece of equipment to run on track such as his, no disrespect. Also Bachmann in my opinion isn't a marquis brand. Along with a real railroader, I have HO scale Marklin. Because all the brands Tyco, Bachman, Life-like, ect have cheaped out and are made in China. Takes all the joy out of modeling when the product is that poor. I went to German models because the quality is better. So, again many thanks, be well and enjoy Sam's videos. Regards, Bob Doyle Pennsylvania, Pa
13.25 Those driving wheels are Boxpocs. The Bulleid-Firth-Brown or BFB design used in the UK is similar in appearance but uses a different principle -- open instead of closed or 'box' castings.
the FEF 844 got an extra 4 for Obvius reasons: a GP35 has same Running Number (844) until the GP 35 was scrapped and of course i think those trail and lead Locomotive trucks just need springs, Coupler between loco and Tender need adjustments, new bearings and you got your self a Train performance improvement.
Bachmann sold a set that had this locomotive in it with a smoke unit equipped. As per usual with Bachmann smoke units, it ended up melting the plastic case of the locomotive. If you buy other Bachmann locomotive with smoke units equipped, I recommend removing them before you run the locomotive for extended periods of time.
Union Pacific FEF-4 8444 (844) is The only steam locomotive to never be retired during dieselization. On July 21, 2018, Kelly Yarish was taking photos too close to the tracks. UP 844 was thundering down the line and ended up hitting and launching the woman. Kelly instantly died as her body was flailed off the tracks. This is an example of why you never stand on or next to the ballast. Trains are wider than the rails.
Like many said this is the nyc Niagara series in a different paint scheme with a different tender. It was also offered in a train set from Bachmann as one of their top sets. It is one of the cheaper built locos which is why the daylight/Berkshire/j series run a hell of a lot better on tighter curves. It is built for 22 inch curves or 4th radius minimum. I would not run it on anything less then 24 inch curves with the tender draw bar connected. In the states this is considered a toy. Broadway limited FEF is a way better runner but will cost you 550 or so dollars.
Some things never change lol! I got this model way back 17 years ago! It sucked back then too and mine doesn't even have any wires or pickups in the tender. So you're not crazy, it's not a good model. It's also not a real model of anything as lots of comments said. It's a Bachmann New York Central Niagara with a Union Pacific tender and Greyhound color scheme. Granted, the Niagara when it was designed, it was based around the UP's FEF 2s and 3s. And because the Niagara was designed so well that it was basically the FEF's equal in every way. I would highly suggest looking into more 4-8-4 Northerns, as most of my favorites like the Norfolk & Western J-Class, Union Pacific FEF-3, New York Central Niagara and Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight are all Northerns. Fun fact: The New York Central ran their Niagaras so hard that they ran 6 days a week nonstop, and on the 7ths day would have a boiler washout and conduct all repairs. They were also one of the first locomotives to use roller bearings throughout the locomotive and tender, and is said to be able to be pushed by just 2 men.
As far as I’ve seen, this is from a big train set and I read a lot of reviews mentioning that it derailed a lot in the sets. “Interesting” find for you regardless Sam haha! I hope you can fix it and enjoy it in some fashion. I wish you could justify a Canadian Pacific Selkirk. A beast. 2-10-4 and the trailing bogie on the real one was steam powered as well. They were designed to get trains up over “The Big Hill” in the Canadian Rockies. There’s two preserved, one in my home city but it’s outside and sadly looking the worse for wear
I have a couple older Bachmann Northerns with split chassis, one doesn't work anymore and I haven't run the other one much, but I've also had problems with their leading trucks derailing. Maybe it's because I don't have a permanent layout or I don't have high quality track, but I suspect it might also be a design flaw that makes them derail more easily. They don't use the same chassis as this one, but I wouldn't doubt Bachmann used a similar truck design and didn't fix the issue. It didn't derail constantly, but it derailed most likely more frequently than it should've on my ovals of track even if the track wasn't that great in quality.
My work just fine. It only time it derailed when I didn’t put it on the track probably, or the Track was to sharp for it. But, my is the overland limited starter set version. It don’t have the wires that connect the engine to the tender, there no tender pick up, and my have a smoke unit. The front bogie going, it probably that you got a broken one. But the less of the problems of the locomotive I don’t know, I didn’t took it apart yet. One of my friends own the locomotive and said that it a good loco. I think you should pick up the overland limited starter set to see if you just got the Wong version of it.
I have that one, I got it in a set for Christmas, and mine came with an unpowered tender and a smoke unit. It also derailed a lot, and the cars didn't have good couplings and would always uncouple! So I agree with the rating you gave the locomotive! That loco was just a disappointment!
Dear Sam, Bachmann is not usually good with recreating IRL American or Canadian locomotives, your locomotive is one of them, being a repaint and redressing of a NYC 4-8-4 Niagara. The only modifications Bachmann did was by repainting the loco and tender, gave a new tender, and renumbered the locomotive. The real basis of your locomotive was of the UP's FEF-1 class, the 1st generation of the FEF's. Currently only 1 FEF-1 exists, No. 814 at the Rails West Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Other FEF's exist however, especially the never retired UP FEF-3 No. 844, which still runs excursion trains for the UP to this day. Great video, Seaboard
Hey I got this locomotive it’s actually my favorite locomotive just because it means a lot to me although a lot of the detail broke off it’s really cool because of the smoke and I just like how it is altogether
Well done Bachmann you have done it again. Single-handedly you are keeping the Plastic Recycling Business busy and maybe the metal may be worth a bob or two or it could be weathered and left in a siding to rust away back to the dust it came from. Value, two stars too many when taking into account the RRP. Martin. (Happy in Thailand as it is not an LNER)
would be interested in watching you fix this with a more powerful motor, sprung bogies, better tender connection and possibly finding a way to ditch the wires between engine and tender.
The locomotive really isn’t worth all that work since it’s not even an accurate FEF to begin with, it’s a repaint of a New York Central Niagara. Not to mention that accurate FEFs already exist that come with sprung drivers and powerful motors. I have one
@@Texas_and_Pacific to be honest im not that much of a train geek, more of an engineering geek so the process of upgrading the loco would make interesting content for me and might inspire others.
I enjoy your videos. I don't often comment, but I do remember to hit the 'like' button. As for the featured loco, I had a little think! Surly if you removed the flanges from the two centre axle wheels might improve the run through the curves?
While, as mentioned, FEF derives from Four-Eight-Four -- the wheel arrangement -- these are the _class_ letters assigned by the UP for the type. For most types the initial letter of the type name was used for class designation, i.e., T for 4-6-0s; but ... the type name for a 4-8-4 is Northern, hardly an appropriate name for UP-land. UP acted similarly for its 2-10-2s: given class TTT. It would never do to associate the name of a rival road with any of its own engines.
So one of my friends brought this in my hobby club one day and we also happened to have an NYC Niagara at the time and funnily enough, it’s the same body. Pretty sure this is based of that Niagara model
Though you purchased that loco by itself, there’s a 9 piece freight car set with 22.5 radius curves that loco comes in called Overland Limited, and is also quite expensive as well. Tip: Anything below 22.5 curves and turnouts, that loco will immediately derail. Bachmann also released a DCC ready version as well, though I don’t know the exact price
Unpainted cab details allow for people to custom paint the cab to their own style of painting and preferred paintjob for the cab and is great for practicing detailing. The drawbars are often too short between the loco and tender are pushing the tender off the track because of how short the drawbar is
At least this loco made it around your layout. My Bachmann 4-4-0 American could not even do that, with out notable work. It was also new and fresh out of the box.
4-8-4 Four Eight Four FEF Just in case you were wondering about the identity "Class Series" with this one reflecting the wheel arrangement. John BC Canada
I have the version of this from the “Overland Limited” set and it’s a split chassis and out of quarter wheels. The engine in this video is just a repainted Niagara with a Vanderbilt tender. I have a Niagara with this newer chassis and they have decent pull power but only to a certain point. Keep up the American videos. I recommend a Pennsy K4 soon. Bachmann is making a new run of the freight versions and I recommend pre-war as they look a bit better.
Owning my own version he runs very well I did get him in a starter pack so that might be a few differences between the one you have and I have but if you do find it I would love to see you do a review on it
Ah the bachmann Niagara’s, as beautiful as they are it’s clear as to why they were discontinued. I have one in the same livery as yours, and one of the crankpins no longer fits and I had to try and fix it myself. Even still, it’s a beautiful model, even if a little bit simple
Ah, I have a slightly older version of this loco. I got it 10 years ago as part of a train set. The issue I have with it is that it has the wrong smoke box cover. These models use the smoke box cover from the NYC Niagara 4-8-4. Great review as always!
Also, if they don’t cost a ridiculous amount (which they often do), I would recommend the Athearn Genesis FEF-3. I got a secondhand one so I was spared from the massive retail price.
Ironically, I was looking at a set that was led by this engine "Overland Limited" to be my first train set and finally get into this great hobby ($280 on amazon). I wont be going for it anymore after that performance (and naturally there's lots of variation of performance based on other peoples comments). Also thanks to the comments for explaining that it looked like a Niagara (I was confused as to why a 'UP FEF' looked nothing like one)
I bought the same set years ago and I’m still running it to this day. Sam’s layout isn’t a good one for long engines like this because his corners are too tight, hence the derailment. The overland limited set is definitely worth the money, it comes with silver nickel track, and a good selection of rolling stock.
Cool locomotive do you have any plans to get any Norfolk and western steam locomotives Broadway Limited? (my recommendations are the Y6b and the class A’s)
Fun fact: The FEF loco that's operating right now No. 844, has never been officially retired by Union Pacific. No other steam engine can claim that distinction.
Based Union Pacific
And she's a real beauty too.
Thx for that fact
and the big boy 4014 has been added to the list of runners.
no other steam engine can? in Europe there are plenty of steam engines never retired from service, which still operate today
my biggest gripe with this model is the fact its not even an FEF. Its just a New York Central Niagara repainted into the Union Pacifics greyhound scheme and given a CSA Challenger tender.
Yeah I was going to say that
It's not even a UP CSA tender, it's a Southern Pacific SP-1 tender.
@@stuartaaron613 close enough. Regardless its still the wrong tender
It looks more like a 9000 than a FEF with that raised headlight.
What did you expect from a Chinese toy manufacturer, accurate details? This is a toy, this is NOT a museum model...
Despite the fact that Bachmann have just repainted a NYC Niagara to resemble a UP FEF, in real life the Niagara was based off of the FEF’s design (both were built by ALCO), with several improvements and alterations per Paul Kiefer (CME of the NYC). Interestingly enough Bachmann used to offer this model in a New York Central black livery. I guess they couldn’t settle for a NYC themed set and had to go for Union Pacific. Glad you got to review this one. Great review as always Sam!
As everyone else has said, it's a repaint of a different locomotive from the New York central, the "Niagara", with a different tender. I'd definitely bend that drawbar to try and rectify the issue. I look forward to more American reviews!
I was thinking the same NYC connection from the smokebox.
America is NOT the UK during the mid twentieth century with just four major railroads. At that time America had scores of major railroads. Which does create a problem with the model railroad industry, manufacturing railroad models for scores of different railroads with minimal differences. The Chinese manufacturer of Bachmann most likely do NOT know the slight differences anyway. Those painting the locomotives and trains are barely able to paint the liveries correctly. Forget about insignificant details... In America Bachmann does not have a good reputation compared to other manufacturers. Now Sam knows why...
@@ronclark9724 thank you Ron very cool
Thanks for sharing! Yeah I might do... may even rewire it with some better and more flexible wire!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains awesome!
Honestly, the Locomotive is just a recolor of the Bachmann NYC Niagara.
If you want a proper FEF, get an Athearn one
Or the BLI one
@@williambabcoke248 the athearn one would be cheaper
@@williamnichols467 looks like pre orders for the next run of Athearn ones are pretty much the same price as the BLI ones. Considering the BLI one is a new tool, made of metal, and has more features, looks like the BLI one is better
Thanks for pointing that out @william nichols
Yeah, doesn't even look like an FEF.
Yeah that's what I've heard... I was a fool to get a Bachmann one... but then it was cheap! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
fun fact: fef stands for 4-8-4 for the 4-8-4 "northern" steam locomotive class
Different railroads had different names for the 4-8-4s. The Great Northern called them Northern, whereas the New York Central called them Niagara. The Katy(MKT) never had any passenger locomotive larger than the Pacific. Much depended upon the railroads main line grades...
The Chesapeake and Ohio called their 4-8-4s Greenbriars.
I must say, one of my joys in life is coming home from work, seeing you’ve uploaded and watching your video whilst I prepare my evening meal.
Thanks for all the entertainment Sam, and here’s to the future.
This thing makes the Hornby 0-4-0 look like the most detailed model of all time
Sam, I have this engine (bought the whole Overland train set new) I have a layout w large curves and it does fine.
I converted it to DCC , removed the stock smoke unit and added a Seuthe brand one controlled via DCC function.Also added metal wheels to tender trucks and firebox flicker lights(drill out the fake holes in the firebox door and LED behind it ,decoder set to flicker it). Not a huge powerhouse or speed demon but she runs smooth and quiet. And it was a cheap loco to learn modifications on.
I'd say it might be having derailing issues because of how long it is, these models are built for 22Inch Radius curves. Not sure how that goes into OO and Metric
22 inch curves are about as big as they come in the states, i ran a Bachman 4-8-4 on 18 radius curves and it had problems.
22 in = 558,8mm, that's a little below the R4 from Peco/Hornby (572mm), and above the continental R4, which stands at 545,6mm.
This is one of the many reasons why I have give up modelling US trains long ago.
@@HeavyTanker-vx4oq I think I've seen 24Inch before.
It sure is long... but so is the Daylight and the Berkshire, and they're way better!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@HeavyTanker-vx4oq There’s massive curves over here… Even in Bachmann Ez Track there’s 28 inch radius tracks. There’s even some larger. I have 22” radius on my inside track and 26” radius on my outside track.
It’s another stinker for the end of the year…
I love how even you know that you are now going to get requests for this…
Maybe this is actually a perfect candidate for one of your “can I fix” videos? You could look at 3-printing a better coupling and re-soldering / routing the wires?
Best
I'd watch the heck out of that.
Oh god yeah that's true... not looking forward to those now, lol! Sure, I could definitely look at doing some upgrades!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
This loco is an nasty rubbish.
The steam engine Sam actually came from a Bachman’s starter set called the overland limited
that said one is the one i personally have, and it, at least the specific one i have, has none of those wires, just the drawbar and shoddily working bogeys that derail constantly on the track it was sold with, but hey, i got a large ammount of rail cars, so i dont care that much
That set was my first intro to model railroad about two years ago. I recently got a Bachmann Thomas and a Bachmann ex track expander pack to go with it after picking back up the hobby in 2022 december
Great review Sam's Trains. I've been thinking of buy one for ages but now you've changed my mind for the better. Thanks😄👋.
Finally, an engine that You and I both have! 🤣
However, I got mine from the Overland Limited set. That loco is similar in almost every aspect to the one you have (which is 807), except their road numbers (mine is 806) and the fact that 806 has a built in smoke generator. Also, On the tender of 806, it has plastic wheels, hence, no tender pickups. Everything else externally and internally is practically the same in both engines.
My example derails in a similar fashion to yours, and I’m pretty sure it’s because of the size of the curves on my layout. Some of my curved sections of track came with the OL set, hence is 22” radius (best suited for the locomotive). The locomotive worked fine, with barely any derailments. However, when I introduced 18” curves to the layout, it started to derail more. The pilot wheels would jump the track first, followed by the driving wheels, which as you can imagine is extremely annoying, yet inevitable.
A little fact, this locomotive is based on a New York Cenrtal ‘Niagara’, not a Union Pacific FEF. The real 806 and 807 were FEF-1’s, and not Niagara’s. This was possibly an idea from Bachmann to show how a UP Niagara may have looked.
I was planning to get the overland limited, but I have 18" radius curves with nickel silver rails.
@@ericgallagherjr8334 the loco should be able to handle an occasional 18” curve relatively easily
This was my first ever loco and ever since I stayed far away from Bachman.
You know, it is a shame that so many manufacturers burn themselves by allowing their name to go on rubbish. I dipped one hesitant toe in the Bachmann waters after seeing Sam's review of a Duke Dog, and it has been just as good as he said it would be. But otherwise, I'd cross the street if I saw Bachmann coming the other way.
@@jeffreymcneal1920 Bachmann is insanely uneven given how big a name they are. I have a class 20 that runs like a dream and some halfway decent Bachmann rolling stock, but then models like this exist.
My friend Jack actually has one of these engines with the same wiring issue. He had me fix up the wires on it, and it works way better now. I last ran it on my layout three months ago, and it handled very nicely after I fixed the wires. He actually relettered his for the New York Central as number 6002, and fitted it with a TCS WOW-sound dcc sound decoder not long after I fixed it, and it actually has the prototypical New York Central a200 air horn and air-activated bell. It’s a beautiful engine, and it looks beautiful next to my Bachmann J3a. The grey contrasts beautifully with my standard black roster.
Broadway Limited Imports and Athearn Genesis are where it's at when it comes to American Steamers, a fair amount of £££ though compared with Bachmann, as always, you get what you pay for. :)))
Yeah I spent $900 for a brass second hand 4-4-6-4 steamer from BLI. Its was worth the money.
and MTH
You're right - desperate to try some of those one day!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@yaneljim Yeah, MTH are pretty good but beware, their own DCC sound decoders were not NMRA compatible though, they weren't when I bought one of their SD70ace's about 12 years ago, this limits the amount of functions you can operate with a 3rd party controller.I don't know if that situation changed!
Dont forget Rapido. yes their steam range is very small but they have steam now.
The running number would indicate it to be one of the Union Pacific FEF-1 class, though Bachmann used a slightly modified version of their New York Central 4-8-4 shell, missing the smoke lifters, with a decent enough tender. The final 4-8-4 design on the Union Pacific was the FEF-3’s built in 1944.
That is a colossal Loco. It may not be very good at staying on the track, but I think I still want one. Big American locos are really nice lookers (if not average performers in reality) great vid Sam. Thanks :)
The basis of the Bachmann UP 807 is a New York Central Niagra class (FEF-1s never had what I called "binocular headlights"). The tender is I believe a Vanderbilt tender. That paint scheme is called "Two-Tone Gray. " Athearn sells FEF models for various prices, and I own an Athearn UP FEF-3 #844. I would suggest looking into getting an 844 in the future.
A cheap one? This better be interesting lol!
haha it sure is! xD
@@SamsTrains XD
@@SamsTrains at least you didn't get the train set version.
The price isn't cheap
As per Bachmann's usual practice, this is a rancid representation of a UP FEF-1. It's just their NYC Niagara 4-8-4 repainted. At least the tender is correct, but a retail price of somewhere near $300 USD is pretty abhorrent; $100 USD is even a bit high if i'm being honest.
Edit: has the logbook given us a hint as to what your next review is?
Thanks a lot for sharing - seems like a pretty lazy one all round then? ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
That's the issue with Bachmann. They raised their prices but they didn't raise the quality of their products.
their E7 is the only good model
This was my first model locomotive I ever got. I got it for my 5th birthday. It came with about 10 cars and an oval track. After 4 months, I played with it so much the piston rods broke😂
Got the same set I think. 10 cars and a 4-8-4 made my little brain happy!
In the past 10 hours I been trying to figure out what UP train are you going to review finally there is an answer.
A note on U.S. steam loco cabs: what you said is true regarding the detail on many HO models and in real life. Many American steam locos built after 1900 had black cabs that weren't as colorful and ornate as a lot of British cabs. The most detail I've seen on American cabs is some controls painted in red. So it does look very basic and cheap, but it is fairly accurate. Great review as always!
Spot on... American railroads bought locomotives in hundreds, not in a score or two with luxurious trim... Glass dials, not trimmed in brass...
@@ronclark9724 remember that some English classes numbered many hundreds and a couple around a thousand. In fact, I think class quantities in Europe tended to outnumber those in the US, for the obvious reasons
Next running session I expect to see this pulling some Dapol egg vans.
Hey Sam! I want to clear up something. That Union Pacific FEF locomotive is actually a New York Central Niagra!
If you want a good bachmann product, you have to pay a premium for their spectrum line.
haha yeah that's probably true! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
They are pretty good
Spectrum really only exists with their On30 Shays. The rest of their steam line transitioned to Sound Value after 2015.
Spectrum locomotives were definitely a higher class of production value, but some of the locomotives have come out with new tooling that have made them better runners.
Really ? I've got a couple of Bachmann Spectrum Shays that I had to rebuilt from gears to current pickups, lights , etc in order to get them running in a , let's say, semi-decent way. They were brand new and the gears were totally cracked. There is not such thing as "good Bachmann product" I think.
Haven't watched the video yet so idk if this is mentioned, but I just always found it funny how its actually an NYC Niagara with an SP tender in UP paint
The Bachman FEF-1/ NYC Niagara ( the actual engine modeled) is basically a train sets locomotive that's been reboxed for individual sale. Bachman's lowest price series of locos, but it's not alone in it's wiring problems. In a decoder install video, a new spectrum series 2-8-2, the client complained that when properly connected the tender wheels were lifted off the track. Inspection showed that the stiff wiring was the fault, and this was one of Bachman UA's premier series of locomotives.
This was the locomotive the first proper model train set I ever owner around 2011. The locomotive in mine was numbered 806. In case you didn’t cover it, the number would have belonged to a FEF-1. The grey Union Pacific schemes were also known as Greyhounds. They and Southern Pacific had passenger cars in gray liveries that bore minor resemblance from the the New York Central’s two-tone Lightning Stripe grey. Thanks for reviewing this Sam. It can provide you footage of my barely operable 806. Another tidbit, the FEF-3 was the final series of Union Pacific Northern Types. FEF-3 844 was never formerly retired by Union Pacific and is still in a service that is considered active. Later FEF northern were often built with smoke deflectors.
4-8-4's in model trains require rather wide radius's to begin with, so that second radius curve may be the issue with it's turning.
Hey Sam I know the problem with this engine. It requires 22" Radius curves (Bachmann EZ track). I have a Bachmann Daylight Locomotive and it won't work unless you have 3rd Radius Curves. If the drawbar is effecting the way the tender is sitting on the tracks, I have a solution! Just bend it down a bit and it should make it better. Same situation happened with my Daylight engine.
Thanks for sharing that - pity they failed to mention it anywhere on the box or paperwork!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I've known of this model for years as part of Bachmann's "Overland Limited" train set, a true monster of a cheapish train set with a massive number of wagons, just straddling the line between being too expensive for children or beginners and too cheap, both in price and quality, for hardcore modellers, and yet being part of the Bachmann catalog since at least the late 1980's. Thinking about it, it's kind of a bizarre set; none of the rolling stock is particularly high quality, yet it sells for between $250-400, yet you can buy it at WalMart.
This was my first model locomotive. Came in a big train set when I was little, and frustrated me to no end with the detailing trailing wheels (not to mention BEING A NIAGARA NOT AN FEF1)
This was my first bachmann locomotive a good few years ago, i regretted buying it within weeks due to it derailing on curves and switches! It hates track that isn't flat, and the smoke unit had to be removed due to it almost melting the plastic shell around the chimney! Also! be very careful of the tail-light, steps, plow, and the shield on the front, fore they all broke off mine..
I have this Union Pacific FEF aka New York central Niagara in the dcc fitted version and it runs like a dream I did have trouble with the drawbar but after I bent it down it has great tork and decent high speed I love running it at my local club
I'll just put this out there from my experience with american steam is that the most consistently good machines i have come across are usually Athearn or BLI, detail is next level (usually) and i have a 4-6-6-4 challenger from Athearn that probably still runs from their first run (thinking 2006 for some reason) aside from sitting for the last 8 years and me having NEVER done any kind of service. I also have a PCM (BLI before they were BLI) 2-8-8-2 N&W Y6b that may be one of the most impressive models i've acquired. It would run although the electronics have something wrong that i haven't had the time to deal with (i say this because i have seen it run but it definitely has electronics issues).
So moral of my paragraph there is, in my view at least, Bachmann is kind of the budget brand that you get for a kid or a "beater" for your layout. High value for what you get, but not something i'd normally be proud to show. I'd use harsher words but i do hold a bit of love for them as they were among my original models as a kid. All in all, don't expect much from them, follow the money and you'll usually find a (drastically) better model.
Ahhh Union Pacific. Having a lot of my favorite steamers from years past. Another great review there Sam :) You are definitely my favorite model train UA-camr :D
You have to have larger larger radius for monsters like that. The larger layouts have 30 inch radius +.
Some American UA-camrs refuse to use any less than 36 inch radius curves...
You are in fact correct Sam. More specifically, that loco is an FEF-1. Essentially, the first of Union Pacific's 4-8-4 Northerns if I'm remembering correctly.
Actually it is not any Union Pacific FEF series, its a New York Central S-1a Niagara locomotive with a Southern Pacific SP-1 tender, painted in Union Pacific's "Greyhound" scheme.
This particular model is a NYC Niagara Bachman painted it to represent the UP FEF. These locomotives were equipped with centipede style tenders. I believe they were coal fired throughout their careers. The 844 was refitted to burn oil, so it could run the entire UP system. 3985 a restored 4-6-6-4 Challenger has also been converted to oil and the restored Big Boy 4-8-8-4 has also been converted. Look at a photo of 844 and see the differences.
You should get a challenger in ho scale they are very big locomotives. They are done in several different companies. They have two sets of driving wheels and they have a 4-6-6-4 wheel arrangement. Some have sound as well. Broadway limited makes them really well. They also have two places were smoke comes out. The main smoke stack and the whistle.
By the way sam the 4-8-4 wheel arrangment was very common in the US during the 30s and was used on most passenger trains
Thanks a lot for sharing - that's pretty cool! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
At about 16:10 you see the reason why it derails... no sideplay on the driving wheels. Add RP25 wheels with low flanges to the mix and everything is set for a derailment.
For a comparison of UK and Euro size limits, take a look at the Class 66... Most continental operators have the horns and HVAC relocated to the roof
I have one of those locomotives, and it's actually a pretty good model. It has a smoke unit, good pulling power, and is not a bad runner at all. Yes, the locomotive itself is clearly a NYC Niagara, but the tender is an oil tender. In real-life, the Niagaras were coal burners, and used "centipede" tenders.
This loco can also be found in a train set called Overland Limited. A few of the reviews left on the item do point out the derailments from the locomotive, so it seems this is an all around problem with the Bachmann FEF-1.
It is a poor quality model that isn't fit for purpose...
Nice video! Like everyone has said, yeah, it is an NYC S1 type Niagara with a UP 9000 class (4-12-2) oil tender. A little insight, this locomotive originally was released by Bachmann in a starter set called the Overland. It was one of their largest starter sets and cost about $150 to $200 if I remember correctly. I remember seeing these sets available almost everywhere but they just never sold well. Because of that, I think that is why TrainWorld was selling the locomotives separately for a great price. Compared with your Birkshire and GS-4, I would say it is not the best comparison since our standard of starter sets is near the bare minimum and the other two locomotives are of higher quality. Overall, it's a great video, and I think you gave a fair rating since it is a cheap locomotive. Thanks for sharing, and happy railroading!
This locomotive was designed in the 1980's and the original release I believe had a smoke unit, the loco was redesigned for a train set and then again for the DCC capability, I take it that's the reason it is not designed well
Thanks a lot for sharing! Even so, this was in the 2019 catalogue... no upgrades? Seriously? ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
FEF #844 is our Evening Star. Before it was completed plans were already made of preserving it. It's the last steam locomotive ever built for the Union Pacific Railway and stopped revenue service in 1959 before switching to excursion trains and it's the only steam locomotive here in the U.S. to have never been formally retired from service.
That isn’t true, the Union Pacific kept 844 for snowplow services and it was employee and volunteer ideas to keep the locomotive
So, I got my FEF in the Overlander Bachmann set. It's a specifically DC set, completely locomotive powered, which means no annoying wires to the tender. Detail is identical to yours. Now for some reason, the torque issues aren't present with mine, I can put it up to a wall and the motor and wheels don't slow. Now, the drawbar and bogeys caused derailments all the time for me, mainly because it was either so low that the tender would jump out, or so high that the front of the tender left the ground. Like you, I bent the drawbar into a proper position to actually work, and since I didn't have pesky stiff wires in the way, it more or less fixed the problem. I do still have issues with the bogeys from time to time, but on a flat layout, they usually sit well. I do get a little anxious running it at high speeds though. The main issue is that, because of the way the bogeys and wheels are set, it doesn't take sharp curves. Like at all. That's not so much an issue with length, as it is that the wheels don't slide enough one way or another. Very rigid housing. However, it runs fine with the track that came with the set.
Moral of the story, if you want this locomotive, just get the whole Overlander set. It's the only way you'll get something that guaranteed works
Thanks a lot for sharing - yes it was definitely the wires causing the derailing on mine! Appreciate the info,
Merry Christmas - Sam :)
The smokebox look like a New York Central Niagara FEF, but the paint job is reminiscent of the UP FEF’s. Very strange!
It's just a version of the engines from Bachmans old larger starter sets. Same paint and all. So it's just a cheap hybrid engine
Livery of this locomotive is called "Greyhound" from what I heard...
Sam thank you for reviewing this engine . I was about to purchase one when I saw the price. Now I know not to buy one . I always trust your reviews before buying an engine or rolling stock you never steer me wrong .
Liked my Kato N UP 844... saw the real thing about 5 years ago. Kato is hopefully doing a Big Boy in N soon. Get to see that one in the flesh later this year too hopefully.
Me for some reason when Sam reviews an American loco: homer simpson USA chant lol
haha!! I can hear it now! xD
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Dunno if that's a good thing....
@@muir8009 Fair, but in my defense I'm american so I like it when Sam reviews the american locos and my mind is random soo yeah
Hi Sam! This model is more correctly a New York Central Niagra 4-8-4! The tender is not even close to correct for either steam locomotive! Both the FEF 's and the Niagara's had Centipede tenders! I have one example that is just like yours, but I altered it to look more like something that the Wasatch Range would operate. I also put a Centipede tender behind it!
Being from America myself, this kind of model is what I was used to growing up and never knew models could be as detailed as UK models! Even our most expensive models don’t come close to the detail levels as your locomotives!! You should try and get your hands on a MTH or Broadway Limited steam loco to review. They are our top of the line models for HO/OO scale. Would love to see your thoughts on them!
Actually MTH are renowned for being bringing 027 toy train detail to HO, not in a positive way. And BLI for instance is not necessarily in the nature of the intended market
Try relocating the tender wiring to a position through the tender floor in front of the lead tender truck so that it runs between the tender steps. This will allow you to move the tender closer and relieve the upward stress that the wiring exhibits in its existing location.
it sure is cheap looking. that locomotive is officaly a Repainted NYC niagara locomotive. the smokebox even shows the numplates from the NYC
That's not even an FEF. It's a Niagara that's dressed up as an FEF.
haha yeah so I hear... not too impressed overall!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I think the only true FEF model is a Lionel version. Not sure they make one in HO.
Question: both this and the class 14 have been described by you as "not fit for purpose " yet they score over half marks.
If a rubbish loco gets over 5, and the best locos get around 8 or 9, that only leaves 4 or so marks between top and bottom. Wouldn’t recalibration of the scale so rubbish locos get 1s and 2s make the rating system more fit for purpose as the whole of the range could be used?
Nah - because my rating concerns more than just whether or not the loco works properly - it takes detail, performance, pulling power, mechanism and value into account!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains but if you have a wonderfully detailed loco with a whole pile of die cast and a 5 pole motor and flywheels but falls off the track everytime it gets near a corner, it doesn't work and arguably you'd be better off buying a cheaper, motorless, static model for all the use it is ... It's likely to get over 5 marks but is functionally useless as working model train.
Fun Fact: Bachmann's Overland Limited deluxe train set uses a similar type of loco (#806). Unlike the 807 that you have, the train set's loco has no tender pickups, crazy wire configurations, or metal tender wheels, but it does have an operating smoke unit, and no drawbar issues!
My cousin fired 844 as the engine toured for two years. This was back in the late 70's had the Rivarossi set that was a good runner .
BTW Big Boy is going on tour next month.
muir 8009,
Greetings and thank you for taking the time to read and comment. There is in the National Park Service Steamtown Rail museum on of these monster UP BIG BOYS. It is awesome! When it arrived in Scranton, Pa some years ago they had to reconfigure many of the curves in the yard to allow it to enter. This BEAST sits in the yard as a static display on account the track will not allow it to travel.. I do believe that this is part of the problem Sam has. I enjoy his work in particular when he does some American equipment. I do believe if he could upgrade his track running models such as the UP BIG BOY would give him better results. That is a BIG piece of equipment to run on track such as his, no disrespect. Also Bachmann in my opinion isn't a marquis brand. Along with a real railroader, I have HO scale Marklin. Because all the brands Tyco, Bachman, Life-like, ect have cheaped out and are made in China. Takes all the joy out of modeling when the product is that poor. I went to German models because the quality is better.
So, again many thanks, be well and enjoy Sam's videos.
Regards,
Bob Doyle
Pennsylvania, Pa
13.25 Those driving wheels are Boxpocs. The Bulleid-Firth-Brown or BFB design used in the UK is similar in appearance but uses a different principle -- open instead of closed or 'box' castings.
the FEF 844 got an extra 4 for Obvius reasons: a GP35 has same Running Number (844) until the GP 35 was scrapped and of course i think those trail and lead Locomotive trucks just need springs, Coupler between loco and Tender need adjustments, new bearings and you got your self a Train performance improvement.
Bachmann sold a set that had this locomotive in it with a smoke unit equipped. As per usual with Bachmann smoke units, it ended up melting the plastic case of the locomotive. If you buy other Bachmann locomotive with smoke units equipped, I recommend removing them before you run the locomotive for extended periods of time.
Union Pacific FEF-4 8444 (844) is The only steam locomotive to never be retired during dieselization. On July 21, 2018, Kelly Yarish was taking photos too close to the tracks. UP 844 was thundering down the line and ended up hitting and launching the woman. Kelly instantly died as her body was flailed off the tracks. This is an example of why you never stand on or next to the ballast. Trains are wider than the rails.
Like many said this is the nyc Niagara series in a different paint scheme with a different tender. It was also offered in a train set from Bachmann as one of their top sets. It is one of the cheaper built locos which is why the daylight/Berkshire/j series run a hell of a lot better on tighter curves. It is built for 22 inch curves or 4th radius minimum. I would not run it on anything less then 24 inch curves with the tender draw bar connected. In the states this is considered a toy. Broadway limited FEF is a way better runner but will cost you 550 or so dollars.
Some things never change lol! I got this model way back 17 years ago! It sucked back then too and mine doesn't even have any wires or pickups in the tender. So you're not crazy, it's not a good model. It's also not a real model of anything as lots of comments said. It's a Bachmann New York Central Niagara with a Union Pacific tender and Greyhound color scheme. Granted, the Niagara when it was designed, it was based around the UP's FEF 2s and 3s. And because the Niagara was designed so well that it was basically the FEF's equal in every way. I would highly suggest looking into more 4-8-4 Northerns, as most of my favorites like the Norfolk & Western J-Class, Union Pacific FEF-3, New York Central Niagara and Southern Pacific GS-4 Daylight are all Northerns.
Fun fact: The New York Central ran their Niagaras so hard that they ran 6 days a week nonstop, and on the 7ths day would have a boiler washout and conduct all repairs. They were also one of the first locomotives to use roller bearings throughout the locomotive and tender, and is said to be able to be pushed by just 2 men.
As far as I’ve seen, this is from a big train set and I read a lot of reviews mentioning that it derailed a lot in the sets. “Interesting” find for you regardless Sam haha! I hope you can fix it and enjoy it in some fashion. I wish you could justify a Canadian Pacific Selkirk. A beast. 2-10-4 and the trailing bogie on the real one was steam powered as well. They were designed to get trains up over “The Big Hill” in the Canadian Rockies. There’s two preserved, one in my home city but it’s outside and sadly looking the worse for wear
The Overland limited,
I have a couple older Bachmann Northerns with split chassis, one doesn't work anymore and I haven't run the other one much, but I've also had problems with their leading trucks derailing. Maybe it's because I don't have a permanent layout or I don't have high quality track, but I suspect it might also be a design flaw that makes them derail more easily. They don't use the same chassis as this one, but I wouldn't doubt Bachmann used a similar truck design and didn't fix the issue. It didn't derail constantly, but it derailed most likely more frequently than it should've on my ovals of track even if the track wasn't that great in quality.
My work just fine. It only time it derailed when I didn’t put it on the track probably, or the Track was to sharp for it. But, my is the overland limited starter set version. It don’t have the wires that connect the engine to the tender, there no tender pick up, and my have a smoke unit. The front bogie going, it probably that you got a broken one. But the less of the problems of the locomotive I don’t know, I didn’t took it apart yet. One of my friends own the locomotive and said that it a good loco.
I think you should pick up the overland limited starter set to see if you just got the Wong version of it.
I have that one, I got it in a set for Christmas, and mine came with an unpowered tender and a smoke unit. It also derailed a lot, and the cars didn't have good couplings and would always uncouple! So I agree with the rating you gave the locomotive! That loco was just a disappointment!
Dear Sam,
Bachmann is not usually good with recreating IRL American or Canadian locomotives, your locomotive is one of them, being a repaint and redressing of a NYC 4-8-4 Niagara. The only modifications Bachmann did was by repainting the loco and tender, gave a new tender, and renumbered the locomotive. The real basis of your locomotive was of the UP's FEF-1 class, the 1st generation of the FEF's. Currently only 1 FEF-1 exists, No. 814 at the Rails West Railroad Museum in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Other FEF's exist however, especially the never retired UP FEF-3 No. 844, which still runs excursion trains for the UP to this day.
Great video, Seaboard
Hey I got this locomotive it’s actually my favorite locomotive just because it means a lot to me although a lot of the detail broke off it’s really cool because of the smoke and I just like how it is altogether
That's great to hear - sorry to hear the details broke off though :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
It is a good train I just got mine today but I had to remove the pony truck from the back of the loco under the cab but runs great now
Well done Bachmann you have done it again. Single-handedly you are keeping the Plastic Recycling Business busy and maybe the metal may be worth a bob or two or it could be weathered and left in a siding to rust away back to the dust it came from. Value, two stars too many when taking into account the RRP. Martin. (Happy in Thailand as it is not an LNER)
would be interested in watching you fix this with a more powerful motor, sprung bogies, better tender connection and possibly finding a way to ditch the wires between engine and tender.
The locomotive really isn’t worth all that work since it’s not even an accurate FEF to begin with, it’s a repaint of a New York Central Niagara. Not to mention that accurate FEFs already exist that come with sprung drivers and powerful motors. I have one
@@Texas_and_Pacific to be honest im not that much of a train geek, more of an engineering geek so the process of upgrading the loco would make interesting content for me and might inspire others.
I enjoy your videos. I don't often comment, but I do remember to hit the 'like' button. As for the featured loco, I had a little think! Surly if you removed the flanges from the two centre axle wheels might improve the run through the curves?
While, as mentioned, FEF derives from Four-Eight-Four -- the wheel arrangement -- these are the _class_ letters assigned by the UP for the type. For most types the initial letter of the type name was used for class designation, i.e., T for 4-6-0s; but ... the type name for a 4-8-4 is Northern, hardly an appropriate name for UP-land.
UP acted similarly for its 2-10-2s: given class TTT. It would never do to associate the name of a rival road with any of its own engines.
So one of my friends brought this in my hobby club one day and we also happened to have an NYC Niagara at the time and funnily enough, it’s the same body. Pretty sure this is based of that Niagara model
I got mine for Christmas 2019 and I loved it my second ho locomotive
Though you purchased that loco by itself, there’s a 9 piece freight car set with 22.5 radius curves that loco comes in called Overland Limited, and is also quite expensive as well. Tip: Anything below 22.5 curves and turnouts, that loco will immediately derail. Bachmann also released a DCC ready version as well, though I don’t know the exact price
Unpainted cab details allow for people to custom paint the cab to their own style of painting and preferred paintjob for the cab and is great for practicing detailing. The drawbars are often too short between the loco and tender are pushing the tender off the track because of how short the drawbar is
If you ever want to look into American diesel locos with high detail, the Proto 2000 FA2/FB2’s are some of the best that I’ve seen
At least this loco made it around your layout. My Bachmann 4-4-0 American could not even do that, with out notable work. It was also new and fresh out of the box.
4-8-4 Four Eight Four FEF
Just in case you were wondering about the identity "Class Series" with this one reflecting the wheel arrangement.
John BC Canada
I have the version of this from the “Overland Limited” set and it’s a split chassis and out of quarter wheels. The engine in this video is just a repainted Niagara with a Vanderbilt tender. I have a Niagara with this newer chassis and they have decent pull power but only to a certain point. Keep up the American videos. I recommend a Pennsy K4 soon. Bachmann is making a new run of the freight versions and I recommend pre-war as they look a bit better.
Great review sam I picked up one cheaply also and now it's parked up forever, rubbish 😄
Owning my own version he runs very well I did get him in a starter pack so that might be a few differences between the one you have and I have but if you do find it I would love to see you do a review on it
Ah the bachmann Niagara’s, as beautiful as they are it’s clear as to why they were discontinued. I have one in the same livery as yours, and one of the crankpins no longer fits and I had to try and fix it myself. Even still, it’s a beautiful model, even if a little bit simple
I have a Kato N Scale FEF as 844 and it runs like a swiss watch!
Ah, I have a slightly older version of this loco. I got it 10 years ago as part of a train set. The issue I have with it is that it has the wrong smoke box cover. These models use the smoke box cover from the NYC Niagara 4-8-4. Great review as always!
Also, if they don’t cost a ridiculous amount (which they often do), I would recommend the Athearn Genesis FEF-3. I got a secondhand one so I was spared from the massive retail price.
You should definitely get a Big Boy. It is so much fun to see such a large locomotive going around curves on any layout
it is an FEF they say, but it is actually the Bachmann NYC Niagara painted in UP colors
Ironically, I was looking at a set that was led by this engine "Overland Limited" to be my first train set and finally get into this great hobby ($280 on amazon). I wont be going for it anymore after that performance (and naturally there's lots of variation of performance based on other peoples comments). Also thanks to the comments for explaining that it looked like a Niagara (I was confused as to why a 'UP FEF' looked nothing like one)
I used to have this set and then the train started to derail itself and I tried to repair it and I end up tearing it apart, I hate 10-year-old me.
I bought the same set years ago and I’m still running it to this day. Sam’s layout isn’t a good one for long engines like this because his corners are too tight, hence the derailment. The overland limited set is definitely worth the money, it comes with silver nickel track, and a good selection of rolling stock.
@@linkfan95 and I think it makes smoke using a special fluid that you drop into the smokestack
@@arrivedknight7632 Yes that too. My smoke unit however doesn’t work anymore because my younger brother accidentally flooded it.
There is beauty in all forms of steam.
The drawbar goes through that square hole under the footplate.
Cool locomotive do you have any plans to get any Norfolk and western steam locomotives Broadway Limited? (my recommendations are the Y6b and the class A’s)