I got one about a month or two ago, I absolutely love it, yet it has some mechanical problems. I’ve customized the heck out of it, with a Diamond stack, moved the dynamo, and did a whole custom lettering job. These locomotives are just so versatile for any railroad.
I got mine as a custom job from eBay. The original owner dressed it up to appear as a rebuilt ATSF locomotive 0126. One of my favorite models right behind the BLI ATSF 4000 Mikados
I used to want a southern modernized 4-4-0, before I could buy one directly from bachmann, it went offsale, and so, I never got to know what it was like to own one... rest in pieces old dreams, you will be missed...
I just ordered a Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation as Southern Railways No. 721, which I plan to renumber to 630. I live in Chattanooga, so I see it as a fitting tribute to the valley’s local lure. I wanted to know a bit more about my purchase, so I searched it up. Then I stumbled across this, the history of Bachmann. So I clicked. I am not disappointed.
I got one of these for 100 dollars at a train show back in April and it’s one of the coolest engines I’ve gotten. First time I ever got an engine with dcc and sound.
I just got one for $216 at a hobby shop in brand new condition. That sounds like a lot but considering how much these are going for on eBay, I'm happy with my purchase.
I can see right away the Baldwin version's cowcatcher sits higher than the Richmond's, which is the only gripe I have with mine cause it loves catching points and crossings. Aside from that it's my smoothest runner in the fleet. It looks like the Richmond is the only one that offers piston valves and front ladders. Might grab one of those if I find one.
Not really, the spectrum line went on a short hiatus after 2018 and came back swinging with an updated 2-10-0 and a very impressive hudson. Bachmann is really putting their foot down as the go to reliable steam locomotive manufacturer and now they’re really stepping up their game.
@@cobramerciless The problem is the cost of the Decapod. It wasn't a great seller when they first came out and for what they charge even at street price they are just sitting. No one wants to pay $350+ for a Bachmann Decapod even if it has TCS in it. Most modelers at the $350 price point would rather have a BLI even if it has the crappy decoder in it because in their mind, they can always swap it out for a Tsunami 2 or Loksound. I was lucky enough to snag a Decapod with TCS for $200 but I would not pay a cent more for one. I just got the Hudson as well and satisfied with it.
@@OriginalBongoliath I think Bachmann is really suffering from their lower-level lines and the hiatus of the spectrum line. Bachmann's lower level stuff is the new Tyco (even if much better quality) so when they make nicer stuff that is similarly priced to (if still cheaper than) BLI stuff, it feels like it is a "downgrade" even if perfectly good. Really, they should just have kept their existing toolings in a slow rotation in the spectrum line in my opinion, as Athearn has done with the old roundhouse toolings. There isn't a constant need for modernized 4-4-0s or 2-8-0s or ten wheelers, but there will be enough demand (especially with the modern day pre-order focused market for locomotives) that eventually a production run will be warranted.
I do believe bachmann is getting better, but I want more small steam, make a better prairie, smaller 2-8-0, and I got pissed when they discontinued the USA 0-6-0 tank
I think a lot of us do, but we keep seeing large locomotive releases because the small locomotives just don’t seem to sell. Even the mid size steam anymore seems to be a hard sell for a lot of people.
@@cobramerciless The problem is cost. Small steam these days cost the same as big steam. Therefore, modelers expect to pay less for small locos because in their heads they are smeller so should cost less. Well, the real world doesn't work like that but modelers don't care so those who want small steam are left to suffer because of the lowest common denominator. They outright refuse to pay the same price for what a big steamer goes for so the companies reflect what the buyers want. Same reason why BLI's Atlantics sold so poorly. For the same price as a BLI Atlantic you could buy a premium big steam engine.
My one minor gripe with these engines is that the spacing of the rear driver is a bit weird, too close to the lead driver resulting in a rather ungainly and unrealistic appearance. Still, all respect to the attention to detail and the smooth performance. A proper gem in the rough.
I think this one comes down to personal preference because while some 4-4-0s were more balanced looking, there are some out there with the drivers closer together.
Quality small steam locomotives are a great way to get the action and detail of a steam engine, but not at the price and complexity of an articulated/larger road locomotive. These seem really competitively priced nowadays. If i were more into HO i would consider these. Thanks!
god damn they really are hard to find. Just checked eBay and there isn't a single listing for em! adding this one to my long term purchases. Right next to the Bachman SY Mikado
more good shit...I had the Bachman NW 611 class J 484 back in the 80s. Pretty good runner, good crisp details. Just checked your X feed, I knew Thomas could pop some rivets...LOL
Interesting to hear your original J class ran well, I’d have to check that original one out some day. As far as thomas related stuff goes, I’ve genuinely never had an issue with thomas until recently. The fans drive me insane. It feels force fed that I have to like thomas just because I like trains, or something about me using American terms instead of the “proper” terms, or how anything different than British roads is doing stuff wrong.
I saw one of these that was dcc equipped for $90, I’m still kicking myself over not getting it and getting the 44 ton instead because of the interesting 2 motor design.
No idea, it seems like they announce a rerelease every couple years but they jack up the price by $40 each time and only make a few, if they ever even come out
Gonna be getting an unlettered version for $200 with DCC AND sound. Might letter it to one of the railroads you see in red dead redemption 2. Edit: I actually got A MEC locomotive with a blank engine tende.
I have two of these Modern 4-4-0’s: one Baldwin, one Richmond. They look great, but I cannot get them to run correctly on DCC, normally starting to move on speed step 13. What values do you use for CV 2, 5, and 6?
@@OriginalBongoliath Diesel and a decent selection of electrics. TGVs, Stadlers, a Siemens or two, even FLXDrive. Been considering buying a cheap TGV or KISS set and painting it up in Super Chief Amtrak heritage livery to match with my Flagstaff 2056 layout. In terms of steam I have an Atlas USRA Light Mikado I'm happy with and a Bachmann 0-6-0 from the '70s or '80s I plan on turning into a fireless, but it's not exactly bountiful pickins outside of those and even less for tank engines.
I got one about a month or two ago, I absolutely love it, yet it has some mechanical problems. I’ve customized the heck out of it, with a Diamond stack, moved the dynamo, and did a whole custom lettering job. These locomotives are just so versatile for any railroad.
I got mine as a custom job from eBay. The original owner dressed it up to appear as a rebuilt ATSF locomotive 0126. One of my favorite models right behind the BLI ATSF 4000 Mikados
The BLI 4000 is fantastic, definitely a favorite of mine as well!
I used to want a southern modernized 4-4-0, before I could buy one directly from bachmann, it went offsale, and so, I never got to know what it was like to own one...
rest in pieces old dreams, you will be missed...
I just ordered a Bachmann Spectrum Consolidation as Southern Railways No. 721, which I plan to renumber to 630. I live in Chattanooga, so I see it as a fitting tribute to the valley’s local lure. I wanted to know a bit more about my purchase, so I searched it up. Then I stumbled across this, the history of Bachmann. So I clicked. I am not disappointed.
I got one of these for 100 dollars at a train show back in April and it’s one of the coolest engines I’ve gotten. First time I ever got an engine with dcc and sound.
I just got one for $216 at a hobby shop in brand new condition. That sounds like a lot but considering how much these are going for on eBay, I'm happy with my purchase.
I love the little bachmann modern 4-4-0 there so great, and I'm so glad you made a stellar video on it
1:34 I still mad they never made a Mohawk.
I can see right away the Baldwin version's cowcatcher sits higher than the Richmond's, which is the only gripe I have with mine cause it loves catching points and crossings. Aside from that it's my smoothest runner in the fleet. It looks like the Richmond is the only one that offers piston valves and front ladders. Might grab one of those if I find one.
That is very sad, Bachmann is getting rid of their "high-quality" locomotives AGAIN...
Not really, the spectrum line went on a short hiatus after 2018 and came back swinging with an updated 2-10-0 and a very impressive hudson. Bachmann is really putting their foot down as the go to reliable steam locomotive manufacturer and now they’re really stepping up their game.
@@cobramerciless Awesome! Thank you for the information!
@@cobramerciless The problem is the cost of the Decapod. It wasn't a great seller when they first came out and for what they charge even at street price they are just sitting. No one wants to pay $350+ for a Bachmann Decapod even if it has TCS in it. Most modelers at the $350 price point would rather have a BLI even if it has the crappy decoder in it because in their mind, they can always swap it out for a Tsunami 2 or Loksound. I was lucky enough to snag a Decapod with TCS for $200 but I would not pay a cent more for one. I just got the Hudson as well and satisfied with it.
@@OriginalBongoliath I think Bachmann is really suffering from their lower-level lines and the hiatus of the spectrum line. Bachmann's lower level stuff is the new Tyco (even if much better quality) so when they make nicer stuff that is similarly priced to (if still cheaper than) BLI stuff, it feels like it is a "downgrade" even if perfectly good.
Really, they should just have kept their existing toolings in a slow rotation in the spectrum line in my opinion, as Athearn has done with the old roundhouse toolings. There isn't a constant need for modernized 4-4-0s or 2-8-0s or ten wheelers, but there will be enough demand (especially with the modern day pre-order focused market for locomotives) that eventually a production run will be warranted.
I do believe bachmann is getting better, but I want more small steam, make a better prairie, smaller 2-8-0, and I got pissed when they discontinued the USA 0-6-0 tank
I think a lot of us do, but we keep seeing large locomotive releases because the small locomotives just don’t seem to sell. Even the mid size steam anymore seems to be a hard sell for a lot of people.
@@cobramerciless The problem is cost. Small steam these days cost the same as big steam. Therefore, modelers expect to pay less for small locos because in their heads they are smeller so should cost less. Well, the real world doesn't work like that but modelers don't care so those who want small steam are left to suffer because of the lowest common denominator. They outright refuse to pay the same price for what a big steamer goes for so the companies reflect what the buyers want. Same reason why BLI's Atlantics sold so poorly. For the same price as a BLI Atlantic you could buy a premium big steam engine.
My one minor gripe with these engines is that the spacing of the rear driver is a bit weird, too close to the lead driver resulting in a rather ungainly and unrealistic appearance. Still, all respect to the attention to detail and the smooth performance. A proper gem in the rough.
I think this one comes down to personal preference because while some 4-4-0s were more balanced looking, there are some out there with the drivers closer together.
I have the Great Northern Baldwin 4-4-0.
I have the seaboard airline version that I bought on vacation a Year ago and I had absolutely no idea what I bought until watching this video.
Quality small steam locomotives are a great way to get the action and detail of a steam engine, but not at the price and complexity of an articulated/larger road locomotive. These seem really competitively priced nowadays. If i were more into HO i would consider these. Thanks!
god damn they really are hard to find. Just checked eBay and there isn't a single listing for em!
adding this one to my long term purchases. Right next to the Bachman SY Mikado
1:18 the EM-1 is back in production! What are you waiting for?
Wallet.
1 point for the conrail cannon.
more good shit...I had the Bachman NW 611 class J 484 back in the 80s. Pretty good runner, good crisp details. Just checked your X feed, I knew Thomas could pop some rivets...LOL
Interesting to hear your original J class ran well, I’d have to check that original one out some day. As far as thomas related stuff goes, I’ve genuinely never had an issue with thomas until recently. The fans drive me insane. It feels force fed that I have to like thomas just because I like trains, or something about me using American terms instead of the “proper” terms, or how anything different than British roads is doing stuff wrong.
I saw one of these that was dcc equipped for $90, I’m still kicking myself over not getting it and getting the 44 ton instead because of the interesting 2 motor design.
Isn’t Athearn rereleasing their 2-8-0 6:42
No idea, it seems like they announce a rerelease every couple years but they jack up the price by $40 each time and only make a few, if they ever even come out
I want one of the southern ones
I have the same 4-4-0's as you. Looking to find a black Southern one.
I get model trains are supposed to be strong but like
It’s a 4-4-0 it shouldn’t really pull that much
They still should be able to manage more than 6 or 7 cars on a slight gradient
Gonna be getting an unlettered version for $200 with DCC AND sound. Might letter it to one of the railroads you see in red dead redemption 2.
Edit: I actually got A MEC locomotive with a blank engine tende.
I have two of these Modern 4-4-0’s: one Baldwin, one Richmond. They look great, but I cannot get them to run correctly on DCC, normally starting to move on speed step 13.
What values do you use for CV 2, 5, and 6?
I have mine set to the defaults
6:33 and Bachmann still makes the 2-6-0
It was discontinued for a short time when I had the video made last year
Hey how do you know the ho mogul is discontinued
No longer in bachmann’s catalog or on their website
@@cobramerciless really becouse I checked the 2023 catalogs and thier still there. And I mean it still somewhat in production for train sets.
As an N scale modeler, god I wish we had options.
Yeah the selection for N Scale steam is bad compared to O and HO. N is honestly only good for modern diesel railroading.
@@OriginalBongoliath Diesel and a decent selection of electrics. TGVs, Stadlers, a Siemens or two, even FLXDrive. Been considering buying a cheap TGV or KISS set and painting it up in Super Chief Amtrak heritage livery to match with my Flagstaff 2056 layout. In terms of steam I have an Atlas USRA Light Mikado I'm happy with and a Bachmann 0-6-0 from the '70s or '80s I plan on turning into a fireless, but it's not exactly bountiful pickins outside of those and even less for tank engines.
First
Sha-dup
Bro that ain't fair 😭💀