Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: Pacific Northern on July 10, 2009, 10:39:30 PM

Title: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 10, 2009, 10:39:30 PM
As indicated in the news release, the Spectrum 2-8-0 will now be part of the Standard line.
Does this mean less detail?
Will the Standard motor be the same as the Spectrum motor or is it to be changed?
Any change to the DCC chip to be used?

Any changes other than the above?
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Frisco on July 10, 2009, 11:24:42 PM
I'm also curious about this. Also will it still be compatible with the Spectrum Med. Vanderbuilt tenders?Thanks,
Ryan
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news rmake it more affordable.elease
Post by: the Bach-man on July 10, 2009, 11:57:06 PM
Dear All,
The 2-8-0 will be basically the same engine. It's been moved to the Standard Line to make it more affordable.
I'll see what specifics I can find out tomorrow.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Yampa Bob on July 11, 2009, 02:44:59 PM
I'm sure many modelers are glad to see the 2-8-0 retained. As Mr B. noted, moving it to the Standard line makes it more affordable; the retail price has been reduced from $171 to $139.

However, it appears the UP version is no longer available with Stephenson Valve Gear, so I won't be buying any more. Besides I already have 3 new in their boxes, with Stephenson gear.

This seems to follow the current trend of "rubber stamping" a model, then applying an assortment of road names and numbers.

Also, we were earlier informed that the motors are 3 pole, yet the announcement still indicates 5 pole. Why can't we get a definitive answer on this issue?
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 11, 2009, 05:57:29 PM
If I remember correctly it was the Bach Man himself who made the reference to the 3 pole motor in the 2-8-0. 

I too had asked about the 2-8-0 ads still referring to a 5 pole motor and was told they were old ads.

Wonder what other HO models may be using the 3 pole motor?
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Yampa Bob on July 12, 2009, 04:12:05 PM
I have always considered the Spectrum 2-8-0 Consolidation the "flagship" of the Bachmann steam line. I am disappointed it has been "demoted" to Standard status.

I find it ironic that the same Connie, with "sound on board" is still in the Spectrum line.  Perhaps at some point, only sound equipped locomotives will have the honor of being called "Spectrum".
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 12, 2009, 06:32:06 PM
The Bach Man said he would check and get back to the Forum as to what the differences would be between the Spectrum Connie and the new Standard Connie.

I for one am most anxious to get a reply to that question. I too though of the Connie as the "Flagship" of the Spectrum line.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: rogertra on July 12, 2009, 06:35:42 PM
Quote from: Pacific Northern on July 12, 2009, 06:32:06 PM
The Bach Man said he would check and get back to the Forum as to what the differences would be between the Spectrum Connie and the new Standard Connie.

I for one am most anxious to get a reply to that question. I too though of the Connie as the "Flagship" of the Spectrum line.

Agreed.

As to the sound option, as is known on this board I think sound is over rated and, even these days, still sounds "tinny" as in "Having a thin metallic sound: a high tinny voice" sounding rather like my oft mentioned "1960s transistor radio".   ;D



Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 24, 2009, 04:49:31 PM
Mr. Bach Man you were going to get back to us on the differences between the 2-8-0 Spectrum and Standard engines.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: the Bach-man on July 24, 2009, 10:38:56 PM
Dear All,
As far as I can find out there are no differences, although I haven't seen one.
The three pole motor issue is actually moot; the high efficiency three poles have at least the performance of the older five poles motors.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Santa Fe buff on July 24, 2009, 11:08:58 PM
Good, some questions answered. Sad, that the 2-8-0 is demoted, it's such a great engine. It's relaxing to hear of the simularities, though.

Joshua
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Atlantic Central on July 25, 2009, 01:27:02 PM
"Would not a rose by any other name smell as sweet?"

What possible difference could it make what color box it comes in or what they call it?

A Ford Crown Victoria or Mercury Grand Marquis - no difference, built in the same plant, by the same workers, with the same parts.

I'm sure the new 2-8-0's will be no different. Biggest possible difference may be no sound equiped models since tha seems to be reserved for Spectrum line products. OK by me, like Roger I don't like onboard sound in HO.

As for the motors, like the Bach Man said, it matters not. The new 3 pole runs as good or better than the old 5 pole. I know, I have both.

Sheldon
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: ilovenxstage on July 25, 2009, 05:45:36 PM
I'm actually glad the 2-8-0 is going to the standard line because now I will actually be able to afford one.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: BaltoOhioRRfan on July 25, 2009, 06:57:40 PM
Quote from: ilovenxstage on July 25, 2009, 05:45:36 PM
I'm actually glad the 2-8-0 is going to the standard line because now I will actually be able to afford one.

for me the price will be going up $20-30.....hobby shop i go to had a great price on em, not saying what the price was or the shop as i dont wanna break rules....
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 25, 2009, 07:00:26 PM
I do not understand how moving the 2-8-0 from the Spectrum line to the Standard line will reduce the cost. If Bachmann wanted to reduce the cost could they just not lower the MSRP?

I know a few people from the local model railroaders club that will only buy the Spectrum engines and flatly refuse anything from the Standard line. These are obviously people who relate to the days of Bachmann of old.

Read the other forums, if the name Bachmann is mentioned as a brand there is little in the way of positive remarks, Spectrum on the other hand is usually considered to be a good quality engine
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: RAM on July 25, 2009, 08:32:02 PM
NP There are people who will not  buy anything that has a Bachmann's name on it.  Why!  Because 30 years ago Bachmann made junk, and once you make junk you can never make anything but junk.  It is just their loss.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Atlantic Central on July 25, 2009, 08:51:16 PM
Quote from: Pacific Northern on July 25, 2009, 07:00:26 PM
I do not understand how moving the 2-8-0 from the Spectrum line to the Standard line will reduce the cost. If Bachmann wanted to reduce the cost could they just not lower the MSRP?

I know a few people from the local model railroaders club that will only buy the Spectrum engines and flatly refuse anything from the Standard line. These are obviously people who relate to the days of Bachmann of old.

Read the other forums, if the name Bachmann is mentioned as a brand there is little in the way of positive remarks, Spectrum on the other hand is usually considered to be a good quality engine

Standard line packaging alone will reduce the cost. Just compare the box the 4-8-2 comes in to any spectrum box. And, as I suggested, sound may be out.

Sheldon
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 26, 2009, 12:09:03 AM
I take it that you have not seen the new Spectrum packaging?.

The new Spectrum packaging is no longer Black, in is now Red or Blue cardboard and there is no foam insert, now you have vacuum formed plastic which is the same as the standard line.

I think that there will be more damage to the engines in transit as the foam insert took the brunt of any sudden jarring shock, and the new plastic will have no where the cradling effect of the foam.

I recently ordered a Bachmann 2-8-4 and it arrived with the bell and housing damaged and separated from the engine.  I did contact Bachmann and they sent me a replacement bell and housing. I do not think the locomotive would have been damaged if that engine has the same packaging with the foam insert that the old Spectrum in the black boxes have.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: jbsmith on July 29, 2009, 02:04:25 AM
i got two "standard" Bachmann Berkshires,,,They have great detail,
DCC ready,,run just great on DC,,Keep them lubed and clean and
they will be happy.
No complaints really.
The only issues I've noticed is that they tend to be fussy with turnouts.
But that is another story.

Anyways

As the 2-8-0's go,,Bonus!  $30 drop in MSRP! ;D
Maybe what was once considered the latest and greatest in MR'ing tech is
now so common it can now be considered "standard".

I can't wait,,,,U.P. or ATSF?,,,,hmmm,,Both?
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: rogertra on July 29, 2009, 11:56:39 PM
The "Bach Man" mention that the now "Standard" 2-8-0 will come with a three pole motor that is as smooth as the orignal five pole motor.


Sorry, I don't buy it and won't until I've seen and compared the "Standard" 2-8-0 to my half dozen or so "Spectrum" 2-8-0s.  In the meantime, I'm buying a few more of the "Spectrum" 2-8-0s while I still can.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Pacific Northern on July 30, 2009, 01:53:48 AM
Quote from: rogertra on July 29, 2009, 11:56:39 PM
The "Bach Man" mention that the now "Standard" 2-8-0 will come with a three pole motor that is as smooth as the orignal five pole motor.


Sorry, I don't buy it and won't until I've seen and compared the "Standard" 2-8-0 to my half dozen or so "Spectrum" 2-8-0s.  In the meantime, I'm buying a few more of the "Spectrum" 2-8-0s while I still can.


I too have stockpiled a couple of 2-8-0's. As to when the 5 pole was replaced with the 3 pole motor I would assume probably when the 2-8-0 became DCC equipped.

I do wonder though if any of the other steamers received the 3 pole motors as well?
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: RAM on July 30, 2009, 10:28:57 PM
I think I read that some of the Spectrum" 2-8-0 already had the 3 pole motors.
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Atlantic Central on July 31, 2009, 07:33:38 AM
Roger,

The newer DCC equiped 2-8-0's allready have three pole motors. I have several as well as a number of older ones from various production runs going all the way back to some of the first. You can tell the very first ones from others by the white wiring plugs rather than orange. I have eight total.

The two newest ones, that came with DCC, have been converted to DC only with the provided jumpers. They have the new three pole motor from what I understand from Bachmann and they run as good, if not slightly better than my other five.

I have modified all my Bachmann locos by removing the capacitors that are across the motor leads and this has provided much better slow speed and smoother/slower start up on both conventional throttles and on my Aristo Craft Train Engineer throttles.

Sheldon
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: rogertra on July 31, 2009, 08:01:59 PM
Sheldon

Thanks for the update, coming from you it carries weight.  :-)
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Atlantic Central on August 01, 2009, 07:30:21 AM
Roger, you are most welcome and thank you for the kind words.

Sheldon
Title: Re: Question for the Bachmann re: the 2-8-0 news release
Post by: Santa Fe buff on August 01, 2009, 12:50:59 PM
Okay, here what I think.

I don't rate equipment by line. I don't rate it by manufacture. I like to rate them (and for most, it all comes down to this) if it's a good runner, and greatly detailed for the price. I would use Power-Loc track only if they had more realistic tie plate detail and metal. I don't like the weird attached tie thing at the end of each piece. I like straight tie-to-tie. That's how the prototype do it, that's how I think we want to do it. If it's Standard Line, okay, that's what it is. If it's Spectrum, that is what it is too. Though Spectrum has a better reputation, look at today's world.

Detail by computers is no longer impossible. Look at Rapido's FP9As, look at ExactRail, look at the new Bachmann. Compare the F9s from the 1990s, compare them to the today version. Incredible differences.

I want one now... :D  Anyway, all I'm trying to say is, even Life-Like can make good stuff, but it seems that reputation is what people like to look at.

I'm going to check 'em out now. ;)

Joshua