Just out of curiosity what is your favorite Bachmann steamer?
My favorite was the newer Spectrum 4-4-0 which I think is a fantastic little steamer.
However, I recently obtained a 4-6-0 with the 63" drivers and I find myself totally mesmerized watching it run. I find watching the valve gear is almost hypnotic.
I have one of the low drivers pulling freight on my layout but watching the high driver pulling my set of 60' Riverossi coaches is a great sight to behold.
I too love small steam. And 4-4-0s have long been a favourite real world locomotive. Kind of makes my choice easy on this one.
I have a soft spot for the decapods. The 4-4-0 is nice, but some of the details don;t look right in my mind. The 4-6-0 is a real winner. The 2-8-0 seems a little bland to me now, and I can't put my finger on it. Despite my love for the smaller steam, I'm going to say the 4-8-2's.
Quote from: Guilford Guy on June 17, 2008, 03:37:59 PM
I have a soft spot for the decapods. The 4-4-0 is nice, but some of the details don;t look right in my mind. The 4-6-0 is a real winner. The 2-8-0 seems a little bland to me now, and I can't put my finger on it. Despite my love for the smaller steam, I'm going to say the 4-8-2's.
Yes the 4-8-2's are a nice engine as well. Must say it is difficult as all of the Spectrum engines I have seen are certainly decent quality and details certainly are not lacking.
I have mothballed my larger steamers for now. My layout is mainly 22" with some 18" radius so the larger steamers just do not look right. I also mothballed my Spectrum and Walthers passenger coaches as well.
Will have to wait until it is time for a new layout at which time I will incorporate larger curves which those steamers and coaches require.
I love the gs4 and i don't even have one.
Well, I have the 2-8-0, the USRA light and heavy Mountain (both C&O and undec), the 2-6-6-2 (both C&O and undec), the USRA light Santa Fe, and the C&O K-4. I like them all, though I have not tried to see what the 2-10-2 will pull.
Had I smaller curves, the big engines would not be present and I might have the Russian 2-10-0 and the 4-6-0.
Gene
Quote from: SteamGene on June 17, 2008, 04:15:15 PM
Well, I have the 2-8-0, the USRA light and heavy Mountain (both C&O and undec), the 2-6-6-2 (both C&O and undec), the USRA light Santa Fe, and the C&O K-4. I like them all, though I have not tried to see what the 2-10-2 will pull.
Had I smaller curves, the big engines would not be present and I might have the Russian 2-10-0 and the 4-6-0.
Gene
I had planned on a layout that would have allowed larger curves however the room became unavailable and I had to settle for a smaller layout.
Unfortunately I had acquired a number of larger steam engines during the interim.
Oh well the next layout
All the ones I don't have problems with. Which is most of them. Some 20 plus at last count.
I have one, possibly two early 2-10-0s and one 2-8-0 with a slipping drives.
If they weren't detailed and weathered, I'd send 'em back but it looks as though I'll have to repair them myself.
::) It would be the ATSF 4-8-4 Northern IF it had traction tires or about twice the weight!!!
I'm still going to go with the Shay.
1. GS4 4-8-4 War Baby
2. Hudson
3. Challenger
Joe,
Bachmann doesn't make a Hudson or, THANK GOD, a Challenger. I'm not sure about the War Baby.
Gene
Quote from: kevin2083 on June 18, 2008, 08:46:34 AM
I'm still going to go with the Shay.
Amen to the Shays! Stephen
i can only say niagara
good luck john t brooklyn ny
Quote from: Pacific Northern on June 17, 2008, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: Guilford Guy on June 17, 2008, 03:37:59 PM
I have a soft spot for the decapods. The 4-4-0 is nice, but some of the details don;t look right in my mind. The 4-6-0 is a real winner. The 2-8-0 seems a little bland to me now, and I can't put my finger on it. Despite my love for the smaller steam, I'm going to say the 4-8-2's.
Yes the 4-8-2's are a nice engine as well.
I think my Light 4-8-2 is my favorite Spectrum steam locomotive. It runs very well.
Quote from: SteamGene on June 18, 2008, 10:06:12 AM
Joe,
Bachmann doesn't make a Hudson or, THANK GOD, a Challenger. I'm not sure about the War Baby.
Gene
Gene, they make a War Baby. It's just a specially painted GS4.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1516
They are known as the SANTA FE STEAMERS !!! I want it in ATSF, but they didn't have it, so this is second!
These are the only steam engine I want, not just because they are call Santa Fe class, well part of it, no, because of the power! I would really die for this:
http://www.broadway-limited.com/products/BLI_081_AT_SF_2_10_2_ptd_lettered_3877_Sound_DC_DCC_HO-4015-0.html
Quote from: Pacific Northern on June 20, 2008, 06:26:39 PM
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on June 20, 2008, 06:18:43 PM
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1516
They are known as the SANTA FE STEAMERS !!! I want it in ATSF, but they didn't have it, so this is second!
These are the only steam engine I want, not just because they are call Santa Fe class, well part of it, no, because of the power! I would really die for this:
http://www.broadway-limited.com/products/BLI_081_AT_SF_2_10_2_ptd_lettered_3877_Sound_DC_DCC_HO-4015-0.html
Yes I picked up a couple of these in the CN markings. Quite impressed with these engines as well.
.
Then I'm going to see if I can save up for one, but in ATSF.
I found my favorite one, that was my second, here SHE is:
http://www.broadway-limited.com/products/BLI_5158_BlueLine_ATSF_4_8_4_3751_DC_Sound_DCC_Ready_HO-4613-0.html
Every other, in talk of skipping, is a boy, the in between one are girls. Just kidding.
ATSF did not roster any USRA light 2-10-2s. Any one lettered for Santa Fe would be specious.
Gene
Quote from: SteamGene on June 20, 2008, 07:01:55 PM
ATSF did not roster any USRA light 2-10-2s. Any one lettered for Santa Fe would be specious.
Gene
Weird, the bachmann people said it was called the Santa Fe class steamer, and yet none were registered to ATSF...
Santa Fe Buff, read carefully:
It is not "Santa Fe class." The Santa Fe developed the 2-10-2 wheel arrangement and so that design became "Santa Fe." The ATSF had a large number of 2-10-2s - well over 100 IIRC. None of them were the USRA design, neither light nor heavy. The USRA doled out their locos according to what they though railroads needed, and then sent the railroad the locomotive(s) and the bill. Some of the allocations were a bit strange.
Gene
Quote from: SteamGene on June 21, 2008, 08:45:32 AM
Santa Fe Buff, read carefully:
It is not "Santa Fe class." The Santa Fe developed the 2-10-2 wheel arrangement and so that design became "Santa Fe." The ATSF had a large number of 2-10-2s - well over 100 IIRC. None of them were the USRA design, neither light nor heavy. The USRA doled out their locos according to what they though railroads needed, and then sent the railroad the locomotive(s) and the bill. Some of the allocations were a bit strange.
Gene
Thanks,
For some reason, I think SteamGene thought me over 5 things I never knew... Hey, not like I already knew everything, everyone has something to learn.
Quote from: Pacific Northern on June 21, 2008, 10:01:53 PM
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on June 21, 2008, 08:29:16 PM
Quote from: SteamGene on June 21, 2008, 08:45:32 AM
Santa Fe Buff, read carefully:
It is not "Santa Fe class." The Santa Fe developed the 2-10-2 wheel arrangement and so that design became "Santa Fe." The ATSF had a large number of 2-10-2s - well over 100 IIRC. None of them were the USRA design, neither light nor heavy. The USRA doled out their locos according to what they though railroads needed, and then sent the railroad the locomotive(s) and the bill. Some of the allocations were a bit strange.
Gene
Thanks,
For some reason, I think SteamGene thought me over 5 things I never knew... Hey, not like I already knew everything, everyone has something to learn.
Here is a picture of an ATSF Santa Fe (2-10-2) note it is quite different that the URSA model.
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/atsf/atsf-s1693ajt.jpg
and a later one as well
http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/atsf/atsf-s3911afm.jpg
Note the difference in these two.
Thank you Pacific Northern for both the nice photographs of those A.T.&S.F locomotives. I have noticed and noted the differences, I have much more to learn in the history of the steam age. But I have history has my guide. Thank you.
http://www.modeltrainsmuseum.ca/trains/collection/index.cfm?hierarchy=2&depth=2&finalLevel=3&category=16&level1=NJ%20Custom%20Brass
Heres a B&M 2-10-2...
I think we've gotten ever so slightly off the original topic, don't you?
My favorite is the 4-6-2 Pacific.
I would really like to have one of the Shay's also !
Pete
Quote from: Stephen D. Richards on June 18, 2008, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: kevin2083 on June 18, 2008, 08:46:34 AM
I'm still going to go with the Shay.
Amen to the Shays! Stephen
I love how the shays look but they grind like a 70's AHM locomotive. The climax also looks good but could only pull about 5 cars. Allthough I do not have one (and probaly will not because I am trying to stick to other proto-tipes) I would haft to say the #759 style NKP Berkshire.
Quote from: Stephen D. Richards on June 18, 2008, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: kevin2083 on June 18, 2008, 08:46:34 AM
I'm still going to go with the Shay.
Amen to the Shays! Stephen
Both the shays and climaxes are exceptional, I think. I would be nice if bachmann made a heisler.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,5926.0.html
Sorry guys. I was thinking "favorite steamer" rather than favorite Bachman steamer.
I'll stick with my 1st choice .... 4-8-4 War Baby. My second choice would be the Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain but, it's a tough choice between the two.
Garry
(aka rowdyjoe)
I'm with you Pacific Northern,that valve gear hasv got me in since I fdirst fell in love with trains.Now 78 years and my Bachmann 4-4-0 Old Timer,and 4-4-0 Richmond are just that good. Latest one is a Connie and it is in that same category.
Owen Robinson Australia
Hi Folks. Been away for a bit and saw this subject when I got home. Favorite Bachmann steamer? Well for me it's a toss up between the 2-6-6-2 and the 4-8-4 Niagara, I love them both.This however could change when I get a Mountain, heavy or light I don't know yet.Cheers from those of us who live where it's upside down, and by the way, the coal doesn't fall out of the tenders cos we glue it in. Rob in Kiwiland.
Easy, the shay. Mine is a smooth runner and one of my favorites to run. Plus, a brass version cost about 4x as much.
Eric
I've always wanted a BLI Big Boy, just to boot my big engines side.
Now that J series Norfolk and Western on Bachmann would be of my liking also,
but what I really want is a huge bulky challenger class ATSF.
I am doing the 80s-90s on my layout, but those were great years for on the line excursions.
;D Maybe some Dash-9-44CWs, but I rather keep that away from the favorite steamer topic.
Quote from: Santa Fe buff on July 16, 2008, 11:50:25 AM
I've always wanted a BLI Big Boy, just to boot my big engines side.
Now that J series Norfolk and Western on Bachmann would be of my liking also,
but what I really want is a huge bulky challenger class ATSF.
I am doing the 80s-90s on my layout, but those were great years for on the line excursions.
;D Maybe some Dash-9-44CWs, but I rather keep that away from the favorite steamer topic.
The topic is Favorite Bachmann Steamer
Back on page ! of this thread, I said the I liked 4-4-0's, which made the choice easy. Then I discovered Bachmann's On30 4-4-0's. It was love at first sight.
Me two, I want to get one, when I save up money, but I'm thinking of that Silverton & Durago set for they have great steamers too. For Bachmann HO, I love the http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1093 steamer. As well as the 4-8-2!
Well folks, I've finally decided between the two Bachman steamers I own (War Baby and Heavy Mountain) and the Spectrum Heavy Mountain (4-8-2) wins hands down. Not only is the quaity better but, it is one heavy duty hauler ... very powerful. The War Baby is nice but, not in the same class operationally.
RJ
At the moment, this is my favourite Spectrum: -
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l99/rogertra/Great_Eastern/GER163a-1.jpg)
Nice job.
Gene
I agree....great work.
Roger, what is the minimum radius does the Decapod run on? Will it handle 18"?
Thanks for the compliments guys. One down, two more to go. Right now though, I'm adding a vestibule cab and running board skirts to a heavy 4-8-2 and kitbashing the tender to match the vestibule cab as nothing looks more odd than a vestibule cab coupled to an unmodified tender.
Bill.
Sorry, no idea of the minimum radius but all of my steam, will go around my 28" radius curves with the tender close coupled though I have to do some minor kitbashing on the tenders so that the tender will clear the cab roof.
I'd expect the 2-10-0 to manage an 18" cruve but not with the tender close coupled.
The Shay is a no-brainer, followed by the Climax, but the one loco that was a stretch for me, but I am really glad I bought one is the 4-6-0. Beautiful looks and runs so well.
Coach
my favorite engine would have to be the bachmann light 4-8-2 and i'll like it even more when i put DCC and sound in it! ;D
My Bachmann steam roster consists of 4 Connie 2-8-0 Union Pacific. They came with Vandy tenders, but I changed 2 out to USRA Medium tenders, all have been renumbered and renamed to YVRR. They look great with my Overton and Overland coaches. To complete my excursion theme, I have 4 of the new Bachmann open excursions on pre-order, in yellow and silver.
I have no plans to purchase anything larger, so I guess my favorite is what I have now. When I find something I like, I stick with it.
My favorite is the 2-8-0. It is the smallest engine with the typical appearance of larger US steamers. That is an important fact due to my small layout not permitting larger engines (I own also 2-10-0 and Mikado but they do not really fit). The second advantage is the extreme smooth and silent running. My four 2-8-0 run as soft and silent like much more expensive models.
The smaller 4-6-0 (low and high boiler) and the 4-4-0 are nice too (I own some of each) but they do not run as smooth as the 2-8-0. They make all kind of sounds. Not to loud but well noticeable. They are great second winners ;D