I am still new to the hobby. Bought the first set (Thunder Valley N) from Hobby Lobby because it was on sale back in February, but did not start collecting others until early April.
I have since discovered about other brands...
I am wondering why anyone here buys this brand, either exclusively, or for the majority fo your collection.
My reason is that once I purchased my first two sets, which were cheap in Hobby Lobby (40% off), I discovered that other good brands are more expensive, even though they are indeed better in quality in my opinion. The second reason is the different coupling systems that the other good brands use. Thirdly, there is no point for me to buy other expensive and good brands because the only persons that play with the trainset, other than me running it, is for my cat. I always run them for like 10 to 15 mins a day, with he and I alone in the room. He likes to watch, chase and atttack them :-)
Father and Son time I guess...:-)
Hi Conradin,
I don't know that this will be much of a help to you since I model HO rather than 'N'.
The reason I purchase Bachmann HO locomotive products is basically twofold:
(1) I personally don't feel there are any other mfg. of HO steam locomotives made under the Bachmann "Spectrum" label that equal the quality, detailing, and reliability of the Bachmann Spectrum line of HO products. The price (and the variety of steam models, too) paid for Spectrum quality is still very reasonable in my opinion, when compared with other steam products made by other mfg. I consider them (Spectrum) my 'first choice' for quality steam models and only wish they would decide to produce an even wider variety of steam locomotives.
(2) I purchase Bachmann (Spectrum) because of their warranty and the quality of repair service I have personally experienced from them. I believe their 'limited lifetime warranty' is for all their models, but since I only use Spectrum, can't say that for sure. In any case, I have always been treated very fairly by Bachmann service, which is why I keep getting Bachmann Spectrum steam when my budget allows for it.
lanny nicolet
I think this should have been posted on the N scale section. AFAIK N scale couplers can be replaced as easily as HO scale can be. Some good N scale modeler should have advice on what you should use as your standard coupler and then bring all your cars and locos to that standard.
Gene
I can only give my impressions for HO scale.
For steam I have mainly Spectrum units. Detail is good, performance is excellent. I do have a few BLI units as well as a few Proto Heritage. The BLI units also have sound so are hard to compare to the Spectrum and Heritage units, for price the Spectrum are very good, the Heritage units on the other hand do run very well but are considerably more expensive.
My favorite running units are the 2-6-6-2's and my Shay engines.
I have never had any problems with the BLI or Heritage units, had some problems which were dealt with immediatley by Bachman with the replacement of the faualty units. I do wish Bachman quality control was better as from reading these colums others certainly have had their share of problems.
For me given the number of Spectrum units I have the incidence is relatively very low. So I will continue to watch the Spectrum offerings and purchase those that interest me.
As for diesel I have mainly Stewart and Intermountain units and a few Athearn, both RTR and Genesis. I have only one Bachman diesel set a Plus series EMD F7 A/B unit and it runs fine.
I like Bachmann because:
a) Their Spectrum steam line (HO) is unrivaled for performance, detail, cost, and value.
b) In addition to these qualities, the offering is unusual and diverse. The 4-6-0, the 4-4-0, the Santa Fe's, are just out-freaking-standing.
c) Diesel-wise, I have the 44-tonner. I admittedly have more of other manufactures of the diesel era, but that is because Bachmann does not offer a match of my specific shortline prototypes. If they did, my choice would be Bachmann.
d) I admire Bachmann's guts for trailblazing. They gambled on G-scale and ignited interest in the ET&WNC with their set. Their gamble in On30 with the Forney is attracting me to that scale as well. (Now if only they will come out with that On30 ET&WNC set, right Dusten?? :>) )
e) I appreciate the way Bachmann listens to reasonable requests (eg- putting parts diagrams on this site to aid in project feasibility and repair) and the way they tolerate others as well. I find some of the complaints to be elementary and ludicrious, and more often than not you will hear posts that **** and moan about this or that; however, I have found this organization to be quality from top to bottom.
Now about that On30 ET&WNC stuff... :>)
Matt Bumgarner
For some things, like the E33, I have to choose Bachmann by default. But for other things, Bachmann is my first choice because of the excellent warranty and the reliablitity. Simply put, I've never met an engine more reliable than my Bachmann F40PH(Even if I cannot understand why they put in strobe lights).
I think people but products that they want. I do not buy $40.00 box cars. Some people do. You have people who thirty years ago got a Bachmann locomotive. They found out that it was junk. Thirty years most of Bachmann models were junk. Things have changed in thirty years, and now Bachmann makes some very good models. How ever these people still think that Bachmann in junk. Are there be models than Bachmann? Sure, but I choose not to pay $500.00 when I can get a very nice locomotive from Bachmann for 1/4 that price.
First off the fact that there is something for almost every income level welcomes new comers. I'm not into N scale, but in large scale my first G train was a Bachmann starter set for around the Christmas tree. I have since expanded, and now I purchase the Spectrum series in large scale. I know several folks that have garden RR's that would never consider buying Bachmann, now when you visit them, there are Shays and other spectrum engines popping up everywhere.
As for couplers, my Dad has always been in HO, I do have some engines and yes they are Bachmann Spectrum series, all great runners! But most of the cars are the horn hook type. I simply pick a car to be a transition car and switch one side of the coupler. Example on my log train, the engine has knuckle couplers, the first log car also has a knuckle on one end where it couples to the engine, the other end is still horn hook.
Paul, you are better off spending the money and converting to knuckle couplers. Horn hook is not the way to go.
Gene
I looked at price as the main reason. I too run N scale and received the Explorer set for Christmas. I like the use of EZ track and compared to unitack from Kato the it is more cost effective. While I have had some quality issues they have been few and far between.
When I was into N scale there were many reasons I bought Bachmann stuff. First, the spectrum quality is great. Second, when it isn't great they have a bullet proof warranty. I owned many different makes of steamers and diesels.
I bought one of the "legendary" Kato Mikados for un ungawdly amount and it was the biggest turd of my fleet. After pulling teeth with Kato and waiting forever they replaced it. I bought a Bachmann NKP Mallet for a very reasonable price (like $90) and it was one of the front runners of my fleet.
As far as couplers go, bite the bullet and go with the Micro Trains LIne. You can either replace the coupler or the entire truck. Their quality in my opinion (for what that's worth) is unmatched and then you have a standard for your railroad.
I have moved onto Large Scale and now my entire fleet save one are all Bachmann. Again I have had no problems with any of the locos and I feel that the detail is top notch.
I buy bachmann because:
1) Great detail
2) Great Value
3) They run well
4) Micromark always sells it for a lot less than other manufactorers
5) They are sturdy. Now I have a little brother, and he's a pain. A few weeks back, he threw a block at my heavy mountain. I was on the other side of the room and couldn't block it, so it hit. Guess what broke? The tender to engine wires, and these had already been fixed before due to him throwing a switch that lead to the abiss...
Quality, price & service (if needed)
First impressions are always important. Bachmann has quality at an affordable price, and their customer service has been excellent. I called them for a catalog, they sent it first class and they paid the postage. I bought 3 UP GP40, 2 - 70 ton , all Dcc for only $42 each. I have a list of others desired, they will all be Bachmann.
Their locos are great, the rolling stock may not be as detailed as some like, but as said above, I'm not paying $40 for a box car. Most of their cars are in the $10 to $16 range. With the exception of an Athearns hopper my wife bought me, all my stock is from Bachmann. total of 30 cars so far. If they don't have UP, I just reletter or stick on a UP shield.
Bachmann listens to their customers. They realize we are why they are in business.
Bo
Quote from: Hoople on May 28, 2007, 12:24:33 PM
I buy bachmann because:
1) Great detail
2) Great Value
3) They run well
4) Micromark always sells it for a lot less than other manufactorers
5) They are sturdy. Now I have a little brother, and he's a pain. A few weeks back, he threw a block at my heavy mountain. I was on the other side of the room and couldn't block it, so it hit. Guess what broke? The tender to engine wires, and these had already been fixed before due to him throwing a switch that lead to the abiss...
I've actually had a very similar experience, except that it wasn't a block, it was a toy car, and it wasn't a Heavy 4-8-2, it was a Light 4-8-2. ;)
Light 4-8-2 is right here:
(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/500/thumbs/2006_1112mylayout0021.JPG)
Hi Form
I’d like to chime in here. Here is my story regarding Bachmann’s warranty program. I tried to convert the 4-8-4 Northern to DCC. In the process I managed to melt the plastic parts on the motor to the point it wouldn’t run (soldering iron to hot). Scratch one Northern. In the mean time I bought a Bachmann 2-8-0 from “the auction siteâ€, knowing it had problems (seller very honest about that), but figured I’d get it to work. Well came close but just couldn’t keep the motor from popping loose. Figured I had nothing to loose so boxed them both up along with the required fee and a letter explaining my problem and shipped them to Bachmann’s repair department. I can hear the laughter still, as then unpacked the Northern in “kit form†;D.
Within two or three weeks I received a brand new Northern and a 0-6-0 instead of the 2-8-0 I’d sent in. Contacted their representative via e-mail and explained the mix-up. I told them since I didn’t have an -0-6-0 and had several 2-8-0, I’d like to keep the 0-6-0 if they didn’t care, and they didn’t. Now that kind of customer service is had to find anywhere except for Craftsman tools.
About 2/3 of my locomotive fleet is Bachmann and I have not had any problems (outside of those I have caused) and there price is great for my budget. Maybe the detail isn’t as good as some of the others, but I buy for the pleasure of running them on my layout. At a distance you really can’t notice the lack of detail anyway.
I am a Bachmann customer for life.
Regards
Dick
Dick,
I personally appreciate your account of the more than fair way Bachmann treated you. Often we read complaints about their service (I am not questioning that they are legitimate complaints), but too often the excellent quality of Bachmann service is overlooked or goes without mention.
I have had very similar, very positive experiences with Bachmann Service and it is why, for the most part and whenever possible, I purchase Bachmann Spectrum for my steam layout (even though I have to kit bash everything to get true ICRR models).
I will say it again ... Bachmann service, in my experience with many Spectrum locomotives is 5 star quality and their products are still very reasonably priced. Consider what HO steam modelers would have currently available (and the costs involved) if Bachmann suddenly dissappeared and left us only with BLI, PCM, Proto Life Like and IHC steam (all of which are 'decent' to 'great' products, though not always very affordable).
Hoople,
Regarding your little brother that threw the block and broke your 4-8-2 wiring. Maybe you could send him in to Bachmann for replacement ;D
lanny nicolet
Lanny, are you sure he wants another brother? He might just want the brother to be taken away. If I were him I wouldn't want a replacement. ;)