Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: jbrock27 on February 18, 2015, 11:02:19 PM

Title: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 18, 2015, 11:02:19 PM
Has anyone purchased the latest version of this loco and what are your opinions of it?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ACY on February 18, 2015, 11:05:48 PM
I have the new GP35, is that the same internally as the new GP30? If so I can provide pictures and my opinion.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 18, 2015, 11:11:03 PM
I do not know, but it would not surprise me if it was.  Do you like the GP35 ACY?
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jward on February 19, 2015, 12:33:00 AM
the gp30 and gp35 use the same chassis. also, the gp40, gp50 and possibly gp38-2 use the same chassis, which is slightly longer than the gp30 chassis.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ACY on February 19, 2015, 02:05:00 AM
I bought 3 new GP35s with DCC for $40 each. They are somewhat on the light side and thus don't have great pulling power compared with heavier engines. They run alright, not too noisy that I noticed, but as they say, you get what you pay for, so don't expect too much. They are pretty basic, nothing spectacular,  but for the price I paid I am satisfied.  If you can get them for under $60 then definitely I would purchase them. Would you like to see photos of anything in particular?
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 19, 2015, 07:15:48 AM
Thank you for the feedback ACY.  I appreciate the offer on the photos but not necessary, thank you.

Thank you for the info Jeff.  And a thank you for the heads up on 1/8" hardboard @ Home Depot.  I picked up a piece last night that is plenty big for my control panel needs.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: electrical whiz kid on February 19, 2015, 07:35:35 AM
Jim;
are you using the hardboard for the face of the panel?
Rich
SGT C
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 19, 2015, 07:40:05 AM
Yes Staff Sargent, the smooth side.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbsmith on February 19, 2015, 07:15:33 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on February 18, 2015, 11:02:19 PM
Has anyone purchased the latest version of this loco and what are your opinions of it?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance.



I own one.
The 1st thing I noticed about it is the weight, this is Heavy for a model loco its size.
Seems to be a good puller.
Good runner too so far no complaints.
Details are good enough to please my eye.
Would I buy another ?   Yes.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ACY on February 19, 2015, 07:27:04 PM
Quote from: jbsmith on February 19, 2015, 07:15:33 PM
The 1st thing I noticed about it is the weight, this is Heavy for a model loco its size.
Seems to be a good puller.
Funny I noticed the exact opposite, infact my Bachmann GP35 weighs almost 12 whole ounces less than a competitor's GP30 that I have.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 19, 2015, 08:16:29 PM
Thank you for the input jb.  How would you stack it in weight and pulling in comparison, say, to an Athearn (non F7A) diesel?  Have a scale?  Happen to weigh it?

ACY, any idea of the Bachmann GP35's weight?  Care to share the name of the competitors GP30?  Does it begin with a "P" and have #s in the name?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ACY on February 19, 2015, 08:35:39 PM
I'll get out my postage scale that is accurate to the nearest tenth of an ounce and weigh both and see if I can't post a photo if my phone cooperates.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 19, 2015, 08:38:20 PM
Thank you ACY :).
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ACY on February 19, 2015, 09:18:01 PM
(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/simko_n/20150219_210356_zpsecpqcdpa.jpg)
Athearn Santa Fe F7A Special Edition Blue Bonnet
1 Pound 7.4 Ounces

(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/simko_n/20150219_205928_zps2dbe53i6.jpg)
Life-Like Proto 2000 Undecorated GP30 (that I custom [painted and decaled for Ohio Central)
1 Pound 7.0 Ounces (with original plastic couplers, with Kadee couplers it adds some weight of course)

(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/simko_n/20150219_205513_zpsorgdi6xu.jpg)
Bachmann Erie Lackawanna GP35
14.0 ounces (after adding Kadee #148 Couplers and some lead weight, was about 12.5 ounces unmodified)
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 20, 2015, 07:23:43 AM
Thanks again ACY :)
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ALCO0001 on February 20, 2015, 11:22:21 AM
Is this the dcc frame or the old split frame?I think the old split DC frame is heavier ,I could be wrong.I have made a few different with there shells ,

high hoods B units for the UP.The old Lionel gp30 shells were made by Bachmann and evolved rivets from that shell and became a Spectrum for a

wile,then evolved to dcc and the frame changed.The old split frame gp35s frame does not interchange with the old split frame gp30.They share a

few parts ,but are different.Ibet that cost them before they realized,The shells were also painted under the Bev-Bel and sold separately.Wish

Bachmann would take that shell 1 more level and fix the cab glass since the per portion on those windows for a old B-mann is close enough to look
Make
great  if they flush the glass up like the new models.Make a high hood version!!!! Hint B-mann NW,Southern,NS,Maybe Indiana Railway had these also.Just SOME rambling,
Jack
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 20, 2015, 11:56:26 AM
The old split frame gp35s frame does not interchange with the old split frame gp30.They share a few parts ,but are different.

I am surprised to read this Jack bc I was under the impression, that except for the shells being of different locos, everying was the same, at least as far as a Spectrum GP30 and Plus GP35 split frames go ???
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: electrical whiz kid on February 20, 2015, 04:35:58 PM
Jim;
why not use aluminum?  Steel, for that matter?  On that kind of stuff, I take my hint from-in this case-anyone who manufactures electrical controls, etc.  As an extra, Aluminum is also an excellent conductor and can be used-again in this case-as a grounding electrode; as well as an excellent heat sink for your semi-conductors.  Better than copper.
On the Geep 30; probably one of the best-looking 'I mean business' units that EMD ever produced.  We have a couple that switch the Highland Line here in the Bristol, Ct area in 'Guilford' livery.
Rich
(SGT C)
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: jbrock27 on February 20, 2015, 08:48:31 PM
Thank you for the suggestion Sarge but I am saving the piece of aluminum I have for other things.  I like the idea of the wood for several reasons: inexpense, easy to cut, I have plently to work with in case I make a mistake, it will take spray paint well, easy to drill through and easy to mount things in.  I do understand what you are saying about metal's grounding and heat sink capablitlies.

So far, I have to say, I am not seeing an overwhelming endorsement of the Topic Subject.
Title: Re: Bachmann's Newest Rendition of the GP30
Post by: ALCO0001 on February 25, 2015, 06:21:44 PM
Quote from: jbrock27 on February 20, 2015, 11:56:26 AM
The old split frame gp35s frame does not interchange with the old split frame gp30.They share a few parts ,but are different.

I am surprised to read this Jack bc I was under the impression, that except for the shells being of different locos, everying was the same, at least as far as a Spectrum GP30 and Plus GP35 split frames go ???
You know I am in error on this because what work I had to do to the gp 35 frame when I put a gp 30 on it that was made into a B- unit that had the

ratchet style hand brake that had some depth in the hood so I had to mill the frame a little to get it to fit my mistake there the same ,I now know

my train of thought was t words a sd45 plus split frame and the dash 8 split frame where there is 2 different depending on if the sd45 is a Spectrum witch is different then a Plus and a GE dash 8 where the spit frame is different depending on if it has a comfort cab or a standard .Then both of these models graduated to the standard 1 piece metal frame before they both went out of production.