Affordable steam?

[northernwoodw]

So i was wondering, in the near future i wanted to get a ho steam with dcc/ sound , however it is not my thing everything else i have is diesel loco's. It would be to pull out of my yard and zip around and then put back kind of thing. In my google searches i have determined bachmann is the only cheap steam with dcc and sound. I personally dont like them i bought one that i returned because it sounded and ran like crap and it was a spectrum. I do have one spectrum that i bought because it was $40.00 brand new and it was a conrail electric that nobody else made. It looks very nice and runs ok but kind loud wheels 8 or above its not the motor or decoder, at least i dont think so. Anyway is this my only option for lower priced steam with dcc and sound and does anyone have one of their low priced steamers?

Ken

 

[blackz28]

today we were at a trainshow & bachmann 2-6-0 with sound & DCC for 55 bucks !!!!!!

 

[Selector]

Think of, determine, or seek advice for a certain type of steamer (there are many made in the plastic or non-brass diecast forms), and then spend part of an evening doing searches for the best price. Typically, trainworld or modeltrainstuff will be your defaults, but it is often worth sleuthing for at least 15 minutes for even better prices.

BLI, MTH, Bachmann Spectrum, Walthers Heritage Series steam, Rivarossi, those are the main ones, although Athearn Genesis has one or two models currently available that are okay if you can get them without the dreaded MRC Brilliance decoder. Broadway Limited, once they start repairing items from their latest run and placing them in their refurbished deals location at their website, have some good bargains on nice steamers. If the Duplex Pennsy T1's are in and have the odd problem, they are likely to appear there within about three to four weeks. Over the past month or so, nothing has appeared there.

But, as I said, first determine what kind you want, what you can run safely at speed around your curves and through your turnouts if that's the kind of running you want, and then go shopping. The warranties are all excellent, repair times are sure to be between 8-16 weeks depending on the item needing attention, or you can often get hand-swapped replacements over the counter at your local hobby shop (you'll almost certainly pay at least 15% more at hobby shops over internet purchases, even with shipping) and otherwise they are fun to run.

 

[Gary B]

I have two Bachmann Steamers with sound, An ALco 2-6-0 (just came Friday) and a 2-10-2
I am very happy with both and I don't think you could find one from another manufacturer, for the $250 I paid for both.

 

[Iron Horseman]

in the near future i wanted to get a ho steam with dcc/ sound ,.... In my google searches i have determined bachmann is the only cheap steam with dcc and sound. I personally dont like them i bought one that i returned because it sounded and ran like crap and it was a spectrum....Anyway is this my only option for lower priced steam with dcc and sound and does anyone have one of their low priced steamers?

I think the short answer is Yes. On the other hand I've gotten all of my BLI Paragon, Hybrid, and Paragon 2, for about the same price as the Bachmann's because I generally wait for super good sales. Ditto for Trix (which in my option are the best). I refuse to own an MTH. I did not try the Lionel when they were out. I find the Proto Heritage units lack pulling power (a 2-8-8-2 that could not get 13 40' reefer cars up a 1.5% grade.).

But you might want to give the Bachmann a second chance. I have several and have not had the problems you describe.

 

[RJasonB]

When I started in DCC, I bought a Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2, new, for $115. Out of the box, I loved the way it moved, but did not care for the sound. The chuff was too loud and distorted. This is how I learned about programming CV's. I adjusted the sound parameters and it sounds great! As for locomotion, it is the best creeper I have. I model UP, but have held on to the 2-6-6-2 despite the C&O markings. I enjoy watching and hearing it run on the layout.

 

[Y3a]

" (a 2-8-8-2 that could not get 13 40' reefer cars up a 1.5% grade.). "

Sounds like the trucks on the cars aren't free rolling, or they have too much weight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iScOZrQ5yU

 

[Iron Horseman]

" (a 2-8-8-2 that could not get 13 40' reefer cars up a 1.5% grade.). "

Sounds like the trucks on the cars aren't free rolling, or they have too much weight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iScOZrQ5yU

I dont' watch videos so I don't know what this means, but what you propose is not the case. The cars are perfectly NMRA weighted and roll great. After I backed it into the yard a Proto GP grabbed those 13 plus 20 more and walked away with them. I am told that if I would put the traction tires on it would make a big difference. However, a fellow at the club went that route with his similar locomotive. We spent half the time at the operating session putting the traction tires back on. Once it came off and wedged between the driving rod and the wheel. Maybe bullfrog snot.... But it is not like I'm hurting for power so I might never know.

 

[Y3a]

"The cars are perfectly NMRA weighted"

Bingo. Too heavy. I've never had a problem with the Proto2000 Y3's pulling up my 2.5 percent grade with a coal drag of 40 2 bay Athern hoppers. I don't use those crazy diesels on my layout, just steam. A Bowser Challenger will pull more than ANY diesel model I've ever seen. My old Z1 2-6-6-2 will pull as good as any 2 diesel models. The worst of the articulated are the BLI Y6b's for MANY reasons, like too heavy a tender, unsprung frames and old school Rivirossi style articulation.