dd40ax
- Thread starter blackz28
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There is one at our club. That member likes it, but the first thing you have to do is introduce the Bachmann decoder to Mr. Trashcan, and put a good decoder in there.
Also, I'm not sure how they did the trucks, but if you have a 22" minimum radius, well, let's face facts, your layout is too small for this thing. It's probably binding in the curves.
You are finding out what the real railroads found out: It's all about how many powered axles you get in a lashup. The load doesn't care if they are all under one frame. You can get the same power from a pair of GP-35's or 40's without the extra problems a dual engined loco will give you. You can use one of them at a time if you want, and you don't have to worry about track issues!
I have one of their GP-9's, and it performs well enough. It's light on detail, but for $53.00 I can live with that, and add detail as I see fit.
This may sound a little stuffy. If it does, Sorry! That isn't my intent.
Two reasons:
First, I tend to only add sound to my higher grade models, mostly because I just can't afford to do sound in everything. A Tsunami & speaker would cost more than the Bachmann DD-40 itself.
Second, Soundtraxx is going to release a dual engined decoder for the U-50. I'm thinking they might just do the same thing for the upcoming Athearn DD-40 model, and if it were me, I'd rather wait for the right sound package if I'm going to make the move.
I would love a DD40 just because it's basically a Big Boy in diesel, but you'd need massive corners to run it. I checked out some Bachmann ones in N on ebay and the shells looked like something off a toy.
I'm not baggin on anyone but if you compare mine to the bachmann (club members) I am glad I choose the Athearn. That being said, I don't have a CFO to answer to.
It would be great to get others opinions of them side by side. The guy with the Bachmanns refused to run his at open house.
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TRAINFAN9510
Member
I love the DD40xs. I just picked up an older powered DC unit that I am going to dummy from another member of this site. Eventually when we expand to a bigger layout I want to get the same one you are getting (with DCC) so you will definately have to let me know how it goes
Iv'e got one of the DD40's from Bachmann that I picked up for around $70 new. Its the worst engine in my lineup. It's very noisy compared to others, needs at least 1/2 - 3/4 throttle to keep moving, and slows down through the 22" curves even without a load.
that will be the last standard Bachmann engine I buy.
that will be the last standard Bachmann engine I buy.
There is one at our club. That member likes it, but the first thing you have to do is introduce the Bachmann decoder to Mr. Trashcan, and put a good decoder in there.
Also, I'm not sure how they did the trucks, but if you have a 22" minimum radius, well, let's face facts, your layout is too small for this thing. It's probably binding in the curves.
You are finding out what the real railroads found out: It's all about how many powered axles you get in a lashup. The load doesn't care if they are all under one frame. You can get the same power from a pair of GP-35's or 40's without the extra problems a dual engined loco will give you. You can use one of them at a time if you want, and you don't have to worry about track issues!
I have one of their GP-9's, and it performs well enough. It's light on detail, but for $53.00 I can live with that, and add detail as I see fit.
Well if you aren't going to do sound (and in this model I probably wouldn't) it depends on how many functions you need. If all you need are forward & reverse headlights, anyone's two function decoder will work. I put a Digitrax DH-123 in my U-50, and it will stay there until the proper sound decoder is available.
This may sound a little stuffy. If it does, Sorry! That isn't my intent.
Two reasons:
First, I tend to only add sound to my higher grade models, mostly because I just can't afford to do sound in everything. A Tsunami & speaker would cost more than the Bachmann DD-40 itself.
Second, Soundtraxx is going to release a dual engined decoder for the U-50. I'm thinking they might just do the same thing for the upcoming Athearn DD-40 model, and if it were me, I'd rather wait for the right sound package if I'm going to make the move.
TrinityJayOne
N gauge fan
Hello!
I would love a DD40 just because it's basically a Big Boy in diesel, but you'd need massive corners to run it. I checked out some Bachmann ones in N on ebay and the shells looked like something off a toy.
( as i look around for the wife) Bachmann DD40 runs great.
Got two bachmann dd40 with sound today. Both run very well. Crawls on notch 2 with 12 wagons and sound notches up with the different speeds. Has dual engine sounds and good pulling weight. the bachmann dd40 will run on 24" curves where the athearn struggles/derails. The athearn has 2 motors and better detail but the main differencefor me is $200+ saving.
Got two bachmann dd40 with sound today. Both run very well. Crawls on notch 2 with 12 wagons and sound notches up with the different speeds. Has dual engine sounds and good pulling weight. the bachmann dd40 will run on 24" curves where the athearn struggles/derails. The athearn has 2 motors and better detail but the main differencefor me is $200+ saving.
irocinblue89
Member
I'm not baggin on anyone but if you compare mine to the bachmann (club members) I am glad I choose the Athearn. That being said, I don't have a CFO to answer to.
irocinblue89
Member
Think we got something goin here. A couple of club members reckon we should do a comparison run between Athearn and Bachmann. Next thursday looks like it might happen at the clubhouse. Should be fun. If it goes ahead I'll post results.
It would be great to get others opinions of them side by side. The guy with the Bachmanns refused to run his at open house.
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