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I haven't had any problems with the DCC equipped engines running on DC. I have found that some of these engines need a bit more "break-in" time than others.
The non-Spectrum Bachmann products are generally, but not necessarily, inferior. I see that the prices for them have begun to creep up into the Spectrum range, or so it has seemed to me.
Ready to run means just that...it is constructed and complete, ready for powered use on a track system. If it has DCC on board, it means it has a rudimentary motive power decoder that will operate the lights as well. No sound.
I have a new Spectrum N&W J Class 4-8-4 that is jerky and resists moving at times, even with a lot of throttle. It has a Tsunami in it that chuffs like mad under this condition, but the engine won't budge. I returned it to the decoder installer who says he has solved the issues.
It seems that they are hit and miss. Some guys insist that they have no problems with several different Spectrum engines, while others say they've had too many problems to feel secure about them. So far, with only the one experience, I am not feeling very confident. On the other hand, with the Paragon series from BLI, I have had great pleasure and success.
-Crandell
As to bachmanns recent rtr diesels, especially there ft and similar f9 I have found they run really good. Just dont have flywheels, well at least on mine. They are quite, track well and are pretty cheap. The ft came with a set I bought for $20 at walmart a few years back just for the heck of it. The f9 I bought seperately and it had the same newer chassis. I think on the bachman f's the ft and f9's are mounted on the old bachman plus f7a chassis minus flywheels.
For the price, the RTR Bachmann diesels with DCC are an excellent buy. The detail level is below the Spectrum line but it's still quite good. The DCC decoder is basic but it will do all the things expected of a non-sound motor decoder. The mechanics are the same as the Spectrum line. These engines run fine with some break in time. Are they as good as an Astlas Silver or Paragon. Heck no, but they also cost about 1/4 of the price. If you're looking to build a roster, you could do a lot worse.
So for my 11 year old son, who saved his hard earned money, its going to do for him? He has 2 athearn BB engines so its all he knows. I would assume they must run better then the BB?
That would be a good engine for a youngster. It will run better than the Athearn BB's and the DCC already installed will make it easier, assuming you are going to switch over to DCC.
I have a Bachmann Spectrum GS-4 Steam Engine (4-8-4). It has run amazingly for me for the last six years. The engine is quiet, and doesn't jerk. It can handle 18" curves as well. No flywheels however (not enough room inside for them, all weight)
I also have an older Bachmann F7 that is probably one of my best engines. It is extremely quiet, runs at very low speeds, and can pull a lot of weight. I was surprised to find it had fly wheels when I opened it up. It was also really easy to install a decoder into.
I also have some started Bachmann locos, I don't run any of them any more however.
Have you looked into the Walther's Ready to Run stuff? I love them!
I'll put my two cents in for Bachman also. The will stand behind their product. It takes time for them to reply but the are good about it !!!
Well I bought it and when it arrives I will let you all know my 2 cents if you want to know.
I now have DCC so our fleet of locos went from a whole bunch to 2. I couldnt find any reviews on their "ready to run line" of locos so if you guys know where or have seen one let me know. Bachmanns web site is really vague in describing the loco.
The detail looks close to athearns "ready to run" line but looking at pics is hard to tell.
You get what you pay for. The bachmann ready to run line isn't any where near as good as the spectrum. They're starter engines. You can't do a general comparison to a brand like Athearn or any other. Each brand has different levels so if compared you should specify which line, such as the Genesis which is on par or greater than the spectrum.
The newer Bachmann "Blue Box" locomotives with or without DCC looks better than an Athearn Blue Box, but not as good as an Athearn RTR. They actually have full pilots, body mounted coupler pockets with knuckle couplers and will accept Kadees. They mechanism runs quietly (better than Athearn Blue Box) and tracks and pulls very well. Handrails and detail parts (plastic) are seperately (user) applied and snap into place.
I have always been happy with Bachmann standing behind their products. The engine runs and looks good. I think better then the Athearn BB but not as good as the RTR line. The one thing that is odd is the no flywheels. It stops on a dime!
I purchased the Bachmann Digital Commander with EZCommand and 2 DCC equipped locos online. It arrived last night. Surprisingly, both engines run smoothly at slower speeds (I was expecting them to be choppy at slow speeds). The GP-40 is much louder than FT-A. I don't care much because real locos make lots of noise. I also had to make a small mod to the FT-A unit. I have a tight curve (15" radius) going around a mountain and the ladders that hang down on the sides of the trucks were preventing the trucks from swiveling enough to negotiate the turn causing a derailment. I didn't want to do it, but I carefully sliced off the ladders. Fortunately, the ladders are the same color as the trucks so not obvious to the untrained eye. I saved them so they can be glued-on again if I ever redesign the layout. The GP-40 handles the turn with no problem. Additionally, I have older rolling stock from the 70's and 80's that need the couplers converted to knuckle. Not sure if I am going with bachmann ezmates or kadee yet or just purchasing all new bachmann rolling stock (I am really impressed with the quality of the stock that came with the set).
As for the price-can't beat it. I paid about $155 shipped. Where as the local hobby shop wanted $130 just for the EZcommand and $45 for EACH loco. I am fairly new to the hobby and it's my first DCC and for now-this satisfies my needs.
Glad to hear the set met your needs. Bachmann has been doing a good job of getting people into DCC without paying a month's rent. One of the things the hobby needs is lower end but still decent models so folks aren't looking at $500 for a couple of engines and a few cars.
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