Im glad more and more American locos are getting reviewed on the channel. Im not from the UK so it is nice to see Sam indulge in trains from the US or just different varieties in general.
Sam if you are interested in the history at least there's also a Baldwin 460 in the state of North Carolina here in the US she's 102 years old and named Tweetsie and she resides at Tweetsie Railroad in blowing Rock North Carolina has a very beautiful story a lot of bachman's Baldwin 4-6-0 designs are actually based off of Tweetsie Railroad number 12
Ive ridden behind this very locomotive years ago! 316 has NOT been operational for quite a few years now, but she is stored and on display on the Texas State Railroad.
I have one, got it in 2018 as the first non-Thomas locomotive when I started in this hobby again and at the time I was very impressed. I like it a lot. Of course, that was for under $90 which changes things a bit! Even compared to the price you paid. Liked it so much that when I build my big layout it's going to be a common sight there. I managed to get one in another livery recently, again for about $90. Both of them are packed away at the moment.
Beautiful model in my opinion! I got it actually a month before this video was posted on Amazon. The going price was 299.99 but I got a deal and only paid 146.95! An amazing deal if you ask me given the quality of the engine.
As someone who just found and bought a Bachmann ten wheeler, I can confirm it’s a great model. I can highly recommend the older Bachmann Spectrum version of the model, if you can find it for a descent price. All the detail is separately fitted, and it runs a little smoother. If you can find one and do a comparison video, I think that would be pretty cool, but who knows.
FYI, a lot of American steam locomotives have red roofs because they were treated with lead oxide, which is sometimes known as "red lead." This was done to prevent rust as well as to protect the metal against acidic compounds in the smoke the locomotive generates. You'll often see the tops of tenders painted with lead oxide as well. As for the grey boiler, you're right, it is for photographs. Gray paint usually meant that the locomotive was used by the builder as a demonstrator, and if purchased, the railroad would sometimes just not repaint it.
Well, you shouldnt have to, but for you, that no spring issue in the front bogey should be fairly easy to fix. I have every confidence that you could install a spring yourself or even just glue down a small weight on the top of the bogey to fix that problem. Again, shouldn't have to, but with spare parts you've got laying around you could probably fix that for "free".
Yeah definitely - I have some good springs, so it's just a case of getting around to it! A weight might work too - nice idea!" Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains What I did for the lead wheels (what we call that truck/bogey in the states) on my GS4 is loosen a screw, put the metal bar over heat, and ever so slowly bend it a degree. My GS4 now handles 18" radius (first radius for y'all?) with binding on the outer drivers (thank lord it aint my aluminum side rods and valve gear). Fair trade off in my opinion.
The bell on most bachmann US steam locos is actually die-cast, but is painted to match the plastic whistle and safety valves. The actual 316 has Stephenson valve gear, the model has walschearts because it is a generic 4-6-0 that is similar to 316. Another thing to note is that several batches of these were delivered with bad motors, yours may be one of them.
Ahh interesting - I'll have to double check that! Some of them have to be plastic though, as you can see the plasticky flashing on them! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains some brass parts in HO have worse flashing than plastic. I had to replace a bell on a Rivarossi 0-8-0 and it looks quite gnarly at the moment.
I actually have one of those engines. Mine has dcc sound, and is painted up to resemble a Southern Railway (USA) steam locomotive. Back in 2018, I bought a second chassis and converted it to a 2-8-0 to properly replicate a Southern Railway G class 2-8-0 from the Richmond Locomotive Works. The Southern Railway’s G class 2-8-0s were a class of 173 2-8-0 locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Richmond Locomotive Company, Rogers Locomotive Works, Schenectady, and Rhode Island locomotive works between 1885 and 1891. They were all of the same specifications, and were originally operated by the Richmond & Danville, East Tennessee Virginia & Georgia, Virginia Midland Railway, and Georgia Pacific Railroad. In 1894, the Southern Railway was formed by financier JP Morgan by consolidating all of the G class’s former owner railroads into one coherent rail company. The G class would be the main locomotives on the Southern Railway until the early 1900s, when larger 2-8-0s like the H, J, and Ks class 2-8-0s, as well as the Ms class 2-8-2s, would take over. Today, only two G class 2-8-0s survive into preservation, with one (SOU 154) in operation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and another (107) on static display in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. My model was supposed to portray G class number 87 after its 1906 modifications. However, the 2-8-0 chassis didn’t work well, and I gave it back its old 4-6-0 chassis. I gave it a set of green southern railway shells from Bachmann. I am considering converting it back into a 2-8-0 permanently.
Great review as always Sam. If you haven't already I would highly recommend you to look into Bachmann's (formerly Spectrum) 4-4-0 which has very similar specs to this 4-6-0 (diecast running board and boiler and proper bearings on the axles) with a bit more features such as separately fitted pipes.
@@SamsTrains The newer American 4-6-0 always has a little bit of a flaw with the front wheel trucks. What do you need to find is a early Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 i’ve had mine for years and not once the front trucks ever derailed. Sometimes older is better.
I think I've mentioned this before, you can solve the low tourqe issue by purchasing a DCC deocder with BEMF. What basically happens is whenever the motor slows down, the decoder compensates and gives the motor more power, and that low tourqe issue is solved. I'd reccomend getting a Train Control Systems (TCS) WOW-101 decoder and speaker to upgrade all of your modern Bachmann steamers. Trust me, it's worth the investment.
Hi Sam, though the locomotive is lettered as Texas and Pacific Railway number 316 the locomotive is actually a model of Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad 4-6-0 number 27 and 28. Bachmann changed a few minor details to make it more generic. Bachmann has made the model painted up for the actual prototype Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives. Maryland and Pennsylvania railroad number 27 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in December of 1906 and was classified by Baldwin as a class 10-32D-1002. Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad number 28 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in July of 1910 and classified by Baldwin as a class 10-32D-1092. Both served until 1955 with number 27 retired in December 1955 and number 28 retired in August of 1955. 28 was sold in September of 1955 to the M. N. Landy Company. Both locomotives unfortunately did not survive and were scrapped soon after. Info from the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society website. Bachmann making a model based off one real prototype but painted up for a whole bunch of railroads that may or may not be accurate is pretty standard. Athearn/roundhouse does this with their 2-8-0 and 2-6-0 models, kind of like Mehano did back in the day. Some other models like this include, Porter 0-6-0 side tank - Model of a locomotive offered in Porters catalog around the turn of the century. The Midwest Quarry and Mining Company that your locomotive was lettered for is a fictitious creation by Bachmann. ALCO 2-6-0 - Model of Green Bay and Western Railroad 2-6-0 moguls built in 1924 by the American Locomotive Company, commonly shortened to ALCO. Model is of the locomotives in as built condition as the headlight and some other small details changed during their careers. Bachmann changed a few minor details to make it more generic. Bachmann Baldwin 2-8-0 - Model of a Illinois Central Railroad 900 class 2-8-0. These were built between 1909 and the early 1910s and received rebuilds during the 1940s. Bachmann changed the sand dome and other small details to make it look more generic. Happy railroading!
We'll soon discover that the "US and UK are two countries divided by a common language" - (Gerorge Bernard Shaw), when points become switches or turnouts!
@@SamsTrains Welcome! It is common with american manufactures to go this route of making one locomotive and painting it up for a whole bunch of railroads unless it is some super well know locomotive like the big boy. Bachmann is really one of the few options for smaller steam locomotives, which I personally prefer over the big boy or big 4-8-4s. unfortunately US manufactures don't seem as whole very interested in smaller steam like UK ones are. Broadway Limited despite for the most part being a more premium manufacturer has made a few locomotives as well that are one prototype with a bunch of railroads painted on it. One that comes to mind is offering a Pennsylvania Railroad coal burning 4-4-2 Atlantic painted up as a Southern Pacific Railroad oil burning 4-4-2. The Southern Pacific locomotive had the same wheel arrangement but that is where the similarities end. Thier standard 2-8-0 (not the one based on a Pennsylvania railroad class) is modeled after a ALCO 2-8-0 built for the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroads subsidiary Colorado and Southern in July of 1906. Despite this the model is offered painted up in a whole slew of railroads and some fantasy paint schemes, including painted up for the Southern Railway in the same paint scheme and running number as your Bachmann 2-8-0. I have a Bachmann 4-6-0 and I haven't had the derailing problems even running on some rather rough model railroad club track so not sure why yours is having so many problems. I also have a aftermarket dcc and sound decoder installed (TCSWOWSOUND) and the model can quite smoothly creep along. Granted a good model should do that regardless of dc or dcc control. Cheers
I am from the US and it’s good to see what you Brits think of our models!! If you want to review a really top quality US loco, review a Broadway Limited model!!! They are amazing
I once heard the Bachmann 4-6-0’s were better in the black box spectrum, which was the run prior to this I believe. A good companion to this particular engine would be T&P 610. Broadway Limited Imports is doing a run this year since it’s been a good many years since they have last done them. They have that engine in the service scheme, southern excursion scheme, and my favorite and one I preordered the 1976 American Freedom Train. I can’t wait for mine to come in this fall and all I will need is the GS4 in the Freedom Train. I have the T1 2101 already in that paint.
if you run the loco backwards the bogie wont derail less. sam if you can you should try and get a "RoundHouse" "Santa Fe 2-8-0 steam locomotive no#.772, item number #.84942" there die-cast loco's and very heavy, i own one and its very cool.
Sam, another interesting viedo. Adding a spring to the leading truck might solve the derailment problem, but doing that will decrease the pulling ability my experience is by around 30%. The poor pulling ability is due to the stiff axle pickups on the tender. Many US models are designed for a minimum 18" radius, and I suspect your curves are to tight for this model. The motor is underpowered as you have observed, and that is the main cause of poor performance on this model. Mechanically it is good, as there is no noticable binding. The end play in the driving wheels is excessive, though on this model, it is not causing a problem. Keep the reviews comming. Cheers.
The local Long Island store! It was always worth the 50 mile drive west to there. Especially when all the train stores closed east from there. I have more local train shops in Pinellas County, Florida then I had growing up on the island..
I would call it an honest review. Yes, I agree that the prices have gotten ridiculous lately! I model all steam locomotives. No matter the scale or how smooth a steam loco operates if it has a front bogey it gets weight added to it. I use a product called Moldable Lead. It is a soft lead that I can pack on top of the bogey, as most are some sort of U shaped channel holding the axles. Plus it won't mess with the axles. I have used fishing line weights squeezed flat and glued into place on top of a bogey for N scale. One of the products you might try to weigh down that bogey with is Deluxe Materials Liquid Gravity. If you really want to know how faulty your track laying is, then get your hands on a Broadway Limited Imports On30 C-16. It will run on your HO track. It has brass springs on each axle set in brass saddles on each side of the frame. It is also a Diecast Hybrid and very heavy. One of mine weighs in at 1lb 11oz. However, a C-16 by BLI will show every flaw in your track laying. I have a fleet of those. Those BLIs were manufactured around 2004. I am current using one as a test loco for my track laying using PECO 0-16.5 On30 track. If a BLI C-16 runs smoothly through my track laying then any other manufacturer's loco will too. I will tweak the track until it does. So far, so good!
Hey Sam, will you ever review a big boy? You’ve teased it and even though it didn’t win it was an option for one of your subscriber milestone videos. Would definitely absolutely love to see a review of one, especially considering it just finished up running an excursion this week
for your next american loco you should get a Broadway Limited pennsylvania railroad K4 those things are amazing or a Rapido Trains EP-5 (which would be your first New Haven Electric locomotive)
The piping next to the air pump is a cooling coil. Quite common on steam locomotives in the US. FYI I have the same derailing problem with my 0n30 2-6-0’s from Bachman, with these not only no spring but a lack of vertical movement.
12:57 american locos actually are oddly colorful, having (for the most part) bright green walls inside the cab, as well as the usual valves and levers mostly being picked out in red.
If you ant another (US) engine, I got a GEVO going up here soon. It's discounted, and less than 2 years old, but enough with the advert...I might grab one of these for my grandfather as we're putting a HO scale layout out in his barn. I'm modeling a bit earlier than his time, but we do both love us some good ol' American steam. With inflation, and jobs being somewhat out of reach I found my self working over there. With his back going out, and chasing lil kids around alot, I volunteered to take over some of the various back breaking jobs, such as mowing the property (6 acres, or 2.4 hectares) with his tractor, and helping him in his barn (which is where the layout comes in). But first, a few problems: 1, power (DC or DCC (he's not computer savvy) 2, He's modeling Great Northern (US), and 3, his layout will be set after the retirement of 99.9% of ALL steam in the US, with no known plans to include a preservation line. All things to ask next time I'm over. As it is, I'm not trying to push my luck, as my grandfather already does not like people driving his tractors. It shocked most off my family when I was asked to help him remove his backhoe (digger) attachment, let alone, take over mowing with it.
When you were showing the headlight lit and were running the drivers, there was a wobble. Probably due to drivers not being perpendicular on the axles. This is just another reason I have not been a fan of Bachmann steam engines. The old Tyco/Mantua 4-6-0's lacked eye appeal but I always could count on them running fairly well.
Buy some Broadway Limited Imports models. They are really high quality. The only problems I have had with this locomotive is that it doesn’t do slow starts well and the wiring is a little messed up.
Thanks for that Sam ,it’s nice to see a loco from another part of the world .& I hope you do a lot more on American 🇺🇸 locos & stock . Keep up the good work .
Great review! I actually don't live too far from the Texas State Railroad (Where 316 is currently located). She last ran in 2013 due to issues with her boiler and firebox, she spent a few years partially disassembled until she was cosmetically restored in 2020 and is pending an extensive overhaul. For the time though she is on static display.
If you want good American locomotive models, I recommend Broadway Limited, Scale Trains, Intermountain, and Rapido. They've consistently been the top American prototype companies that never fail to disappoint. Bachmann and Athearn are best regarded as the "bargain brands" or "beginner's brands".
Broadway Limited quality has went down the tubes and aren't as great as they used to be. Paragon 3 models used three pole motors instead of the industry standard 5 to try and swindle modelers until they were caught and went back to 5 pole in their Paragon 4. Let us also not forget issues with their smoke units that started under Paragon 3 and have not improved under 4 with lots of complaints of melting and cracking boilers. Don't even get me started with their terrible, outdated decoders (especially Paragon 3 ones which have been objectively maligned for being unreliable and questionable) that sound like they came out of 2005 when TCS, LokSound, and heck even Bachmann Sound Value Decoders sound better. This is coming from someone with 13 Broadway Limited models (mostly Paragon 2 since that was the last time there was any decent quality control with them) with a few back in the shop because of issues so I'm not just blindly hating. The only reason Broadway still has any business (or mine for that matter) is because they have a monopoly on DCC Sound steam locomotives with synchronized chuffing and smoke combined, they are the only ones who do it. Finally, their non-existent customer service and odd "customer service" hours. I've been hung up on and had email responses take weeks if I was lucky to get a response at all. At least with Bachmann when I call them they pick up right away on the same day and handle the problem in a timely fashion. 5 weeks I was quoted and now it has been almost 2 months yet still no word from Broadway. So bash Bachmann all you want because they have issues but to say others are free of them is asinine when every company has put out lemons even more so because of COVID.
Great review Sam as usual. At first I liked the way the Bachman engine looked and the fact it had a die cast boiler and smoke box made me interested . But when you got up close and personal I could see all it’s imperfections. No cabin detail and mostly molded details . This is why I like engines from the UK more details and better mechanisms . And more variety. Thanks Sam keep them coming.
Thanks a lot Louis - yeah very impressed by the diecast, but didn't have quite the level of finesse you'd expect for the price! Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Try some North American locos from the Athearn Genesis line, Bowser, Scale Trains, Rapido, Broadway Limited.. plenty of North American locos that blow Bachmann away in terms of quality.
Honestly while Bachman isn’t exactly known for quality, they do make some pretty great stuff so long as you take extra care of the engines. For me, they always seem to go the extra mile on even their most basic steam engines while for most of their diesels their mechanisms can be hit or miss. This is an example in my eyes of when Bachman actually puts forth a LOT of effort to try and make a good engine.
Texas & Pacific 316 is at the Texas State Railroad. Was just out there last year and got some nice pictures. Fun fact, she is the locomotive used for filming the station scenes in the TV show 1883. Wish I still modeled HO, I would grab one.
The T&P never went further west than El Paso, Texas.The original charter did mention California, but alas, the railroad never extended westward beyond the state of Texas.
Front Bogies with the screw at the read are "pushing" the bogie so the tendency is to hop the track because all the weight is in front of the screw. Be careful of the spring you retrofit it with, though as too heavy a sprint will lift the front driver up a bit, which is not good as well.
Yeah that’s true - the spring needs to have almost zero force to it, not easy to find! I think I have a decent source though, just need to get around to trying one!
My friend is constantly defending Bachmann for their high prices, so he's gonna KILL me when I tell him about the random three-digit number trick! Great video Sam! 🤣
Just purchased this locomotive but in the green southern livery with DCC, I agree these are well detailed and beautiful in person. I have to admit I overpaid quite a bit since southern livery is hard to find 😬
@@SamsTrains I have one of the "High Boiler" models. What makes the boiler high is that instead of 52" diameter drivers it has 63" drivers. The boiler and cab are diecast metal like the 52" version.
Perhaps Bachmann just forgot to install the spring. When will you be reviewing the Accurascale Deltic in 00 scale or the Bachmann Double Fairlie in 009 scale? Good video thanks Sam
Hi Sam, thank you for the video, I have the same loco except it's dcc and because it derails (same problem as yours) I use it as my test loco for my new layout (does not like some trackwork) in fact I had to replace some Peco set track points with larger streamline ones. Overall they run pretty good, so if it doesn't derail all my other locos will be fine also.😁 Cheers Gary.
It's the little things that make life worth while - and watching you go "OFF" over a catalogue ad is a VERY little thing When the front bogie of any steam loco causes grief, I add a thin sheet of LEAD (hammered roofing lead) on top with a little CCA and no more problems
Hi Sam. Great video, quick question. Does your TTS sound railroad A1 tornado work on analogue/DC because mine doesn't so I am hoping that they all don't.
You were much more forgiving of this model than I would have been. This was clearly just a Bachmann 4-6-0 Baldwin that they slapped a T&P 316 livery on and called it a day. Didn't even bother to remove the Baldwin builders plate on a Cooke locomotive. Also the valve gear on the model was Walschaerts and not Stevenson. If it had Stevenson valve gear you would only see the main and connecting rods on the outside, because Stevenson valve gear sits behind the wheels and the frame under the boiler. Also the front pilot was wrong. It should have had combination road and switch pilot, but just had a switching pilot. My rating for this would have been 1/5 stars for minimum effort on Bachmann's part. Just a lazy repaint. I'm still glad to see you give us Americans some attention now and then!
I have this loco myself, but I've never actually run it because I don't have a layout yet. On the other hand, I have it in N scale and it has the same pilot truck issue where it derails a LOT. The N scale version has a much bigger tender than the HO scale one.
Funny you said something about Rivarossi. My best runner in my small fleet is a small 0-6-0. but compared to my second best, being a diesel loco, it can haul all of my cars ( which I don’t have a lot of ) with ease. I believe it has to do with the main driving wheels have grip tires.
Excellent Video. Back in 2013 I took one of the last rides on this locomotive before a start of a major overhaul, which is till in repair status (needs more money) Location is in Palestine, Texas on the Texas State Railroad. I was ready to purchase this locomotive till I seen your review about the front bogies. I also have the same issues on some of my other 4-6-0's, thank you for saving me a $140.00+
Kind of the ratings I would expect. I've mentioned before how disappointed I have been in the past on Bachmann products. They look. For the most part great but fail in operation. This isnt new. I am old enough to be a peer of your father. I was buying their stuff back in the 1970s. That's 45 years. And you are detailing the same issues we had back then. You would think they might have learned something. Of course back then we only had "Model Railroader" magazine comments section of complaints issued months before publications...they only issued copies of the magazine 6 times a year...it could be months before your complaint was even heard. That said...a small spring obviously will help the front wheels. We call them trucks here. Also...a fun experiment might be...a small lead weight mounted on the frame of the bogey...like a washer...might add the weight to see if that would work to keep the wheels planted with gravity instead of pushed down with the force of a spring. Kind of like balancing coins on the arm of a record player to keep the needle in the groove. Of course maybe you never had to deal with skipping needles on vinyl records being you maybe had to deal with the CD skip which was equally annoying... I digress. As for the loco itself...its beautiful. I may suggest that the speed might be more real...as a freight loco. The passenger locos were built for speed. Freight locos were built for power. Ironically...its a Bachmann...so..the speed may be right...but it isnt due to intent. Just poor construction. Cheers.
I mean they have learned, it is called their Spectrum models. Their Spectrum version of this same locomotive has none of these issues, better detail, and better mechanisms. Standard Bachmann =/ Spectrum Bachmann.
Hi Sam. Thanks in particular for this review. I am rather partial to American country music so my ears pricked up when your first piece of music played in this video. Can you please advise who is playing it ? Many thanks
I had an A2 (N gauge) from Bachmann that kept derailing - it was also the front bogies that were the issue. I sent it back and said it looked like the front bogies. They replaced them under warranty and it ran fine after that.
I can't say I have this loco and I don't really have a lay out at the moment but for me lay outs are locos are important it's a hand and hand thing but I see the problems there should be a spring at least I can forgive the motor and no bearings personally I like the realistic things how ever there's designs that wins my heart
Might be of interest about the torque but this loco is driven by a rubber band between the motor axle and main drive shaft. The band has teeth but when I opened mine up I was astounded as to why that was used
Honestly its not as much that we in the US dislike Bachmann, its just generally viewed as the lower end of the quality spectrum. I actually like Bachmann at a good price, you just have to realize its not the high end model.
another interesting review, a shame about the constant derailing. it still looks nice running around your layout. i model in n scale and i have a few bachmanns, some old ones with metal gears (noisey but reliable) and newer ones with the plastic gears and a few in between. with ho scale locmotive, if you're looking for dependable and all, might i suggest Athearn (new ones are nice, older are better), Rivarossi, and my personal favorite Aristocraft.
she is beautifuul Sam ! I wouldn't think they would go above 40mph in real life ( have you seen the tracks !!) do they run ok on our 00 gauge , does the difference have any effect ?? I have built a REVELL HUDSON at 1:87 and it doesn't sit on my OOgauge track ! Wales UK. £110 sounds reasonable .
Bachmann's Spectrum line is much better than their standard line including these 4-6-0's which have been cheapened since they moved them to their standard line. They were much better quality when they were under the Spectrum label.
A AWESOME REVIEW SAM! I would like to get one for my layout, but I do have a question for you. Did you know that the southern railway(UK) had a Battle of Britain class named Winston Churchill?
Question Sam, I’m wondering is it the track issue because I’ve got some of your 00 gauge trains in there like yours they’re slow on my track, but my American maids, steam and diesel are fast
Can you get your hands on lead weights, such as those used to balance automotive wheels? They are small and self-adhesive, which would be perfect for the front bogey. I use them all the time...👍Sometimes a spring is not ideal, as it can lift some weight off the drivers...
Yeah I do use those - but they'd be too large for this purpose - I think a spring is definitely the least obtrusive fix, rather than trying to add mass to a tiny part! But sure, I use the wheel balancing weights all the time too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam what date was the catalogue order form,I use that to date for the model. I found a place near me to order British 00 models all Bachman’s models are on sale. Ordered from them twice already all Oxford rail goods van based on your review,which I was watching when this video came up. Went to check the web site for this model sweet thing non the less. Thanks again good to see you cheers
Part of the issue with Bachmann America is, unlike in the UK, most of the time their engines do not represent a realistic prototype, with the locomotive being produced for one prototype and repainted to sell more models, for example a New York Central version of this engine would be horribly inaccurate. Combined with the price and somewhat plasticy quality of these engines their older products have a poor reputation nowadays and I still think of Bachmann as the bottom of the barrel despite what I see in UK models and there newer NA offeringa. As a resul, I find most of the time I'd rather save a little longer and get an engine that is more accurate and better quality from someone like Broadway Limited, Athearn, Rapido etc. who have a better track record and tend to produce more accurate models
That seems very true Greg - I get comments saying that all the time about their USA range - strange that their British models are so much more realistic! These really are only worth buying if heavily reduced - I'd never consider paying full price/close to full price Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I got a bachmann new York central 4-6-0 off of Amazon, and I like it. You should review an athearn Genesis or scaletrains locomotive. they are very detailed. Also, isn't your camelback locomotive a 4-6-0? Edit: The 4-6-0 disappeared, and I have no idea where it's hiding
@@SamsTrains I'd recommend the athearn Genesis emd sd70ace or gp40 or big boy, and I haven't gotten any scaletrains engines but I hear there new GP30's would probably be the best to get
I honestly come here for American steam loco reviews because every American model railroad channel seems to focus on freight diesels from athearn and extraordinarily priced locos from Broadway Limited, which I have no interest in or cannot afford respectively.
Errrrm, would you like some of my medication? Re the catalogue, it did seem to be a 2013 one, so does that reflect the price you paid for it? I.E. It's old stock! One of the first things mentioned on the info sheet was a smoke unit, does this model have one?
If you're interested in American locomotives and you're still doing games, might I recommend railroads online? It's an early access right now, but it's really, really cool It's definitely worth a look The devs are on TH-cam
That’s very kind of you my friend, thank you so much! But they’re very valuable, you could get some good money for them! Much better than just giving them away, but I’m very touched, bless you! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Actually, most of them are damaged in some way or another, so they're really not worth much money. Plus, 2 of the 3 locos don't run, and the 1 loco that does run has really weird couplers that don't connect to anything else I can find. In fact, I've tried selling them before (multiple times) and no one ever bought them, so I really don't think anyone wants them, and I just want them gone.
Más de lo mismo: Bachmann con su transmisión por correa dentada. He recibido para reparar algunas locomotoras de Bachmann Spectrum con ese sistema, y he encontrado esa correa desgastada o rota. Y conseguir el recambio...¿en Bachmann Parts? no las he visto. Preferiría la transmisión del motor a la rueda motríz con engranajes en vez de ese artilugio. Gracias por subir estos vídeos de productos.
my preference on trains are thomas and friends trains. idc if they are bachmann or not though i would like to get a hornby edward at some point. even though bachmann edward is more accurate to the show the hornby edward performs better from the reviews and comparisons ive seen here
Im glad more and more American locos are getting reviewed on the channel. Im not from the UK so it is nice to see Sam indulge in trains from the US or just different varieties in general.
Totally - I have plenty more still to come too - been really enjoying them! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Sam if you are interested in the history at least there's also a Baldwin 460 in the state of North Carolina here in the US she's 102 years old and named Tweetsie and she resides at Tweetsie Railroad in blowing Rock North Carolina has a very beautiful story a lot of bachman's Baldwin 4-6-0 designs are actually based off of Tweetsie Railroad number 12
Ive ridden behind this very locomotive years ago! 316 has NOT been operational for quite a few years now, but she is stored and on display on the Texas State Railroad.
I have one, got it in 2018 as the first non-Thomas locomotive when I started in this hobby again and at the time I was very impressed. I like it a lot. Of course, that was for under $90 which changes things a bit! Even compared to the price you paid. Liked it so much that when I build my big layout it's going to be a common sight there.
I managed to get one in another livery recently, again for about $90. Both of them are packed away at the moment.
Beautiful model in my opinion! I got it actually a month before this video was posted on Amazon. The going price was 299.99 but I got a deal and only paid 146.95! An amazing deal if you ask me given the quality of the engine.
I think so too, very nice livery too! Sure is a great deal isn’t it? 😁
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
How about you review the PRR K4 class?
As someone who just found and bought a Bachmann ten wheeler, I can confirm it’s a great model. I can highly recommend the older Bachmann Spectrum version of the model, if you can find it for a descent price. All the detail is separately fitted, and it runs a little smoother. If you can find one and do a comparison video, I think that would be pretty cool, but who knows.
FYI, a lot of American steam locomotives have red roofs because they were treated with lead oxide, which is sometimes known as "red lead." This was done to prevent rust as well as to protect the metal against acidic compounds in the smoke the locomotive generates. You'll often see the tops of tenders painted with lead oxide as well. As for the grey boiler, you're right, it is for photographs. Gray paint usually meant that the locomotive was used by the builder as a demonstrator, and if purchased, the railroad would sometimes just not repaint it.
Well, you shouldnt have to, but for you, that no spring issue in the front bogey should be fairly easy to fix. I have every confidence that you could install a spring yourself or even just glue down a small weight on the top of the bogey to fix that problem. Again, shouldn't have to, but with spare parts you've got laying around you could probably fix that for "free".
Yeah definitely - I have some good springs, so it's just a case of getting around to it! A weight might work too - nice idea!"
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains What I did for the lead wheels (what we call that truck/bogey in the states) on my GS4 is loosen a screw, put the metal bar over heat, and ever so slowly bend it a degree. My GS4 now handles 18" radius (first radius for y'all?) with binding on the outer drivers (thank lord it aint my aluminum side rods and valve gear). Fair trade off in my opinion.
The bell on most bachmann US steam locos is actually die-cast, but is painted to match the plastic whistle and safety valves. The actual 316 has Stephenson valve gear, the model has walschearts because it is a generic 4-6-0 that is similar to 316. Another thing to note is that several batches of these were delivered with bad motors, yours may be one of them.
Ahh interesting - I'll have to double check that! Some of them have to be plastic though, as you can see the plasticky flashing on them!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains some brass parts in HO have worse flashing than plastic. I had to replace a bell on a Rivarossi 0-8-0 and it looks quite gnarly at the moment.
I actually have one of those engines. Mine has dcc sound, and is painted up to resemble a Southern Railway (USA) steam locomotive. Back in 2018, I bought a second chassis and converted it to a 2-8-0 to properly replicate a Southern Railway G class 2-8-0 from the Richmond Locomotive Works.
The Southern Railway’s G class 2-8-0s were a class of 173 2-8-0 locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Richmond Locomotive Company, Rogers Locomotive Works, Schenectady, and Rhode Island locomotive works between 1885 and 1891. They were all of the same specifications, and were originally operated by the Richmond & Danville, East Tennessee Virginia & Georgia, Virginia Midland Railway, and Georgia Pacific Railroad. In 1894, the Southern Railway was formed by financier JP Morgan by consolidating all of the G class’s former owner railroads into one coherent rail company. The G class would be the main locomotives on the Southern Railway until the early 1900s, when larger 2-8-0s like the H, J, and Ks class 2-8-0s, as well as the Ms class 2-8-2s, would take over. Today, only two G class 2-8-0s survive into preservation, with one (SOU 154) in operation in Knoxville, Tennessee, and another (107) on static display in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
My model was supposed to portray G class number 87 after its 1906 modifications. However, the 2-8-0 chassis didn’t work well, and I gave it back its old 4-6-0 chassis. I gave it a set of green southern railway shells from Bachmann. I am considering converting it back into a 2-8-0 permanently.
Great review as always Sam. If you haven't already I would highly recommend you to look into Bachmann's (formerly Spectrum) 4-4-0 which has very similar specs to this 4-6-0 (diecast running board and boiler and proper bearings on the axles) with a bit more features such as separately fitted pipes.
Thanks very much Tony - and that does sound lovely, I've heard good things about those!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains The newer American 4-6-0 always has a little bit of a flaw with the front wheel trucks. What do you need to find is a early Bachmann spectrum 4-6-0 i’ve had mine for years and not once the front trucks ever derailed. Sometimes older is better.
@@SamsTrains please review the 4-4-0 spectrum from Bachmann
The 4-4-0 is worse. No torque at all. Complete PRC - Bachmann rubbish !
@@phil36310 do you mean the bachmann spectrum 4-4-0’s or their current line of 4-4-0’s with the new tooling?
As a big fan of the T&P, I’m extremely happy to see you have a locomotive painted in its livery. Enjoy your loco Sam!
haha awesome - I can see why you're a fan! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I think I've mentioned this before, you can solve the low tourqe issue by purchasing a DCC deocder with BEMF. What basically happens is whenever the motor slows down, the decoder compensates and gives the motor more power, and that low tourqe issue is solved. I'd reccomend getting a Train Control Systems (TCS) WOW-101 decoder and speaker to upgrade all of your modern Bachmann steamers. Trust me, it's worth the investment.
Hi Sam, though the locomotive is lettered as Texas and Pacific Railway number 316 the locomotive is actually a model of Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad 4-6-0 number 27 and 28. Bachmann changed a few minor details to make it more generic. Bachmann has made the model painted up for the actual prototype Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad locomotives.
Maryland and Pennsylvania railroad number 27 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in December of 1906 and was classified by Baldwin as a class 10-32D-1002. Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad number 28 was built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in July of 1910 and classified by Baldwin as a class 10-32D-1092. Both served until 1955 with number 27 retired in December 1955 and number 28 retired in August of 1955. 28 was sold in September of 1955 to the M. N. Landy Company. Both locomotives unfortunately did not survive and were scrapped soon after. Info from the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad Historical Society website.
Bachmann making a model based off one real prototype but painted up for a whole bunch of railroads that may or may not be accurate is pretty standard. Athearn/roundhouse does this with their 2-8-0 and 2-6-0 models, kind of like Mehano did back in the day.
Some other models like this include,
Porter 0-6-0 side tank - Model of a locomotive offered in Porters catalog around the turn of the century. The Midwest Quarry and Mining Company that your locomotive was lettered for is a fictitious creation by Bachmann.
ALCO 2-6-0 - Model of Green Bay and Western Railroad 2-6-0 moguls built in 1924 by the American Locomotive Company, commonly shortened to ALCO. Model is of the locomotives in as built condition as the headlight and some other small details changed during their careers. Bachmann changed a few minor details to make it more generic.
Bachmann Baldwin 2-8-0 - Model of a Illinois Central Railroad 900 class 2-8-0. These were built between 1909 and the early 1910s and received rebuilds during the 1940s. Bachmann changed the sand dome and other small details to make it look more generic.
Happy railroading!
We'll soon discover that the "US and UK are two countries divided by a common language" - (Gerorge Bernard Shaw), when points become switches or turnouts!
Thanks a lot for sharing, really appreciate all the info - tut tut tut!!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Welcome! It is common with american manufactures to go this route of making one locomotive and painting it up for a whole bunch of railroads unless it is some super well know locomotive like the big boy. Bachmann is really one of the few options for smaller steam locomotives, which I personally prefer over the big boy or big 4-8-4s. unfortunately US manufactures don't seem as whole very interested in smaller steam like UK ones are.
Broadway Limited despite for the most part being a more premium manufacturer has made a few locomotives as well that are one prototype with a bunch of railroads painted on it. One that comes to mind is offering a Pennsylvania Railroad coal burning 4-4-2 Atlantic painted up as a Southern Pacific Railroad oil burning 4-4-2. The Southern Pacific locomotive had the same wheel arrangement but that is where the similarities end. Thier standard 2-8-0 (not the one based on a Pennsylvania railroad class) is modeled after a ALCO 2-8-0 built for the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroads subsidiary Colorado and Southern in July of 1906. Despite this the model is offered painted up in a whole slew of railroads and some fantasy paint schemes, including painted up for the Southern Railway in the same paint scheme and running number as your Bachmann 2-8-0.
I have a Bachmann 4-6-0 and I haven't had the derailing problems even running on some rather rough model railroad club track so not sure why yours is having so many problems. I also have a aftermarket dcc and sound decoder installed (TCSWOWSOUND) and the model can quite smoothly creep along. Granted a good model should do that regardless of dc or dcc control.
Cheers
I am from the US and it’s good to see what you Brits think of our models!!
If you want to review a really top quality US loco, review a Broadway Limited model!!! They are amazing
Very true but Very Expensive,
Awesome! And sure - I am going to start looking at some better quality models soon too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I once heard the Bachmann 4-6-0’s were better in the black box spectrum, which was the run prior to this I believe. A good companion to this particular engine would be T&P 610. Broadway Limited Imports is doing a run this year since it’s been a good many years since they have last done them. They have that engine in the service scheme, southern excursion scheme, and my favorite and one I preordered the 1976 American Freedom Train. I can’t wait for mine to come in this fall and all I will need is the GS4 in the Freedom Train. I have the T1 2101 already in that paint.
I've definitely heard that a lot too James - kind of regret not just getting one of the better ones now :(
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The fact that you went from underwhelmed to angry, to amazed & excited, and then to disappointed through the course of the review is pretty amusing.
Someone should animate Sam freaking out over those catalog ads, I'd watch that so many times XD
if you run the loco backwards the bogie wont derail less.
sam if you can you should try and get a "RoundHouse" "Santa Fe 2-8-0 steam locomotive no#.772, item number #.84942" there die-cast loco's and very heavy, i own one and its very cool.
haha that's a good idea Jordan - maybe this will have to be a backwards engine!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Sam, another interesting viedo. Adding a spring to the leading truck might solve the derailment problem, but doing that will decrease the pulling ability my experience is by around 30%. The poor pulling ability is due to the stiff axle pickups on the tender. Many US models are designed for a minimum 18" radius, and I suspect your curves are to tight for this model. The motor is underpowered as you have observed, and that is the main cause of poor performance on this model. Mechanically it is good, as there is no noticable binding. The end play in the driving wheels is excessive, though on this model, it is not causing a problem. Keep the reviews comming. Cheers.
10:48 although the model looks a lot like the real T&P 316, the builder's plate is inaccurate to the real 136 as it is a Baldwin builder's plate.
That's a good spot - should be a a Cooke shouldn't it?
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrains yes it was a Cooke built locomotive
That radiator is for the locomotive westinghouse air compressor. it's to cool the air down before it reaches the brake valves/ brakes cylinders
Thanks a lot for sharing, duly noted! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The local Long Island store! It was always worth the 50 mile drive west to there. Especially when all the train stores closed east from there. I have more local train shops in Pinellas County, Florida then I had growing up on the island..
I would call it an honest review. Yes, I agree that the prices have gotten ridiculous lately! I model all steam locomotives. No matter the scale or how smooth a steam loco operates if it has a front bogey it gets weight added to it. I use a product called Moldable Lead. It is a soft lead that I can pack on top of the bogey, as most are some sort of U shaped channel holding the axles. Plus it won't mess with the axles. I have used fishing line weights squeezed flat and glued into place on top of a bogey for N scale. One of the products you might try to weigh down that bogey with is Deluxe Materials Liquid Gravity.
If you really want to know how faulty your track laying is, then get your hands on a Broadway Limited Imports On30 C-16. It will run on your HO track. It has brass springs on each axle set in brass saddles on each side of the frame. It is also a Diecast Hybrid and very heavy. One of mine weighs in at 1lb 11oz. However, a C-16 by BLI will show every flaw in your track laying. I have a fleet of those. Those BLIs were manufactured around 2004. I am current using one as a test loco for my track laying using PECO 0-16.5 On30 track. If a BLI C-16 runs smoothly through my track laying then any other manufacturer's loco will too. I will tweak the track until it does. So far, so good!
Hey Sam, will you ever review a big boy? You’ve teased it and even though it didn’t win it was an option for one of your subscriber milestone videos. Would definitely absolutely love to see a review of one, especially considering it just finished up running an excursion this week
Another regular brilliant Sam'strains upload.
oh no i stayed up til 12:31 AM for this
Same
Thank you so much guys!! :D
for your next american loco you should get a Broadway Limited pennsylvania railroad K4 those things are amazing or a Rapido Trains EP-5 (which would be your first New Haven Electric locomotive)
I'd definitely love that - hopefully one day!! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The piping next to the air pump is a cooling coil. Quite common on steam locomotives in the US. FYI I have the same derailing problem with my 0n30 2-6-0’s from Bachman, with these not only no spring but a lack of vertical movement.
5:16 You are entertaining Sam! well done on the child friendly 'Flying Funnel'!
12:57 american locos actually are oddly colorful, having (for the most part) bright green walls inside the cab, as well as the usual valves and levers mostly being picked out in red.
This one sure is! I do prefer the more colourful ones, that's for sure!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
5:12 ahh yes sams trains arch-enemy has returned
If you ant another (US) engine, I got a GEVO going up here soon. It's discounted, and less than 2 years old, but enough with the advert...I might grab one of these for my grandfather as we're putting a HO scale layout out in his barn. I'm modeling a bit earlier than his time, but we do both love us some good ol' American steam. With inflation, and jobs being somewhat out of reach I found my self working over there. With his back going out, and chasing lil kids around alot, I volunteered to take over some of the various back breaking jobs, such as mowing the property (6 acres, or 2.4 hectares) with his tractor, and helping him in his barn (which is where the layout comes in). But first, a few problems: 1, power (DC or DCC (he's not computer savvy) 2, He's modeling Great Northern (US), and 3, his layout will be set after the retirement of 99.9% of ALL steam in the US, with no known plans to include a preservation line. All things to ask next time I'm over. As it is, I'm not trying to push my luck, as my grandfather already does not like people driving his tractors. It shocked most off my family when I was asked to help him remove his backhoe (digger) attachment, let alone, take over mowing with it.
When you were showing the headlight lit and were running the drivers, there was a wobble. Probably due to drivers not being perpendicular on the axles. This is just another reason I have not been a fan of Bachmann steam engines. The old Tyco/Mantua 4-6-0's lacked eye appeal but I always could count on them running fairly well.
Buy some Broadway Limited Imports models. They are really high quality. The only problems I have had with this locomotive is that it doesn’t do slow starts well and the wiring is a little messed up.
Thanks for that Sam ,it’s nice to see a loco from another part of the world .& I hope you do a lot more on American 🇺🇸 locos & stock . Keep up the good work .
Great review! I actually don't live too far from the Texas State Railroad (Where 316 is currently located). She last ran in 2013 due to issues with her boiler and firebox, she spent a few years partially disassembled until she was cosmetically restored in 2020 and is pending an extensive overhaul. For the time though she is on static display.
Oh that's cool that you live near by! Pity she's not still running - don't think I knew that :(
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
If you want good American locomotive models, I recommend Broadway Limited, Scale Trains, Intermountain, and Rapido. They've consistently been the top American prototype companies that never fail to disappoint. Bachmann and Athearn are best regarded as the "bargain brands" or "beginner's brands".
Broadway Limited quality has went down the tubes and aren't as great as they used to be. Paragon 3 models used three pole motors instead of the industry standard 5 to try and swindle modelers until they were caught and went back to 5 pole in their Paragon 4. Let us also not forget issues with their smoke units that started under Paragon 3 and have not improved under 4 with lots of complaints of melting and cracking boilers. Don't even get me started with their terrible, outdated decoders (especially Paragon 3 ones which have been objectively maligned for being unreliable and questionable) that sound like they came out of 2005 when TCS, LokSound, and heck even Bachmann Sound Value Decoders sound better. This is coming from someone with 13 Broadway Limited models (mostly Paragon 2 since that was the last time there was any decent quality control with them) with a few back in the shop because of issues so I'm not just blindly hating. The only reason Broadway still has any business (or mine for that matter) is because they have a monopoly on DCC Sound steam locomotives with synchronized chuffing and smoke combined, they are the only ones who do it. Finally, their non-existent customer service and odd "customer service" hours. I've been hung up on and had email responses take weeks if I was lucky to get a response at all. At least with Bachmann when I call them they pick up right away on the same day and handle the problem in a timely fashion. 5 weeks I was quoted and now it has been almost 2 months yet still no word from Broadway.
So bash Bachmann all you want because they have issues but to say others are free of them is asinine when every company has put out lemons even more so because of COVID.
Great review Sam as usual. At first I liked the way the Bachman engine looked and the fact it had a die cast boiler and smoke box made me interested . But when you got up close and personal I could see all it’s imperfections. No cabin detail and mostly molded details . This is why I like engines from the UK more details and better mechanisms . And more variety. Thanks Sam keep them coming.
Thanks a lot Louis - yeah very impressed by the diecast, but didn't have quite the level of finesse you'd expect for the price!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Try some North American locos from the Athearn Genesis line, Bowser, Scale Trains, Rapido, Broadway Limited.. plenty of North American locos that blow Bachmann away in terms of quality.
@@kalnaren He's got a Hustler...
Bachmann models always look incredibly detailed.
Honestly while Bachman isn’t exactly known for quality, they do make some pretty great stuff so long as you take extra care of the engines. For me, they always seem to go the extra mile on even their most basic steam engines while for most of their diesels their mechanisms can be hit or miss. This is an example in my eyes of when Bachman actually puts forth a LOT of effort to try and make a good engine.
If I'm not mistaken I believe this is the locomotive we have outside of the railroad museum in our town
Texas & Pacific 316 is at the Texas State Railroad. Was just out there last year and got some nice pictures. Fun fact, she is the locomotive used for filming the station scenes in the TV show 1883. Wish I still modeled HO, I would grab one.
Thanks a lot for sharing - and lucky you, wish I could go!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
5:13 can I ask: was that genuine anger or just an act? Either way very convincing
haha I'll leave that for you to decide! ;D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
The T&P never went further west than El Paso, Texas.The original charter did mention California, but alas, the railroad never extended westward beyond the state of Texas.
Front Bogies with the screw at the read are "pushing" the bogie so the tendency is to hop the track because all the weight is in front of the screw. Be careful of the spring you retrofit it with, though as too heavy a sprint will lift the front driver up a bit, which is not good as well.
Yeah that’s true - the spring needs to have almost zero force to it, not easy to find! I think I have a decent source though, just need to get around to trying one!
My friend is constantly defending Bachmann for their high prices, so he's gonna KILL me when I tell him about the random three-digit number trick! Great video Sam! 🤣
I have one of these in New York Central livery. Great runner and my first locomotive fitted with DCC.
Awesome unboxing & review video
Just purchased this locomotive but in the green southern livery with DCC, I agree these are well detailed and beautiful in person. I have to admit I overpaid quite a bit since southern livery is hard to find 😬
Sam, If you can Try and find the Bachmann Spectrum 4-6-0 High Boiler Variant. Its one of the Best locomotives From the Spectrum line
I've heard that is good - will have to look out for one! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I have one of the "High Boiler" models. What makes the boiler high is that instead of 52" diameter drivers it has 63" drivers. The boiler and cab are diecast metal like the 52" version.
Perhaps Bachmann just forgot to install the spring.
When will you be reviewing the Accurascale Deltic in 00 scale or the Bachmann Double Fairlie in 009 scale?
Good video thanks Sam
Hi Sam, thank you for the video, I have the same loco except it's dcc and because it derails (same problem as yours) I use it as my test loco for my new layout (does not like some trackwork) in fact I had to replace some Peco set track points with larger streamline ones. Overall they run pretty good, so if it doesn't derail all my other locos will be fine also.😁
Cheers Gary.
It's the little things that make life worth while - and watching you go "OFF" over a catalogue ad is a VERY little thing
When the front bogie of any steam loco causes grief, I add a thin sheet of LEAD (hammered roofing lead) on top with a little CCA and no more problems
haha glad to hear that! And that sounds handy - thanks for the tip! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
So your videos are great but I really need an explanation…
*What is this sorcery*
how are the wagons moving themselves behind the ratings screen
Just a friendly correction the Cooke locomotive company is pronounced like Sam was a great Cook I loved his modelrailwaymans broth.
Hi Sam. Great video, quick question. Does your TTS sound railroad A1 tornado work on analogue/DC because mine doesn't so I am hoping that they all don't.
You were much more forgiving of this model than I would have been. This was clearly just a Bachmann 4-6-0 Baldwin that they slapped a T&P 316 livery on and called it a day. Didn't even bother to remove the Baldwin builders plate on a Cooke locomotive. Also the valve gear on the model was Walschaerts and not Stevenson. If it had Stevenson valve gear you would only see the main and connecting rods on the outside, because Stevenson valve gear sits behind the wheels and the frame under the boiler. Also the front pilot was wrong. It should have had combination road and switch pilot, but just had a switching pilot. My rating for this would have been 1/5 stars for minimum effort on Bachmann's part. Just a lazy repaint. I'm still glad to see you give us Americans some attention now and then!
I have this loco myself, but I've never actually run it because I don't have a layout yet. On the other hand, I have it in N scale and it has the same pilot truck issue where it derails a LOT. The N scale version has a much bigger tender than the HO scale one.
Ahh still, something nice to look forward to... hopefully yours won't derail!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Funny you said something about Rivarossi. My best runner in my small fleet is a small 0-6-0. but compared to my second best, being a diesel loco, it can haul all of my cars ( which I don’t have a lot of ) with ease. I believe it has to do with the main driving wheels have grip tires.
Yeah they are decent runners - or reliable, at least! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
@@SamsTrainsNo problem, I enjoy watching and will support the channel :)
10:51 builders plate is wrong… says Baldwin when the loco was made by Cooke lol
Excellent Video. Back in 2013 I took one of the last rides on this locomotive before a start of a major overhaul, which is till in repair status (needs more money) Location is in Palestine, Texas on the Texas State Railroad. I was ready to purchase this locomotive till I seen your review about the front bogies. I also have the same issues on some of my other 4-6-0's, thank you for saving me a $140.00+
Oh wow so you've been on the thing?! Really hope they fix it up again some day!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Hey Sam did you know that bachman did this model back in 1999 and it had a 5 pole motor
Cheers Jasper & Willow
Wow I didn't know that - surely this is newer than that though? Seems to have a lot of detail for 1999!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Had even more detail in '99.
Kind of the ratings I would expect. I've mentioned before how disappointed I have been in the past on Bachmann products. They look. For the most part great but fail in operation. This isnt new. I am old enough to be a peer of your father. I was buying their stuff back in the 1970s. That's 45 years. And you are detailing the same issues we had back then. You would think they might have learned something. Of course back then we only had "Model Railroader" magazine comments section of complaints issued months before publications...they only issued copies of the magazine 6 times a year...it could be months before your complaint was even heard.
That said...a small spring obviously will help the front wheels. We call them trucks here. Also...a fun experiment might be...a small lead weight mounted on the frame of the bogey...like a washer...might add the weight to see if that would work to keep the wheels planted with gravity instead of pushed down with the force of a spring. Kind of like balancing coins on the arm of a record player to keep the needle in the groove. Of course maybe you never had to deal with skipping needles on vinyl records being you maybe had to deal with the CD skip which was equally annoying... I digress.
As for the loco itself...its beautiful. I may suggest that the speed might be more real...as a freight loco. The passenger locos were built for speed. Freight locos were built for power. Ironically...its a Bachmann...so..the speed may be right...but it isnt due to intent. Just poor construction. Cheers.
I mean they have learned, it is called their Spectrum models. Their Spectrum version of this same locomotive has none of these issues, better detail, and better mechanisms. Standard Bachmann =/ Spectrum Bachmann.
I’ve got a fun week ahead as David Attenborough will be narrating a dinosaur documentary on AppleTV+.
That sounds awesome - have fun watching that! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hi Sam.
Thanks in particular for this review. I am rather partial to American country music so my ears pricked up when your first piece of music played in this video. Can you please advise who is playing it ?
Many thanks
That front coupler droops .. and at 11:20 you can see why .. the retaining base plate is loose.
Thanks for the video
I had an A2 (N gauge) from Bachmann that kept derailing - it was also the front bogies that were the issue. I sent it back and said it looked like the front bogies. They replaced them under warranty and it ran fine after that.
Ahh annoying - very good to hear about that warranty though, sounds like it served you well!
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
I can't say I have this loco and I don't really have a lay out at the moment but for me lay outs are locos are important it's a hand and hand thing but I see the problems there should be a spring at least I can forgive the motor and no bearings personally I like the realistic things how ever there's designs that wins my heart
I have that same loco in NYC colors! First loco I ever bought
Might be of interest about the torque but this loco is driven by a rubber band between the motor axle and main drive shaft. The band has teeth but when I opened mine up I was astounded as to why that was used
I will send you a bachmann catalogue for Christmas, ha ha, regards pete
Honestly its not as much that we in the US dislike Bachmann, its just generally viewed as the lower end of the quality spectrum. I actually like Bachmann at a good price, you just have to realize its not the high end model.
love the old Baldwin 10 wheelers
That Loco will run great on Kato Unitrack
Ahh excellent! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
another interesting review, a shame about the constant derailing. it still looks nice running around your layout.
i model in n scale and i have a few bachmanns, some old ones with metal gears (noisey but reliable) and newer ones with the plastic gears and a few in between. with ho scale locmotive, if you're looking for dependable and all, might i suggest Athearn (new ones are nice, older are better), Rivarossi, and my personal favorite Aristocraft.
Yeah it's a pity, but I'll sort that out hopefully. Athearn do seem quality - I'm looking to do more of those soon! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
she is beautifuul Sam ! I wouldn't think they would go above 40mph in real life ( have you seen the tracks !!) do they run ok on our 00 gauge , does the difference have any effect ?? I have built a REVELL HUDSON at 1:87 and it doesn't sit on my OOgauge track ! Wales UK. £110 sounds reasonable .
Bachmann's Spectrum line is much better than their standard line including these 4-6-0's which have been cheapened since they moved them to their standard line. They were much better quality when they were under the Spectrum label.
I saw the derailment if you have a tight curve right into a switch you have a high chance of derailment for ho engines
Hi Sam, cracking looking loco. Really fancy one myself, even if it is a bachmann. All the best Carl.
Thanks a lot Carl - yes it definitely looks cracking :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
A AWESOME REVIEW SAM! I would like to get one for my layout, but I do have a question for you. Did you know that the southern railway(UK) had a Battle of Britain class named Winston Churchill?
Thanks so much - and yeah I did - it's one of my favourite engines! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
5:11
Everyone, back up...
Sam's angry!
I've been really busy and stressed lately with schoolwork and whatnot, just want you to know your videos are a massive help. :)
Ahh sorry to hear about your stress, keep up the hard work though... you won’t regret it in later life!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Question Sam, I’m wondering is it the track issue because I’ve got some of your 00 gauge trains in there like yours they’re slow on my track, but my American maids, steam and diesel are fast
Can you get your hands on lead weights, such as those used to balance automotive wheels? They are small and self-adhesive, which would be perfect for the front bogey. I use them all the time...👍Sometimes a spring is not ideal, as it can lift some weight off the drivers...
Yeah I do use those - but they'd be too large for this purpose - I think a spring is definitely the least obtrusive fix, rather than trying to add mass to a tiny part! But sure, I use the wheel balancing weights all the time too! :D
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
hi sam just a question
is there any way you can share your coupling design for the 3d printer?
because i just cant get it done
have a good day: ian
Sam what date was the catalogue order form,I use that to date for the model. I found a place near me to order British 00 models all Bachman’s models are on sale. Ordered from them twice already all Oxford rail goods van based on your review,which I was watching when this video came up. Went to check the web site for this model sweet thing non the less. Thanks again good to see you cheers
I’m not sure Charles.... tore it up immediately unfortunately.., I have issues!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The catalogue rant left me quite confused. I don't recall Sam getting that angry over anything, not even Hornby's questionable antics.
iirc the Baldwin 4-6-0 was used as a model for one of Red Dead Redemption 2’s locomotives
just needs a mini Delorean to push around the layout ;P
haha! It's not the engine from back to the future is it?! I'd love one of those! :O
Thanks for watching, Sam :)
Part of the issue with Bachmann America is, unlike in the UK, most of the time their engines do not represent a realistic prototype, with the locomotive being produced for one prototype and repainted to sell more models, for example a New York Central version of this engine would be horribly inaccurate. Combined with the price and somewhat plasticy quality of these engines their older products have a poor reputation nowadays and I still think of Bachmann as the bottom of the barrel despite what I see in UK models and there newer NA offeringa. As a resul, I find most of the time I'd rather save a little longer and get an engine that is more accurate and better quality from someone like Broadway Limited, Athearn, Rapido etc. who have a better track record and tend to produce more accurate models
That seems very true Greg - I get comments saying that all the time about their USA range - strange that their British models are so much more realistic! These really are only worth buying if heavily reduced - I'd never consider paying full price/close to full price
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
I got a bachmann new York central 4-6-0 off of Amazon, and I like it. You should review an athearn Genesis or scaletrains locomotive. they are very detailed. Also, isn't your camelback locomotive a 4-6-0?
Edit: The 4-6-0 disappeared, and I have no idea where it's hiding
That's awesome - glad you like it! And definitely - I'll do more of those brands soon hopefully! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains I'd recommend the athearn Genesis emd sd70ace or gp40 or big boy, and I haven't gotten any scaletrains engines but I hear there new GP30's would probably be the best to get
The next 3d printing project you do should be on an American steam locomotive
Nice loco and a good price, but what was the actual price including postage and import duties?
I honestly come here for American steam loco reviews because every American model railroad channel seems to focus on freight diesels from athearn and extraordinarily priced locos from Broadway Limited, which I have no interest in or cannot afford respectively.
Errrrm, would you like some of my medication? Re the catalogue, it did seem to be a 2013 one, so does that reflect the price you paid for it? I.E. It's old stock! One of the first things mentioned on the info sheet was a smoke unit, does this model have one?
If you're interested in American locomotives and you're still doing games, might I recommend railroads online? It's an early access right now, but it's really, really cool It's definitely worth a look The devs are on TH-cam
Oh sure - I can look into that, thanks for the suggestion! :D
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey Sam, I have a box of american locos and rolling stock just sitting around. If you want it, I can see about getting it to you.
That’s very kind of you my friend, thank you so much! But they’re very valuable, you could get some good money for them! Much better than just giving them away, but I’m very touched, bless you!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
@@SamsTrains Actually, most of them are damaged in some way or another, so they're really not worth much money. Plus, 2 of the 3 locos don't run, and the 1 loco that does run has really weird couplers that don't connect to anything else I can find. In fact, I've tried selling them before (multiple times) and no one ever bought them, so I really don't think anyone wants them, and I just want them gone.
Is it just me or does the Baldwin 4-6-0 look like the the sierra no. 3 steam locomotive from Back To The Future Part 3?
Más de lo mismo: Bachmann con su transmisión por correa dentada. He recibido para reparar algunas locomotoras de Bachmann Spectrum con ese sistema, y he encontrado esa correa desgastada o rota. Y conseguir el recambio...¿en Bachmann Parts? no las he visto. Preferiría la transmisión del motor a la rueda motríz con engranajes en vez de ese artilugio. Gracias por subir estos vídeos de productos.
Hey Sam I found the odd one out its the LMS 2-6-0
Cheers Willow & Jasper
You know I'll have to double check - I forget now!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
my preference on trains are thomas and friends trains. idc if they are bachmann or not though i would like to get a hornby edward at some point. even though bachmann edward is more accurate to the show the hornby edward performs better from the reviews and comparisons ive seen here