I have three of the original Aristocraft models. I fitted the remote panel-controlled Tsunami sound system with is very good, with many functions. So far, we've never managed to put enough behind even one of them to stall them - we only have around 45 cars, though.
I have 1 original Aristo unit and have added 3 more Bachmann. They are all good pullers. I’ve had about 25 cars in one train on my outside layout. No problems pulling them. Too bad Bachmann won’t be making anymore. Thanks for watching my channel.
Units are still available in the retail market. Pricing has dropped to move out what the dealers have before the next run of units arrive. I have 3 newer units now and I love to run them. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for watching my videos.
Awesome video Paul beautiful unit love the paint scheme... Still not quite sold on these Bachmann engines. Also, I have interior cab lights in both of my Aristo-Craft Dash 9's 🤔👍
I went back and looked hard at my Aristo Dash 9. While there is no visible light like there is on the new Bachmann unit. The lights for the number boards do reflect back into the cab. I may rework the Aristo unit to add a cab light and tie that into my Titan QSI DCC decoder.
@Paul Torrey’s G Scale Trains You are absolutely right, Paul. I guess I really never noticed it. I just turned on the controller looked at the cab and saw It was lit up, but when I got down and really looked up in there. Yes, it's inside the number boards and there's a whole cut out for extra light. I'm still learning. Thanks for your videos 😎👍
They recommend 10’ dia or 5’ radius. But I can run this with 8’ dia as long as I watch the coupler length of the car running behind the engine without pull that first car off the track. So 8’ diameter as an absolute minimum while you’ll probably due much better with 10’ diameter. Good luck you’ll love it.
Unfortunately no. They’ve started shipping the GP40 now which was also originally an Aristo Craft engine. Better act fast if you want one of those. Good luck.
Those are good looking engines! Definitely seems to be a step up for Bachmann in terms of detail and build. However for a long time they were initially adamant that they would never do diesels like this in large scale, I think because they were supposedly trying to stick with a narrow gauge scheme like with On30. Anyone know what changed?
Yes, they acquired the diesel tools that used to belong to Aristo Craft that made the engines 20 years ago. Therefore little up front development and tooling costs that also gave Bachmann an easier way to get into the 1/29 market.
The smoke unit has been modified so you can hook up the fan and heating unit separately. That will come in handy if they ever reissue one of Aristo’s Steam units. The electronics in the engine have been refined with the mother board put on the top of the removable switch board. That helps where you don’t have to turn the board over if you’re installing a PNP board like Revo. There is better labeling of all the solder tabs on the board. It’s about 90% the same as the original Aristo unit. I run mine all the time with Blunami and I love them.
@@paultorrey Thanks for the feedback. With my old Aristos I replaced all electronics with ESU hardware. Would also love to try out a Bachmann unit, but so far they just don't have the right road names (as I focus on canadian prototypes).
@@Mimivrhorror, you can try OnlyTrains.com as it looks like they may have 3 models left for sale. If you search the internet, there may be others out there with limited numbers of units for sale.
@@carolosten995 well when you look at the prices on the secondary market such as EBay. The Bachmann version being sold is very reasonable. The older Aristo units were going for over $1000 used. So new at $800 is not bad.
Thanks for posting this! I've been very much on the fence about buying another USA Trains locomotive. It seems like Bachman makes the DCC conversion much easier.
Yes, very easy to do. So easy I bought a second unit and installed the Blunami version of Soundtraxx latest DCC board. I love the new capabilities. Can run with battery, DC or DCC. Check my last two videos for more fun.
That’s too bad as you’re missing out on a very good product. Motor blocks are very simple and the electronics have been upgraded. Making application of aftermarket sound /DCC and RCC very simple ($200 additional cost. Pricing on the units have been reduced recently to a decent price point. $699. Buying a O Gauge engine like this would cost almost as much. All in all this G Gauge engine is a good buy. You’re not going to get much “newer” engines due to the costs associated with tooling and new development costs.
I have three of the original Aristocraft models. I fitted the remote panel-controlled Tsunami sound system with is very good, with many functions. So far, we've never managed to put enough behind even one of them to stall them - we only have around 45 cars, though.
I have 1 original Aristo unit and have added 3 more Bachmann. They are all good pullers. I’ve had about 25 cars in one train on my outside layout. No problems pulling them. Too bad Bachmann won’t be making anymore. Thanks for watching my channel.
Awesome review and love that BNSF Dash 9, would love to have one for my Garden railway! -Ken
Units are still available in the retail market. Pricing has dropped to move out what the dealers have before the next run of units arrive. I have 3 newer units now and I love to run them. You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for watching my videos.
Great video Paul, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Michael
Welcome aboard the channel. Hope you enjoy the content. Tell your train friends.
Awesome video Paul beautiful unit love the paint scheme... Still not quite sold on these Bachmann engines. Also, I have interior cab lights in both of my Aristo-Craft Dash 9's 🤔👍
I went back and looked hard at my Aristo Dash 9. While there is no visible light like there is on the new Bachmann unit. The lights for the number boards do reflect back into the cab. I may rework the Aristo unit to add a cab light and tie that into my Titan QSI DCC decoder.
@Paul Torrey’s G Scale Trains You are absolutely right, Paul. I guess I really never noticed it. I just turned on the controller looked at the cab and saw It was lit up, but when I got down and really looked up in there. Yes, it's inside the number boards and there's a whole cut out for extra light. I'm still learning. Thanks for your videos 😎👍
@@paultorreygg
Nice diesel! what is the minimum radius track for this unit ?
They recommend 10’ dia or 5’ radius. But I can run this with 8’ dia as long as I watch the coupler length of the car running behind the engine without pull that first car off the track.
So 8’ diameter as an absolute minimum while you’ll probably due much better with 10’ diameter. Good luck you’ll love it.
@@paultorrey Very good ,Thank you.
Are they doing another run of these units?
Unfortunately no. They’ve started shipping the GP40 now which was also originally an Aristo Craft engine. Better act fast if you want one of those. Good luck.
So is the unit able to be battery operated out of the box?
@@kyleflgood Yes. There is a switch that you can toggle between track and battery power.
i want a cn version of this
Those are good looking engines! Definitely seems to be a step up for Bachmann in terms of detail and build. However for a long time they were initially adamant that they would never do diesels like this in large scale, I think because they were supposedly trying to stick with a narrow gauge scheme like with On30. Anyone know what changed?
Yes, they acquired the diesel tools that used to belong to Aristo Craft that made the engines 20 years ago. Therefore little up front development and tooling costs that also gave Bachmann an easier way to get into the 1/29 market.
What did bachmann change except the cab light and the additional switch?
The smoke unit has been modified so you can hook up the fan and heating unit separately. That will come in handy if they ever reissue one of Aristo’s Steam units. The electronics in the engine have been refined with the mother board put on the top of the removable switch board. That helps where you don’t have to turn the board over if you’re installing a PNP board like Revo. There is better labeling of all the solder tabs on the board. It’s about 90% the same as the original Aristo unit. I run mine all the time with Blunami and I love them.
@@paultorrey Thanks for the feedback. With my old Aristos I replaced all electronics with ESU hardware. Would also love to try out a Bachmann unit, but so far they just don't have the right road names (as I focus on canadian prototypes).
Awe Come on just show us the Loco! lol Great video! It looks considerably larger than my USA Trains American Series? Thanks
It’s the same size as the USA SD70.
@@paultorrey Thanks Paul
Where did you get yours?
@@Wendell-O I bought mine from a few retailers. RLD Hobbies, Reindeer Pass and Only Trains.
@@paultorrey Thanks! 👍
2:28 well engineers and designers can't keep their paychecks coming in if they leave things the same 😉
No URL/link to purchase site?
You can try to search on line for hobby sites that may still have some available.
If you don't mind, who was the other TH-cam who installed the QSI decoder?
Here’s the link to his video. th-cam.com/video/cVh-deR2y0M/w-d-xo.html
Where can I buy this?
Unfortunately you can’t. They’re all sold out.
@@paultorreywhat website did you buy it from or did you get it bare?
@@Mimivrhorror, you can try OnlyTrains.com as it looks like they may have 3 models left for sale. If you search the internet, there may be others out there with limited numbers of units for sale.
That is huge. What scale is it. Looks bigger than O scale
These are G Scale. 1/29th to be exact. Hope you liked the video.
How much cost?
You go to any of the on line dealers and you’ll see pricing from $760-$825 plus shipping.
That's a lot
@@carolosten995 well when you look at the prices on the secondary market such as EBay. The Bachmann version being sold is very reasonable. The older Aristo units were going for over $1000 used. So new at $800 is not bad.
Thanks for posting this! I've been very much on the fence about buying another USA Trains locomotive. It seems like Bachman makes the DCC conversion much easier.
Yes, very easy to do. So easy I bought a second unit and installed the Blunami version of Soundtraxx latest DCC board. I love the new capabilities. Can run with battery, DC or DCC. Check my last two videos for more fun.
🇧🇷🚂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I cant come to buy any new g scale because even the newer stuff is old tech at new tech price.
That’s too bad as you’re missing out on a very good product. Motor blocks are very simple and the electronics have been upgraded. Making application of aftermarket sound /DCC and RCC very simple ($200 additional cost. Pricing on the units have been reduced recently to a decent price point. $699. Buying a O Gauge engine like this would cost almost as much. All in all this G Gauge engine is a good buy. You’re not going to get much “newer” engines due to the costs associated with tooling and new development costs.
Way to much man ti little train