Bachmann question..

[Jamesp]

for those that have experience with various makers..


This past year I have started adding to my HO collection( again) after many many years away..I don't run the trains often but do now and then..

I do test run each as they are received.

Here is my question, I have acquired many different brands of Engines, Penn Line ( love to restore) Athearn, Life Like, Proto's, Mantua, AHM, IHC, Model Power and of course Bachmann/Spectrum.


My most most recent editions are 2 Bachmann Loco's , a Spectrum K4 ; 4-6-2 and a 2-6-0 Mugul.
Both run fine and both basically appear to be brand new ..but compared to other Loco's they do not have comparable track speed..meaning they don't run as fast..

I am thinking this is due to gearing to be able to PULL heavier loads..

Yes ..no ?
The 2-6-0 compared to a recent Model Power 0-4-0 is not even comparable...The 0-4-0 top speed is maybe 2X....

I also have a Spectrum Doodlebug..same thing..runs smooth but not much track speed as compared to other brands of Loco's.

I have not put any of these to the pulling test as of yet...

thoughts ?

by the way, I collect New Haven and Pennsylvania..former Hew Haven / Grand Central corridor guy here..and I do have a sectional layout in process..( never ending )

thanks for your comments..
J

 

[stuart_canada]

I do not own any spectrum steamers, but I do hear that they are great models. the speed thing is not exactly a problem i think. rather have a slow runner then a race car on my layout, spectrum usually are good pullers i think. speed takes away pulling power

 

[NYC-BKO]

Here is a simple way to determine scale track speed.

Put a 12" ruler down next to the track and count the seconds it takes to run the distance.

1 sec = 60 mph
1.5 = 45 mph
2 = 30 mph
3 = 20 mph
4 = 15 mph
5 = 12 mph
6 = 10 mph

although not extremely accurate it will give you an idea of just how fast they are running in scale terms.

 

[60103]

Model locomotives have always been capable of running too fast. With a lot of pressure we have been able to convince manufacturers that closer to scale speeds are commercially desirable.
This now gives the problem that double-heading a passenger lcomotive with a freighter means the speeds are incompatible.
For fun: forty years ago Model Railroader awarded the speed crown to Athearn's Hustler (rubber band drive) which was capable of 400 smph.

 

[Jamesp]

WOW..400MPH !

now thats scale accuracy !

I'm gonna check the 12" ruler thing..that seems logical to me..

I wonder what the top speed was for Doodlebugs and Budd RDC cars ...

thanks
j

 

[NYC-BKO]

James,

I can't speak for the Doodlebugs they were long gone when I ran trains but I did run RDC's and If I recall correctly top speed was 80 mph, but at the time track speed was 60 where I ran them. They were designed for lesser lines with alot of stops so they didn't need to run real fast, just accelerate quickly. I'll look to see if I have any info to verify the RDC's.