I am looking for an F-7 A&B engine. It looks like Bachmann is the only one making them now. Would the Bachmann Spectrum series be worth the investment.
N scale F7
- Thread starter mrgooch
- Start date
Can't speak to N scale cause I'm an HOer, but Spectrum definitely locos are definitely worth the coin. I've got a VIA F40PH that runs and looks superb.
Depends. What roads are you looking for? Does Bachmann model your road? How much are you willing to spend? Does it have to be a F7? I have purchased a Kato F3 A&B set for $110 at an auction and two F3As at $45 each. Are you willing to pay for custom painting? I'm having a few locos repainted by a fellow who charges $30 each, but I haven't received them back yet. I've also found another painter who is willing to work for the same price.
Just a few questions to think about. I've heard both good and bad about Bachmann. The big B'mann rule is Try Before You Buy. One loco can be superb while the one next to it is a rotten lemon. HTH
Just a few questions to think about. I've heard both good and bad about Bachmann. The big B'mann rule is Try Before You Buy. One loco can be superb while the one next to it is a rotten lemon. HTH
F7's are shorter
I am limited to the length of the F7. I have tunnels with curves. New York Central would be the road.
I am limited to the length of the F7. I have tunnels with curves. New York Central would be the road.
Just like BDC says, the ONLY advice when buying Bachmann is see it running before you part with money. When you get a good one you've really got a good one. Buy mail order and there's no telling what it will run like (if at all).
I'm happy with all my Bachmann stuff coz I bought them all from hobby stores. A little lube and running-in is usually all that's needed on the good ones.
Bachman is great value for money, and their quality is improving all the time.
By the way it, it helps when we know what gauge you are thinking of buying items for
.
Errol
I'm happy with all my Bachmann stuff coz I bought them all from hobby stores. A little lube and running-in is usually all that's needed on the good ones.
Bachman is great value for money, and their quality is improving all the time.
By the way it, it helps when we know what gauge you are thinking of buying items for
.Errol
If you're doing NYC, the above mentioned F3's would be good. You could do them in the 3/4 length lightning stripe scheme. I'll be doing so with an ABA set of Stewart units...someday. I too assume you are talking N scale, since there are many F7's available in HO. Scale really should be mentioned when posting to the general discussion list.
Gary
Gary
Sorry, I see in the topic heading you did state N scale. Now if I only paid more attention...
Gary
Gary
Scale was posted in original subject title.
Gentelmen
I did post the scale in the original tread title.
Gentelmen
I did post the scale in the original tread title.
I'm at work and don't know the length of F3 compared to F7 but am inclined to say identical. If not, difference in N scale would be hard to notice. Perhaps someone else can say. At any rate, should be no problem operation wise, both these units are about as short as diesel locos get.
Gary
Gary
Hey mrgooch, was it your posting on the Bachmann forum that asked this? Amazing how the replies differed between here and there, isn't it?