Wha's difference between Bachmann and Bachmann Spectrum?

[mvanhove]

I'm curious about the differences between the regular Bachmann Steam Engines and the Bachmann "Spectrum" Steam Engines.

Thanks,
Mike

[richg]

More features in the Spectrum but realize, some of the Spectrum are being labeled as Standard now.  This wil no doubt muddy the water some.
This has been mentioned by the Bach Man before.

Rich

[jonathan]

A good example of this is the ever-popular 2-8-0 Consolidation.  When new, this loco was the latest tech in both detail and operating mechanism, hence a Spectrum model.

Today's standard Consolidation is still the same locomotive produced when new.  It now has the standard blue box packaging, but is still the same locomotive.

On the diesel side, the H16-44 Baby Trainmaster was once the latest and greatest diesel (Spectrum).  Now it's standard, but still the same loco in and out.  Still a great running locomotive by-the-way.

Speaking of muddy waters, one wonders about the 2-8-4.  It's highly detailed, runs smooth and quiet, but never made it to the top of the food chain (Spectrum).  Perhaps it's because it had standard drive gears, and not the cog belt drive.

As Yardmaster just said, in another thread, "Life is change."

Regards,

Jonathan

[ACY]

Sometimes the only difference is price other times there is a performance difference. In the case of the 2-8-0 the only difference was price with the same performance when the two versions are compared.

[richg]

The 44 ton and 70 ton use to be in the Spectrum line. Now in the Standard line.

Rich

[rogertra]

In the beginning.

Spectrum = Top of the line Quality.

Bachmann = Errrr, less than quality?

[Jim Banner]

The Spectrum 2-8-0 was best of the best, voted #1 by Model Railroader magazine.  Now it only rates as Standard.  We've come a long, long way.

Some of us old guys remember when the old Sidewinder 2-8-0 was upgraded to the Plus version.  What a wonderful improvement that was.  Now the Plus 2-8-0 is ancient history.  These are truly great times for model railroaders.  And I haven't even mentioned DCC vs. Keller Engineering vs. ASTRAC.

Jim