4 axle diesels

[jbrock27]

Anyone have recommendations of a quality HO 4 axle diesel? (from hands on experience)
Thanks for sharing.

[railtwister]

Hi jbrock27,

I've been pretty pleased with my little Bachmann Sound-Value Alco switcher. So, much so, in fact, that I have just purchased a Sound-Value Alco FA2 road engine as well. Just wish Bachmann had released the FA2's in Western Maryland colors, too.

Bill in FtL

[cwmeeks]

I have 5 GP30's, 2 GP38's, a GP7 and a GP, All by Bachmann. I have found that they are good, can't beat the price and the durability.
Regards

c

[cwmeeks]

That last one would be a GP9! Fat fingers don't ya know.

[jbrock27]

Thank you fellas.

Any idea how much these locos weigh?  I have found on my layout, that heavier locos, like the old Athearn Blue Box F7 super gear, that weighs 1 lb, does the best and that lighter locos have trouble.

Any one with experiences with KATOs?

[CNE Runner]

I am probably biased, but I can't recomend the Bachmann Spectrum GE 45-Ton switcher more highly. This model features a dual mode decoder and, with a good run-in, runs flawlessly. I love to watch this little critter's side rods flash as she completes her switching tasks.

Here #4 is shown switching the Cannery siding in Sweet Haven on my Monks Island Railway.

Ray

[jbrock27]

Thank you CNE.  I am still in the dark ages and run DC as opposed to DCC.

Hunt-thank you.  That is around the same weight as my newest, a FTA Bachmann Blue Box model.  It has some troubles taking freight up a grade.  It runs great, it is just what I would call, "light".

[jward]

bachmann locomotives in general are lighter than say atlas, by several ounces.

with the fta, why not get a b unit for it? most real fts ran as more than one unit.

[Reinhard S]

Hi.

One of my favorite 4 axle diesels is the bachmann GP7 Clinchfield #912.  I did, however, replace the standard bachmann decoder with a TCS motor only decoder.  This unit runs silky smooth now and I am planning on consisting it with the Southern bachmann GP7 once again with a decoder replacement.

All the best.

Reinhard

[Jerrys HO]

I have no problem with any of my 4 axle's, just wish they would come with BEMF decoder's as they will slow down on my grades. My other loco's with BEMF all run my grades smoothly.

Jerry

[jbrock27]

That is an excellent suggestion jward.  Safe to say that I am working on that.  I would even use a F7B shell in the flag I am looking for, it would not bother my son or I since the B units of both models look very very similar.
And thank you for pointing that out about the weight.  I only have 4 Bachmanns (2 recent acquisitions) and it just dawned on me that this is the case.  My Bachmann Geep is lighter than one of my Athearn Geeps.

Jerry-what brand locos do you have?

[Jerrys HO]

one MTH SD70ACE
ten Bachmann-2 -- 0-6-0
                       2-- GP 40
                       1-- GP50
                       1-- GP38-2
                       1-- SD45
                       1-- F7A
                       1-- F7B
                       1--SD40-2
                        1--S4

All DCC and 3 with sound

[jbrock27]

...sometimes I lose sight that I am on a Bachmann discussion board.

[Jerrys HO]

It's OK as long as you are not bashing the competition. At least here Bachman can defend his product.

I find just getting back into the hobby Bachmann has outdone themselves with the newer products and affordable to own.

[CNE Runner]

Jbrock - I'm sorry I hadn't responded prior to this...I don't read the Bachmann forum everyday (don't tell the Bach Man). Regarding your statement that you run your trains on DC: I used that GE 45-Ton locomotive for over a year on DC - with no problems whatsoever. I finally asked myself why I was leaving a perfectly good MRC Prodigy Advanced DCC system on the shelf? As you can surmise, I now run with DCC only...and won't go back.

Recently I have 'dipped my toes' into the On30 'pool' and purchased the Bachmann On30 Davenport. Again, Bachmann has produced a wonderful little locomotive (that, sadly, was discontinued). Problem? It looks ridiculous 'cruising past' those HO-scale people/vehicles/buildings on the Monks Island. One old timer was quoted as saying the Jolly Green Giant must be in town. [Gee, I have to get to work on that On30 mini layout.]

Best wishes,
Ray