As these are not currently produced have they become somewhat of a collecters item?

http://cgi.ebay.com/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330312847586

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOT-OF-10-HO-PENNSYLVANIA-BACHMANN-SPECTRUM-TRAINS_W0QQitemZ310127407082QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item310127407082&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262



I do not understand how these coaches can be so valuable is such a short time.

Are there any stats available showing the number of posting on this board?

It appears to me that there has been quite a drop in the number of members posting on the site. The core group remains but newer members seen to be down substantially.

Another model railroader site the Zealot also has lost a lot of their regular posters as well.

Maybe it is just that Spring is coming and members are busy doing other things?

I recently purchased a few "spare" Spectrum steam engines.   (Shays, 2-6-6-2's and 4-6-0's) As some of these engines are not being produced I thought I should stockpile a few spares.

My question is since I have no intention of using these engines anytime soon and they will be in storage. 

What would be best for these engines?  Store them without breaking them in or should I break them in and then place them in storage? 

I have been informed by a member of the local model railroad club that if you are not going to be running the engines on a regular basis you should not break them in, wait until you will use them on a regular basis.

I understand that by not breaking them in I will not know if I have any problem engines and would forego the free warranty period and only be entitled to repairs/replacement with the standard service charges applicable.

I really like these geared engines and was lucky enough to get a great deal on two of Shays'   I purchased these two for later use.

Any preventitive measures I should take before packing these away in storage?

Mr. Bach Man

Some time back you indicated the motor in the Consolidation had been changed to a 3 pole motor.

I see that the current models are advertised as having 5 pole motors.  Did Bachmann switch back to using a 5 pole motor?

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,4500.0.html

Just received my latest Model Railroader and I see one of the big on- line model railroad vendors is clearing out the 4 car sets of the Spectrum Heavy Weights at $39.99 per set. Items are marked as close out sale.

Will Bachmann be releasing any replacement heavy weight coaches in the near future.  What about the light weight sets that followed the old heavyweights?

What year was this brand name started and when did it end? I assume that the Spectrum line came after the Plus line ended, is that correct?

I am referring to HO scale.

Has Bachmann ever considered releasing this engine in HO?  It certainly would be on my roster if it was available.

Has Bachmann ever produced HO narrow gauge steam engines in the past?

I am advised that the 2-10-0 Spectrum Russian has both a short and also a regular tender.

I thought the Russian had the same tender as the spectrum 2-8-0 (except Vandy).

Is there a link to the short Russian tender? Which roadname uses the short tender. Is the regualr tender for the Russian the same as the 2-8-0? (except UP Vandy)

Get a load of this, off of e-bay item sold for $227.50 plus S&H.

Why is Bachmann not producing any more of these? The demand sure is there.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=230287935847

The product pictures have been reduced to such a degree as they are of little use.
Bring back the larger pictures.

It is next to impossible to veiw online the level of detail that the old larger pictures had.

Finally, the Berkshire made it to review at Model Railroader site.

The review gives descent marks to the engine.

Negative comment was about the noisy motor in both DC and DCC modes.

Minimum radius is 18", I had thought that this engine had been recommended at 22".

Also noted was its slow speed control, down to a .2 mph crawl speed.

All in all a recommended buy.

Seeing as Bachmann will be releasing a number of tenders for its N scale steam engines how about a new tender for the HO steamers.

An example would be for the Russian.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:NYSW2481.jpg

Mr. B. will Bachmann be releasing any other HO Steamers in the Russia Iron livery?

I have a couple of the Spectrum 4-4-0's and would also be interested in the 4-6-0's in the same paint scheme if it was available.

Mr. B. When I try to order  a part from the Bachmann Parts section I can log in, identify the item the Product Code: H11409 ( the two HO trucks with the electrical contacts and washer and screws) When I complete the order I get an error message.

I have tried to contact the service department but I only receive the standard message of sending the item in for repair and the associated costs. There is no need to send the engine in for repair. I just need to be able to order the parts.

I replied to the e-mail from your service department as it is obvious that they missed the part of what I need. An electrical contact for one of the tender trucks.

This seemed to be a very popular engine. It certainly had a short manufacturing lifespan before they were discontinued.

I would like to hear back from those members who were lucky enough to obtain one of these engines what they think of them as far as running aspects and reliability.

Are there gear problems or other issues that perhaps would explain why they have disappeared?

Recently I packed up my large steam engines and swore that I would only run small to medium at best steamers on my layout due to its 22" min radius curves. The larger steamers will return one day when I have tired of the present layout and decide to build a new layout with larger curves.

Well, after seeing pictures of the new Athearn MT-4 Northern at the Anaheim 2008 NMRA Show.   I can not help myself I must purchase one as soon as they are available.  They are one magnificent engine and Athearn has out done themselves with the detail on this engine.

Mr. B

Is this a Standard or Spectrum engine? When will pictures be available?

Search feature presently not working,

A review by Model Railroader indicates this model runs well.

After the defective chip was replaced.

Would you not think that Bachmann would check the units being sent to Model Railroader for review?

Oh well no preferential treatment I guess. You take your chances .

If you get a model that is defective you can always return it.