Yeah, I guess my only annoyance is that they are only offering me one true Spectrum engine, the 4-4-0, which just is not a great replacement for the K4.  I asked about getting one of the more expensive Spectrum engines and was told they are too expensive. 

They keep assuring me that the regular line is the same detail and running quality as my Spectrum K4.  Yet the K4 was sold as a Spectrum through 2012.  I just really like the Spectrum line but I only have one choice for replacement.

Thanks Doneldon,

I really appreciate your insight.  The K4 was one of the last locomotives I received as a gift before I had to move and put my model railroad in storage.  As a result, I actually never completed the full train.  So in a sense, it is lucky because I don't have a set of passenger cars in need of an engine.

The K4 was a really nice engine, I was really hoping it could be fixed, but the damage looked pretty extensive, and I'm not sure it can be repaired without new parts.  So I think I will just try to take a pick out of the two options.  I'm leaning toward the 4-4-0 because I do not have anything like it yet and the detail looks incredible (something I admired about the K4).

Thanks again for your input.

Greetings all!

I'm just getting back into model railroading.  I had a K4 4-6-2 Spectrum locomotive that was broken (the rear drive wheel was out of sync and one of the rods had come loose).  I sent it in for service and found that they no longer repair the K4 and I was offered a replacement locomotive for a fee.

They offered me two replacements:
1. Spectrum 4-4-0
2. Non-Spectrum 2-8-4 Berkshire

I was told that although the 2-8-4 Berkshire is not boxed as a Spectrum, it is considered a Spectrum replacement because it is highly detailed and DCC-on board.

So my question is, are the regular Bachmann trains really as good as the Spectrum line now?  I hate to get the Berkshire and find it is not as refined or detailed as the old Spectrum K4.  Since I can't see either in person, I was hoping some folks on the forum could shed some light on this for me.  I will go with the 4-4-0 if it means keeping the same level of quality and detail, but if the regular Bachmann line is equal to my Spectrum K4, I'd consider the Berkshire.

Thanks! I just need some advice.