What happened to big power packs?

[Albert in N]

My Spectrum Magnum power pack was purchased new at Hobby Lobby several years ago.  It is a decent power supply that has a little more voltage than my MRC pack.  The extra voltage comes in handy when starting cold Bachmann GP40/F9 or Spectrum F7 units.  Also, the control knob on the Magnum is neat, as is the on/off switch.  Why were they discontinued by Bachmann?

[ACY]

It was about 4 years ago, if I recall correctly.

[bobwrgt]

Go to Ebay and check under N and HO scale and you can find plenty of them New.

Bob

[Albert in N]

Again, why were these fine power packs discontinued?  Mine works fine, as does my dual control MRC pack.  Bachmann had advertised them in the train magazines some 5 years ago and they were available for sale until about 4 years ago.  Sure you can get one on EBay, but you risk getting a lemon or having your identity stolen.  I prefer to buy new at a hobby shop or bargain with cash at a train show.  Anyway, most serious model railroaders want a decent power pack, a notch above the beginner two part train set contoller.  The Spectrum Magnum series was nice!

[ACY]

There is a place in PA that had a bunch of new old stock Bachmann Spectrum train sets, like  the Acela, Frontiersman, Explorer, The Keystone & Cavalier and they all had the Magnum power packs. Don't recall prices, as I was there in early December, but they were there in large numbers. This is what most of the sets looked like:


Called, they still have a few sets left...2 Explorer sets $185 each, 1 Cavalier $235, 2 Frontiersman $170 each, 1 explorer (newer) $300, and 1 Acela $275. They all have Magnum packs and are all new in the original shrink wrap, but there are no returns or exchanges on these sets because they are clearance.

[bobwrgt]

If you can't find a Bachmann go for an  MRC. I have one that has served me well for 25 years and two others for 15+ years with no problems. Still using all three on my G,HO, and N scale trains.
By the way you can have your identity stolen at the local grocery store, restaurant, gas station or other business. I have been on the internet and mail order for 40+ years and have never had a problem.
They probably discontinued them because the new one is cheaper to make for their train sets.
Bob

[Albert in N]

Thanks guys!  That photo of the old Spectrum set was eye candy.  Given the fact that the Spectrum Magnum power packs are no longer made, I will replace with a MRC power supply when necessary.  My other pack is MRC and works great.  Since no one posted about problems with the discontinued Spectrum Magnum pack, I guess that they just did not sell well and were dropped.  I still use DC and have not upgraded to DCC.  Since my layout is compact and I simply run trains, DC with passing sidings works fine for me.  DC also allows me to enjoy some older N scale locomotives, plus saves a few bucks.