Bachmann Big Hauler 2-4-2 Columbia any good?
- Thread starter jwchenard
- Start date
stevedenver
Registered
Generally no.
With work, that may change.
Link above will give you much info and tips…on many locos.
I have no idea how to id a second (better) production unit from the earliest.
I had the UK equivalent, LYNN. It ran ok, a bit finnicky. Nice model. I sold it after little use. Had to constantly clean the wheels for best running.
Imho, generally, but NOT ALWAYS, (eg 4-4-0, early 2-6-0 mogul, consolidation, mallet, 1st version 36t shay, etc al) unless its the high end spectrum line , or the anniversary version of the 4-6-0, bachmann is…simply, always something to attend to, little satisfaction.
Fwiw, bmann parts are very hard to come by. Bmann plastic is often brittle, doesnt hold screws.
You didnt ask, but lgb locos, any, will run beautifully, provided theyre not broken or excessively worn.
I know, the small ‘us’ style locos are nowhere near as nice looking.
If you can find a decent price on a 2015 or 2017 lgb, two motor tender loco, they pull well and run beautifully. Condition is important. Wheels often reveal the amount of wear. I know, the 2-4-2 is waaay cooler looking.fwiw, the us ‘western version’ 2017 only differs from the European version via red cow catcher (pilot)) and diamond stack, and, livery. The pilot is easily swapped for a European pilot and loop. Stack too, although, imho, less critical.
I have 8 bachman spectrum locos. I love the detail. They run beautifully, but lose parts or thing break just by looking at them. Plastic is styrene. Does not like the slightest of bumps. Otoh, They DO look like real American steam engines.
Otoh, i have waaaay more lgb. Simply, worry free and great operation. No stuttering on clean track, even if put away for years. just play time. My 2 cents, in good faith.
With work, that may change.
Link above will give you much info and tips…on many locos.
I have no idea how to id a second (better) production unit from the earliest.
I had the UK equivalent, LYNN. It ran ok, a bit finnicky. Nice model. I sold it after little use. Had to constantly clean the wheels for best running.
Imho, generally, but NOT ALWAYS, (eg 4-4-0, early 2-6-0 mogul, consolidation, mallet, 1st version 36t shay, etc al) unless its the high end spectrum line , or the anniversary version of the 4-6-0, bachmann is…simply, always something to attend to, little satisfaction.
Fwiw, bmann parts are very hard to come by. Bmann plastic is often brittle, doesnt hold screws.
You didnt ask, but lgb locos, any, will run beautifully, provided theyre not broken or excessively worn.
I know, the small ‘us’ style locos are nowhere near as nice looking.
If you can find a decent price on a 2015 or 2017 lgb, two motor tender loco, they pull well and run beautifully. Condition is important. Wheels often reveal the amount of wear. I know, the 2-4-2 is waaay cooler looking.fwiw, the us ‘western version’ 2017 only differs from the European version via red cow catcher (pilot)) and diamond stack, and, livery. The pilot is easily swapped for a European pilot and loop. Stack too, although, imho, less critical.
I have 8 bachman spectrum locos. I love the detail. They run beautifully, but lose parts or thing break just by looking at them. Plastic is styrene. Does not like the slightest of bumps. Otoh, They DO look like real American steam engines.
Otoh, i have waaaay more lgb. Simply, worry free and great operation. No stuttering on clean track, even if put away for years. just play time. My 2 cents, in good faith.
Last edited:
Rhinochugger
Retired Oik
The Columbia had a reputation of not being able to pull much of a train - lack of traction I think was the issue.
A pal of mine had one of these and it would barely pull a single USA wagon around his layout that was laid pretty flat in a bungalow garden. I think the later ones may have been better. Though if this is a tender loc like my pals was the tender will not be a help in haulage capacity.