Bachmann Connie. NOW FOUND

Remember too that the Accucraft models are all metal and $$$$$$/££££££, and both they and the Bachmann spectrum models are in 1/20.3 scale, often called FN3. The Aristocraft models are around 1/24th scale. Take a comparison look at the difference between the two versions of the C-16 to see what I mean. I don't have either, so I can't help you here, I'm sorry to say. Perhaps Greg can oblige us here [?]

My Connie had a new gear wheel from NWSL a few years back, and has been running faultlessly since then. Even my original two-truck Shay, bought from a model train store in San Diego shortly after it came out, seems to be hanging in there, although I do have a set of the metal versions as spares, JIC.
 
Remember too that the Accucraft models are all metal and $$$$$$/££££££, and both they and the Bachmann spectrum models are in 1/20.3 scale, often called FN3. The Aristocraft models are around 1/24th scale. Take a comparison look at the difference between the two versions of the C-16 to see what I mean. I don't have either, so I can't help you here, I'm sorry to say. Perhaps Greg can oblige us here [?]

My Connie had a new gear wheel from NWSL a few years back, and has been running faultlessly since then. Even my original two-truck Shay, bought from a model train store in San Diego shortly after it came out, seems to be hanging in there, although I do have a set of the metal versions as spares, JIC.

Thanks Tac :)
 
Well, against common sense (not to mention Greg's words of wisdom) and with Rhino's good advice also ringing in my ears, my heart won out and I have chosen an External Frame Bachmann Consolidation.

I feel that all of the great advice I received meant I could make an informed decision, rather than rushing in headlong! To those who advocated caution, pleae don't think your input was ignored - it was a definitely a factor in the decision process.

So... I'm waiting on the arrival and will check the 3rd-axle gear, all screws and probably bash the tender, replacing the floor with something a bit more C19, along with its trucks.

I loved the external look too much, it'll lead an easy life and the price was just under 200 with DCC sound, so I couldn't pass it up.
Also, it came with a Bachmann 2-6-6-2 Baldwin :p
 
So, you got one for much less than the 430 euros (or was it pounds) you mentioned early in the thread?

If it has the plastic gear, just go ahead and order the replacement axle and brass gear, if it is not already cracked and slipping, it won't be long. These crack with just time, i.e. do not have to be run to crack and slip.

It also came with DCC sound? And with a 2-6-6-2? This sounds unbelievable.

Good luck, it is a handsome loco.

Greg
 
So, you got one for much less than the 430 euros (or was it pounds) you mentioned early in the thread?

If it has the plastic gear, just go ahead and order the replacement axle and brass gear, if it is not already cracked and slipping, it won't be long. These crack with just time, i.e. do not have to be run to crack and slip.

It also came with DCC sound? And with a 2-6-6-2? This sounds unbelievable.

Good luck, it is a handsome loco.

Greg

Thanks Greg. Yes, substantially less than the 430 pounds some were asking!

I wasn't able to confirm the gear, but I'll check the loco over before I run it and should be able to visually check whether the gear is plastic or not by popping the cover on the third axle I think? If it's not brass, I'll replace it.

Yep, DCC sound included. Again, I'm not sure what sound system it's running so will be interested to see but at least it's a starting point, even if I replace the card with something else at a later point.

The 2-6-6-2 wasn't included in the price (which would have been amazing!) sorry for intimating that. It wasn't much more than the Connie though which looked to be good value. It's in nice condition and being a saddle-tank oddball is I've always one I've liked the look of. The only thing that spoils it for me is the white lining on them. Some repainting and weathering will be required!
 
I was a little worried, they would arrive and be a smaller scale.. :eek: - I too read it, as BOTH, for the price. :)
 
I have often read some of the evilbay adds, and after filtering for G Gauge only, some prices are remarkably low, and in the small print find they are 00 or some other scale.
 
Yep, I likes my 2-6-6-2. Bought 2nd hand, a good solid runner. And a very powerful load lugger with all those driven wheels with a good amount of weight over them. Quite an advantage if you have any gradients on your line. Hidden gem in the Bachmann Fn3 roster. Max

 
At the risk of getting 'flamed'..
Are there some 'very good' Bachmann large-scale models?

We seem to hear of drive-train problems, fictitious liveries, etc. :think:

I posted this link, earlier in the thread, thinking it is 'just another US outline Bachmann'.. Granted, in good condition..
But really! How much? :eek:

 
Are there some 'very good' Bachmann large-scale models?

We seem to hear of drive-train problems, fictitious liveries, etc. :think:


That's a big question :) I suppose it comes down to personal experience. Yes, some of the earlier models - Connie, Shay, Climax, "Centennial" 2-6-0/4-4-0 have well documented issues. However, once the required replacement parts are fitted they become good reliable runners. Later models like the 2-6-6-2, C-19, K-27 & Mk II Shays, Climax, 2-4-2 and 2-6-0/2-4-0 are good performers and seem to be well liked. Yes, their fine detailing does not lend them to hamfisted handling or poorly maintained loading gauges.

As to fictitious liveries, well they have got to get their money's worth out of the tooling. It's really the Big Hauler/Annie' 4-6-0 that is the culprit there and other Big hauler stock, not so much the Fn3 Spectrum range. I think those of us who have gone for their logging locos will have our own imaginary line we want to create so line specific locos are not so important. Looking at Bachmann's Spectrum Fn3 range and AMS's similarly scaled, mostly complimentary, products most of it exists on some active preservation line or museum. The 2-6-6-2 in NG form excepted. And that's the get out - we can always say our line is a "preservation" line not prototypical.

I love all of them for their exceptional and generally faithfull detail and usually reliable operation. They also offer scope for easy modification to add sound/battery/DCC with their well laid out supplied schematics for both parts and wiring.
 
I had that exact thought after my last post, are you SURE they indicated G scale? Do you have the ebay link?

Greg

Thanks for the concern Phil and Greg. These weren't sourced from eBay. and they're definitely G scale :)
They're with my folks at the moment because I'm from home a fair bit. They'll be making their way to me a week tomorrow, then I'll get some pictures posted
 
Yep, I likes my 2-6-6-2. Bought 2nd hand, a good solid runner. And a very powerful load lugger with all those driven wheels with a good amount of weight over them. Quite an advantage if you have any gradients on your line. Hidden gem in the Bachmann Fn3 roster. Max

Love it Max!
Yes, I'd heard plenty of positive things about them doing the research. I prefer the look without the pinstriping, as yours.
You have a beautiful layout! I've been poring over the videos on your channel. I'm hoping to start my layout this summer :) Any chance you'd upload a video tour of yours at to your channel at some point? It's just the kind of feel I was hoping to go for
 
At the risk of getting 'flamed'..
Are there some 'very good' Bachmann large-scale models?

We seem to hear of drive-train problems, fictitious liveries, etc. :think:

I posted this link, earlier in the thread, thinking it is 'just another US outline Bachmann'.. Granted, in good condition..
But really! How much? :eek:

Yes, the new C-19 is excellent in scale, detail, running, and ease of "chipping". Also the 2nd gen K-27 is very good too.

Greg
 
Thank's Guy's...

i *guess* I have only seen old, carp models, then?

I seemed to get rather battered items to try to fit decoders into. Bit's missing, worn 'grey-metal' wheels, really nasty ideas about internal electrics??
That, and US outline steam (of this era) not being my 'thing'.. :wondering:
 
Thanks Greg. Yes I'm with you there. Bit of a head v heart thing :)

On a not un-related note, and given your experience, how does the Accucraft C16 stack up in your opinion?

The Accucraft C-16 is one of my favourite locos. It runs well and is very solidly made compared to Bachmann stuff. They have made several batches and there are quite a few about so can be found used for not much more than a new Bachmann C-19 if you are lucky. Some have an excellent and very loud Phoenix sound system fitted as mine has.
 
At the risk of getting 'flamed'..
Are there some 'very good' Bachmann large-scale models?

We seem to hear of drive-train problems, fictitious liveries, etc. :think:

I posted this link, earlier in the thread, thinking it is 'just another US outline Bachmann'.. Granted, in good condition..
But really! How much? :eek:

Yep, I have a cracking C-19 :clap::clap:
 
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