Bachmann N GG-1s w/sound on sale at Trainworld

[MK]

It's probably due to Reverse Polish Notation.   

[Rossford Yard]

Sorry if my wording was confusing, but I think everyone has the idea now.

[ncbqguy]

Has anyone compared these to the Kato and Arnold side-by-side? I am really interested in how each tackled such a unique model.

While the Arnold Rapido would be interesting as a historical reference, it is hardly fair to compare a half century old model (which was based on an existing German prototype mechanism).  The Bachmann, KATO, and BLI might be interesting to contrast and compare, however.
Charlie Vlk

[Point353]

While the Arnold Rapido would be interesting as a historical reference, it is hardly fair to compare a half century old model (which was based on an existing German prototype mechanism).  The Bachmann, KATO, and BLI might be interesting to contrast and compare, however.
Charlie Vlk

Sounds like the basis for an article in The Keystone Modeler.
(For those who may not be aware of that publication: https://www.prrths.org/tkm)

[peteski]

Kato is of course the best designed and smoothest running mechanism and to my non-expert eyes, I like the Kato's shell.  The GG-1-specific pantographs are visually very well done, but are non functional (non-sprung or equalized).

Bachmann chose a very unusual design for the mechanism, specifically the trucks and their sideframes (design I have never seen before), but it is a good runner. The shell details seem ok too. Its GG-1 specific pantographs are not quite as good looking, but still not bad. The best thing about those pantographs is that they are sprung and equalized, so they will  actually follow the catenary wire.

As for Arnold model, I would not even put it in the same category as the other two models.  It is just an old N scale model that back in its day was the only choice available.  I also believe that the old Arnold model's chassis is unique to the GG-1, and not simple a GG-1 shell placed on a chassis made for some European e-lok.

Isn't BLI also coming out with a GG-1?

[dem34]

According to BLI's site they make it seem they had a run of N scale GG1s with Paragon 3 but I have not seen any mention anywhere beyond the site of their existence.
https://www.broadway-limited.com/paragon3-6.aspx

And owning both the Kato and Bachmann models I will say that in a direct comparison the BMann has finer detail, down to separate cut levers and crisper molding. If only it ran as good without having to spend a couple hrs tweaking the truck springs and futzing with the pickups.

[peteski]

And owning both the Kato and Bachmann models I will say that in a direct comparison the BMann has finer detail, down to separate cut levers and crisper molding. If only it ran as good without having to spend a couple hrs tweaking the truck springs and futzing with the pickups.

Well, that is sort of expected with Bachmann models.  Did you notice its unusual truck design?  It is like a teeter where the sideframes are separate from the rest of the truck.

[dem34]

Well, that is sort of expected with Bachmann models.  Did you notice its unusual truck design?  It is like a teeter where the sideframes are separate from the rest of the truck.

Yeah, its a bit funky. Wonder if it was to keep things stronger overall but odd nonetheless.