Rumors of Bachmann N Scale K4

[glakedylan]

bashing a K-4 from Bachmann is like taking target practice with your toes.

if you do not think this is a good model to have, do not buy one
that will only mean more for those who appreciate them.

here's to applauding Bachmann for offering what so many have begged for
over the decades!

sincerely--
Gary

[muktown128]

For me it's put up or shut up.  I've been vocal about wanting a K4.  I figure if I want more PRR stuff, I should support the cause and buy stuff that fits my era when it comes out.  All in all, there's been a ton of love shown towards SPF's this year.

A Kato model would have a higher probability of being higher quality, better design or better running.  However, I own several Bachmann steam locos (2-8-0's, light and heavy 4-8-2's) and I am satisfied with how they run. I hear the EM-1 runs well, but the Berk not so well.  Hopefully the K4 will be more like the better ones.

Scott

[victor miranda]

well so far I have said three things that are negative

I said the pilot is short. 
I said the tender trucks are strange looking.
I called it a junker.

I can hope I will have to eat the junker comment.
I am expecting bachmann to perform as always...
and not meet the value standard that Kato keeps setting.
(I mean price-performance...)

I think the street price will be about 200 dollars plus a little
... I have enough k4-ish things to keep me happy 'till the price falls a bit.

I look forward to eating my words.

victor

[Blackout]

For me it's put up or shut up.  I've been vocal about wanting a K4.  I figure if I want more PRR stuff, I should support the cause and buy stuff that fits my era when it comes out.  All in all, there's been a ton of love shown towards SPF's this year.

A Kato model would have a higher probability of being higher quality, better design or better running.  However, I own several Bachmann steam locos (2-8-0's, light and heavy 4-8-2's) and I am satisfied with how they run. I hear the EM-1 runs well, but the Berk not so well.  Hopefully the K4 will be more like the better ones.

Scott

For future production sake, and customers sake I hope Bachmann's quality control was on top of it this time. Cause if these units arrive with the same issues as dysfunctional berk, people WILL complain about it. Being a long awaited model wont matter if its only an expensive shelf queen. K4 must function properly. *crosses fingers*

[eric220]

I have wanting of several K4s. (Gotta be able to double-head them!) For now, I'm planning to get one of Bachmann's and thoroughly evaluate it. If I like it, I'll get more. If I have concerns, I'll re-evaluate my options. I doubt that it's going to be lousy enough that I'll regret buying one.

[Chris333]

The one with the painted spokes and red on the tender. Is that a real scheme and is there a photo of the real one? Never seen it before.

[Dave V]

The one with the painted spokes and red on the tender. Is that a real scheme and is there a photo of the real one? Never seen it before.

It's real.  As-built scheme.

[chicken45]

Not too well; practically an Eds Law situation. By the time the cars represented by the Kato Models were introduced, the BL was running under diesel power. Additionally, for a train that length, they probably would have to be double headed.

I think the BL was almost always double headed. There's photos of double headed T1s and even triplets E8s coming out of Chicago. Double headed GG1s in he east, too.

[chessie system fan]

You know what other pacifics has 80" drivers?  The B&O Presidential class!  I'll have to get one to kitbash.

[Kuchler10]

For those of you trashing the Berk, not all of them are bad. And if this is bad, then N scale has come a long way. For your viewing pleasure, a 31 car mixed freight and caboose. (Don't mind the backdrop, it is my sister's former room):

Maybe next time I will remember to hold my phone the other way.

[eric220]

I hope the K4 is that crappy.

[basementcalling]

I have no dog in the fight. No interest in the PRR in any way shape or form. I have no plans to buy one; I wouldn't even if Kato made it, or BLI, Fox Valley, Athearn, Atlas, and NASA collaborated on one.

I don't mind razzing  a few folks I know who will donate kidneys to get one though. Any negative comments from me were purely in fun.

Enjoy. I know how I felt when the FEFS came out last year. I imagine USGS will tell us of earthquake swarms in PRR land from all the SPFs hitting the ground after they faint from shock that such a prominent N scale loco hole is filled. Enjoy.

Would one look good in PC green or Conrail blue? 

[victor miranda]

Would one look good in PC green or Conrail blue? 

it will look good in Conrail blue.

[Kuchler10]

Would one look good in PC green or Conrail blue? 

Is there a *mentally scarred by image* emoji?

[nkalanaga]

Walthers made PC steam loco decal sets 45 years ago.  If you can find one you're ready to go.  However, I suspect that, like their diesels, they'd be black, not green.  1972 Penn Central, Harrisburg, double headed PC K4s handing off the Broadway Limited to a PC GG1.  Not a diesel in sight.

Other American roads had blue steamers, and some didn't look bad, so a Conrail one would probably look fine.