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To the general audience: We wanted a K4, now we're getting one...we're in no position to dictate terms like DC versus DCC, paint schemes, or flange depth. Bachmann delivers what it chooses to deliver and no amount of "pre-complaining" is likely to change what is undoubtedly already sitting in a shipping container.
I've acquired 6 of the C&O Berkshires Kanawhas from various places and have tested 5 so far and every one has had some amount of the hitch problem in the low speed end. This is running on a simple Unitrack test oval so hardly any iffy track work involved.I really hope that the K4s doesn't have this same (or other problem), but even if it does I expect with some time invested I can make them run satisfactorily. And it would be less work than converting a Kato C55 chassis (I have 5 that may be available soon) or fixing a 30+ year old Minitrix model or (in the case of the Berk) re-arranging the domes and front end details. I don't expect everyone to feel this way, but it's what works for me.
And please, for the love all thing 4ft 8in. - let's stop begging for a K4
So now what to beg for??
I1, P5, B6, H8/9/10, J1, and of course Victor's E6. At least for starters.
Greedy, aren't we?How about an updated, Spectrum quality ATSF Northern? (You'll need a bunch of big and fast long-distance runners anyway for that transcon Pennsy) Otto K.
John,the problem with quality is that Bachmann will never be like any other company (Kato for example). It has more to to with the overall culture of the company than with anything else.In order to make better models, they would have to hire new engineers to rethink their designs, hire new new manufacturing companies and possibly new equipment (to improve their spotty quality) and use better materials.If you haven't, take one of the Kato steamers apart (any one of them) and do the same with a Bachmann model. If you compare them you will see the much more advanced engineering of all the parts (the way they are molded and how precisely they fit) in a Kato. Even simple tings like the edge of flat brass electric pickup strip (it is smooth on a Kato-made part and has a sharp rough edge on a Bachmann model). Kato's overall design is so much more advanced than Bachmann. But even Kato sometimes makes mistakes (like overengineering some components or making them too delicate for the average modeler). However in a long run, Kato models have much more consistent quality than Bachmann.Sure, some Bachmann models will run well and last long time (even if there are glue spots all over the model and some parts are glued on crooked), but quite a few will have problems right out of the box, or develop problems after some running time. Models from Kato feature much cleaned and neater assembly and most of them will run well right out of the box, and will last a very long time. Sure, there are exceptions (like cracked axle tubes on GS-4), but the odds are that your Kato model will be better (in the areas I mentioned earlier) than a Bachmann.I used Kato as an example because they seem to be one of the top quality manufacturers of N scale models. If someone doesn't see that then they aren't looking hard enough. I suspect that the major reason for the high quality is that Kato models are designed and manufactured in Japan. Look at the Kato's Volvo tractor trailers sets (the vehicles). Those are made in China and the overall quality of those (paint and assembly) is not quite as good as their Japanese made models.
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Topic: Rumors of Bachmann N Scale K4 (Read 23096 times)
