N scale Siemens SC-44 Charger????

[MetroRedLine]

Interesting.  I swore off Bachmann N scale products after getting burned too many times in the past, and rightly or wrongly, continue to avoid the brand to this day. 

The chip on my shoulder is still there, but it sounds like they may possibly have turned a corner.  I’ll be sitting on the fence, waiting to see how these SC-44’s are faring a year or two from now.  Fingers crossed -  I genuinely hope that these locos remain stellar performers for you guys, and it would be wonderful if this turns out to be a harbinger of more good things to come.

I would assume Bachmann worked with a different factory than their previous models in building these. Apparently Siemens Mobility is somewhat more involved in the model design process than other prototype rail manufacturers (i.e. offering more than just blueprints and technical data), so maybe that might be a major factor. They were somewhat involved in the design process of the Kato ACS-64 so I wouldn't be surprised if they did the same for Kato's ALC-42 and this Bachmann SC-44.

[peteski]

Interesting.  I swore off Bachmann N scale products after getting burned too many times in the past, and rightly or wrongly, continue to avoid the brand to this day. 

The chip on my shoulder is still there, but it sounds like they may possibly have turned a corner.  I’ll be sitting on the fence, waiting to see how these SC-44’s are faring a year or two from now.  Fingers crossed -  I genuinely hope that these locos remain stellar performers for you guys, and it would be wonderful if this turns out to be a harbinger of more good things to come.

My view is that while Bachmann N scale has improved in recent years, and they might have more flashy lighting features and details, the overall quality will never be like a Kato.  It is the China design and manufacturing vs. Japan.  I'm not against Bachmann, but I also have my expectations set accordingly.

[kscessandriver]

My view is that while Bachmann N scale has improved in recent years, and they might have more flashy lighting features and details, the overall quality will never be like a Kato.  It is the China design and manufacturing vs. Japan.  I'm not against Bachmann, but I also have my expectations set accordingly.

Have you handled one of these SC44's? Because they're every bit as good as quality, in my eyes, as a Kato offering.

[peteski]

Have you handled one of these SC44's? Because they're every bit as good as quality, in my eyes, as a Kato offering.

I have not - just going by my general experience with Kato vs. *ANY* other manufacturer's models.

[simsuper80]

I do find it peculiar how they did not put the holes in the wheels, despite the fact that kato did it to their acs-64 nearly 7 years ago. 

But I'm not really complaining.

[delamaize]

I got mine yesterday..... wow, this thing is cool!!
I'll get a video of it in the next few days.

Initial impression: runs incredibly smooth, lighting and sound features are really cool, and detail is good, it even has separate applied details, like mirrors!

I hope bachmann keeps up this kinda quality!!

Now to find one more Rapido Horizon coach, in Amtrak Phase IVb, and build a cabbage....

[nickelplate759]

I got mine yesterday..... wow, this thing is cool!!
I'll get a video of it in the next few days.

Initial impression: runs incredibly smooth, lighting and sound features are really cool, and detail is good, it even has separate applied details, like mirrors!

I hope bachmann keeps up this kinda quality!!

Now to find one more Rapido Horizon coach, in Amtrak Phase IVb, and build a cabbage....

Speaking of building a cabbage - I am planning to do that too, and would like some suggestions on technique.  The work is mostly removing fan and vents while preserving most other detail.  Is it better to cut out and replace fan and vent panels or just fill with putty and sand?

[spookshow]

The keep-alive on these things is impressive - mine will stay running for about 3 seconds after I kill power to the track. Reminds me of Wile E Coyote hanging in the air after the cliff has vanished.

-Mark

[delamaize]

I had planned on going with the 3d print route first, ifni can find one available.

Speaking of building a cabbage - I am planning to do that too, and would like some suggestions on technique.  The work is mostly removing fan and vents while preserving most other detail.  Is it better to cut out and replace fan and vent panels or just fill with putty and sand?

[cec209]

My SC-44 arrived today. So far I'm very impressed with it. Bachmann has come a long way but I'm still looking forward to a Kato ALC-42.

Charlie

[milw156]

I picked one up at the Amhearst last weekend. If I hadn't known it was Bachman, I'd never have guessed! Strobes that flash, Ditch lights that blink (see Kato, it CAN be done!) and even an emergency light. Separately applied grabs Runs super smooth, the keep alive is WOW-took it off of module to put on programing track, lights stayed on for almost 5 seconds without any track power! So far, my only issue is how they have functions mapped (i've been spoiled by ESU!)Once I get my head wrapped around this, it may become my favorite engine.
I may have understood Bachman rep incorrectly, but I thought he said it might be coming out in analog version eventually, though looking at the parts diagram, not sure if ESU would fit. Kato may have to start thinking about upping their game- the video they posted recently on their ALC42 does not even have independently flashing ditch lights.
I even photographed the 4623 caked with snow at Chicago Union Station on the way to the show.

[delamaize]

I've been busy, and really have not had time to really get any video to speak of. BUT I did run mine for multiple hours, both days, in a row on our club layout at the GATS in Puyallup a few weeks ago, Pulling 4 Rapido Horizon coaches. It ran flawlessly, and was a big hit!

I'll have to say, if this, and Bachmann's steamers are any indication of the direction they are heading, I'm impressed!!

[spookshow]

Anybody figured out how to get the shell off?

Thanks,
-Mark

[Ed Kapuscinski]

This should probably work. I don't think they're still available but you might be able to find one on eBay.

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[spookshow]

Nevermind, it was simpler than I thought (spread the sides of the shell away from the chassis to free it from the bumps in the chassis).

-Mark