Bachmann 100 Ton Hopper quickie review

[mu26aeh]

I got a close look at these cars at the shop today.  We still have Atlas hoppers at $16-18.  While metal wheel sets and body mount couplers are nice, I think I'll stick with the Atlas cars

[Mark5]

NOTE: the "stirrups" on these are "FRAJEELY" (Fragile) - I fat fingered one corner off when removing the car from the (tight) clamshell. After some gnashing of teeth I got it glued back on.

To answer Jeff's question on the bolsters:


I found that the BLMA truck has a smaller bolster hole, so I would have to ream it out  al ittle to fit this car. That's pretty easy but ... the BLMA truck is ASF - the H12 class almost entirely rode on Barbers.

Here are the three trucks (left to right: Bachmann, prototype unknown, wrong size wheels, etc.; MTL Barber (with ESMC wheels); BLMA ASF):


The bolster height on the Bachmann truck and the MTL truck are pretty much the same, you can see with your own eyes that the BLMA is lower.

I think I am done with the car for now. I will probably try to make the MTL trucks work as the are the right truck (for my prototype) and find a way to lower the car 3". The BLMA will work if you ream out the bolster hole a little -as Jeff pointed out you'll probably need shims.

Here's a pic of the car today, with Accumate couplers, MTL Barber 100 ton trucks, ESMC 36" wheels:


Nice car but way overpriced. Will watch for a fire sale down the road and try to get a couple more (I model 1975 and N&W started building the H12s in '74 so luckily I don't need a bunch).

Mark

[Mark5]

For the Conrail fans:

Class HR1D (Bethlehem, Former Reading class HTG): https://conrailphotos.thecrhs.org/index.php/photos/cr-484917-class-hr1d

Class H1D (Roanoke/N&W): https://conrailphotos.thecrhs.org/photos/cr-491000-class-h1d

[Tristan Ashcroft]

Given that these cars will pass for a Conrail H1D, they ought to work as a Conrail H1A, as well.

[Mark5]

Given that these cars will pass for a Conrail H1D, they ought to work as a Conrail H1A, as well.

Good call: https://conrailphotos.thecrhs.org/galleries/class-h1a

[ai5629]

I finally got my one example of these Bachmann hoppers.  I attempted to add BLMA 100 ton trucks, and they sit too low.  I tried a set of Atlas 100 ton trucks with 36" FVM wheels.  I thought it looked pretty good.  I needed to widen the hole in the Atlas truck with a 9/64 drill bit in order for it to slide over the mounting post.  I have it next to an MTL 100 ton car with BLMA trucks with a washer.  The truck is not centered, but that is another subject all together.  Thanks.

Jeff

[Mark5]

I attempted to add BLMA 100 ton trucks, and they sit too low.

Washers will fix that. 

[ai5629]

Washers will fix that. 

If you find something that would work, please share.  BLMA with a washer would get them a little lower than the Atlas trucks.  The difficult thing about the washer would be the hole in the middle would have to be about 9/64.  The mounting post is around (0.130) IIRC.  The washer would ideally be narrow so you do not totally lose side to side truck motion.  One wide and one narrow would be best.  Thanks.

Jeff

[nkalanaga]

Drill a bunch of 9/54 holes in styrene sheet, and punch them out with a paper punch.  It works fine for 0.030" and thinner.

[Tristan Ashcroft]

In the category of "oh, huh" Conrail 488506 was in the H1B number series.  For what that's worth.

[High Hood]

How do these compare to Atlas and Micro Trains 100T cars? I’d like to see some comparison pics.

[Mark5]

How do these compare to Atlas and Micro Trains 100T cars? I’d like to see some comparison pics.

The Atlas and MTL cars (both based on the N&W H11b-H11e) are quite different prototypes from this Bachmann model (never done before in N). The most noticable difference at a glance is that the end sheet slope angles are very different.

If I get some time this weekend I'll take some pics.

Mark

[James Costello]

The Atlas and MTL cars (both based on the N&W H11b-H11e) are quite different prototypes from this Bachmann model (never done before in N). The most noticable difference at a glance is that the end sheet slope angles are very different.

If I get some time this weekend I'll take some pics.

Mark

@Mark5 - I'd still be interested in a comparison with the MTL car if you get a chance one day. I'm trying to determine what's the best match for a PS 4000cuft / 100t similar car that BN / CTRN had. Thanks!

[Mark5]

@Mark5 - I'd still be interested in a comparison with the MTL car if you get a chance one day. I'm trying to determine what's the best match for a PS 4000cuft / 100t similar car that BN / CTRN had. Thanks!

Thanks James - I am busy getting ready to move/sell house but if I get a chance sooner will do!

@James Costello - is this your target "match"? https://www.tangentscalemodels.com/product/bn-phase-3-black-delivery-1976-ps-4000-100t-triple-coal-hopper/

[Rivet Miscounter]

@James Costello - is this your target "match"? https://www.tangentscalemodels.com/product/bn-phase-3-black-delivery-1976-ps-4000-100t-triple-coal-hopper/

Not speaking for James, but I'm pretty sure the answer is YES.  And, I have the same interest.