Which N scale GG1?

[Dave V]

I found myself unable to pass on a great deal on a BLI PRR P5a, and now I'm thinking I need to do at least one T-Trak module with catenary. I saved one of my Kato GG1s, but it's the shadow keystone one. The fonts are a little wacky on that one.

I prefer the pinstripe GG1, but when I first left N scale Pennsy, the Kato G was the only one I had experience with. Now Bachmann has one and BLI has announced one too. Just wondering, does anyone have experience with the Bachman GG1? How does it compare to Kato? Thanks!

[Jimbo]

First, BLI’s model is vaporware; announced years ago but recently any references to them have been quietly removed.

I don’t have personal experience with either of the other two, but @spookshow has both reviewed on his locomotive encyclopedia… sounds like the Bachmann unit performs well per this quote:  “In fact, they compare quite favorably with Kato's equally nice GG-1 models (well, except in the pricetag department - Bachmann is definitely not giving these things away).”

So I guess you can’t go wrong either way, although I personally would select Kato given a choice; they have a better reputation for reliability and durability over the long-term.

I’d recommend reading spookshow’s reviews of each.

Jim

[Ed Kapuscinski]

@bman found a Kato one for $50 yesterday. He might tell you where.

[dem34]

Have both. Details are comparable. Kato has Traction tires. BMan does not. Kato overall runs better. But the tires like to shred at the slightest provocation. The BMan out of the box tends to have worse pickup. But finagling with the pony truck springs helps that. Bman can also be found with sound and DCC out of the box. While the Kato can only be found with at best DCC silent. For refrence I have 4 Kato and 1 Bachmann. The Bachman goes on sale more often.

[Dave V]

Thanks! Yeah, the fact that some of the Bachmanns come with DCC and sound does offset some of the price difference. I'll keep an eye out for either version next weekend at the Rocky Mountain Train Show.

[bbussey]

Plus all of the Bachmann schemes are accurate and the pantographs are superior (and equalized).

[bman]

@bman found a Kato one for $50 yesterday. He might tell you where.

I think you are confusing me with someone else Ed. But thanks for the mention.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Trainworld was blowing out the sound equipped Bachmann GG1s for $99 a while ago. I picked up one just to display. It is a great model with killer detail and good speed control. I find the sound a bit useless on electrics, but it sounds great.

Highly recommend.

[Dave V]

I find the sound a bit useless on electrics, but it sounds great.

[/quote]

Except for the iconic GG1 horn. Gotta have it!

[peteski]

The way the Bachmann's trucks have a really unusual (weird) truck design, but it if works, and modelers don't have a problem , its ok I guess.

Have you looked at  the spookshow's reviews?

[Dave V]

The way the Bachmann's trucks have a really unusual (weird) truck design, but it if works, and modelers don't have a problem , its ok I guess.

Have you looked at  the spookshow's reviews?

He gives it a Grade A.... I'd be happy with that!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I think you are confusing me with someone else Ed. But thanks for the mention.

I am! I actually meant @btrain . You damn Ohio Brians and your similar usernames... lol

[btrain]

Haha, Brians come by the bushel for sure in Ohio 

I sent ya a PM Dave with location and a photo of it.

[spookshow]

Where's the love for Arnold-Rapido? 



-Mark

[nickelplate759]

Where's the love for Arnold-Rapido? 



-Mark

I think my actual coffee grinder is quieter...