Author Topic: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?  (Read 2871 times)

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peteski

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #30 on: March 24, 2023, 07:02:05 PM »
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Wonder if they changed the chassis. "precision motor" doesn't say much.

That probably means they installed one of the Bachmann small coreless motors they have been using in other models.
. . . 42 . . .

sd45elect2000

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #31 on: March 24, 2023, 07:30:45 PM »
+1
Maybe now they can make us precision Russian decapod to go with the precision motor?

Ramdy

up1950s

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #32 on: March 24, 2023, 07:32:47 PM »
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Would have been nice if they gave it some changes . like sloped cylinders . diff sand box , diff dome , veranda tender . etc .


Richie Dost

sd45elect2000

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #33 on: March 24, 2023, 07:36:22 PM »
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Would have been nice if they gave it some changes . like sloped cylinders . diff sand box , diff dome , veranda tender . etc .

For that matter they could make a dozen different boiler shells to fit the mechanism and sell them separate

peteski

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #34 on: March 24, 2023, 08:08:58 PM »
+2
Would have been nice if they gave it some changes . like sloped cylinders . diff sand box , diff dome , veranda tender . etc .

And see-through spoke drivers.  It's not like they don't know how.



. . . 42 . . .

EspeeGoldenState

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #35 on: March 26, 2023, 07:11:21 PM »
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Wrong post reply!
Attempting to model a modern Southern Pacific based in 2015/2016...

Also, I have a passenger train addiction...

Mike C

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #36 on: March 27, 2023, 05:56:55 PM »
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It would be nice if Bachmann did another run of the regular K4, not the streamlined version.  I really need a couple for the layout.
 

  I have one I would let go . It has a full feature Tsunami 2 steam decoder . I put it away a few years ago when I switched to HOn3 so I would want to make sure it's running well B4 I sell it on .         P.S. I also have a few other locos if anyone is interested .       Mike

spookshow

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #37 on: March 28, 2023, 05:55:48 AM »
+1
That probably means they installed one of the Bachmann small coreless motors they have been using in other models.

They changed the chassis and went with a (presumably) coreless motor back in 2018 when they released the first DCC Sound version -

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/NBALDWIN2-8-0(DCCSOUNDEQUIPPED).pdf

-Mark

peteski

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #38 on: March 28, 2023, 10:11:54 AM »
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They changed the chassis and went with a (presumably) coreless motor back in 2018 when they released the first DCC Sound version -

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/NBALDWIN2-8-0(DCCSOUNDEQUIPPED).pdf

-Mark

Thanks Mark,  that drawing does in fact depicts one of Bachmann's low-cost coreless motors.  Well then, I guess we are still in the dark as to whet the latest improvements will be.
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johnb

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #39 on: March 29, 2023, 12:35:32 PM »
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Are decoderless B-mann Connies a hot item right now? I've been sittting on two for a while thinking about getting rid of them.  Maybe now's the time...
I might be in the market...

Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #40 on: March 29, 2023, 12:46:09 PM »
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Still a generalization.  I have no problems having my paint specs matched to perfection or having my products manufactured to spec, and I don't have my own factory.



Absolutely. But the fact that your specs are met is actually proving my point.

Part of ESMC's "secret sauce" is the relationship you've created and your ability to properly manage requirements and specifications. Your manufacturer has probably learned that they can't "close enough" you.

Point353

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #41 on: March 29, 2023, 01:44:07 PM »
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Still a generalization.  I have no problems having my paint specs matched to perfection or having my products manufactured to spec, and I don't have my own factory.
How do you avoid the situation where the pre-production samples were acceptable, but the mass production units were found to be substandard?
Do you employ an independent source inspector at the subcontractor's factory to catch any problems before the production order units are shipped?

bbussey

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #42 on: March 29, 2023, 03:10:55 PM »
+5
Absolutely. But the fact that your specs are met is actually proving my point.

Part of ESMC's "secret sauce" is the relationship you've created and your ability to properly manage requirements and specifications. Your manufacturer has probably learned that they can't "close enough" you.

My primary contractor in China (previously Hong Kong) always has been good to me and at times bent over backwards if the need for a last minute change was required and at no additional cost.  For example, I used to source BLMA Ride Control trucks for the X58 family of cars through BLMA and later Atlas that were molded at the Affa factory and sent directly to my contractor's factory - economically and scheduling-wise the best option as the two factories are within 20 miles or so of each other.  But I had no control over whatever Affa delivered.  Given that they made numerous trucks (and truck bolsters) for everyone, they once sent ASF trucks with the proper side frames and the proper height bolster, but the diameter of the bolster hole was smaller than expected (not to mention the shipment was late).  My contractor drilled out the holes of the trucks at no additional cost or delay to me, even though they had to create a fixture to do it.  That was the primary reason for tooling our own ASF truck frame and machining our own wheels.  They also drill the grab iron holes in the X58 roof for the high-brakewheel no-roofwalk variation, and made that fixture at no additional cost.  Nowadays, there is an occasional additional cost for unexpected situations but it's never excessive.

Ironically, my first project with my primary contractor was them stepping in at the eleventh hour to paint/deco the last run of the passenger car sides, when the domestic contractor who had done the first run and had committed to doing the second run simply decided at the last minute not to do it.  That was after the parts were molded (domestically) and paid for.  So that's how I ended up contracting in China.  I started out domestically, but was forced overseas.  And the painting/printing on the second run of the passenger car sides was light-years better than the original run produced locally.  I wish I had contracted with them on the first run of sides.

I also tried to have at least one model tooled and produced domestically, the GSC well car.  But the quotes I got were considerably higher than what it cost to tool the six-variation X58 model.  And the GSC well car is a snap-together four-part plastic and diecast body, with MTL 2004 couplers and Affa-style trucks.  As opposed to the X58 with three body variations, two underframe variations, etched and wire and plastic detail parts that must be cemented in place, and etched coupler plates with screws to go with the MTL 1015 couplers and Affa-style (now ESM) trucks.

How do you avoid the situation where the pre-production samples were acceptable, but the mass production units were found to be substandard?
Do you employ an independent source inspector at the subcontractor's factory to catch any problems before the production order units are shipped?

I've never had that scenario occur, even with the handful of other contractors that I've since moved all work away from.  To be honest, most of my past issues have revolved around scheduling delays, or cost increases, or the contractor not wanting to manufacture my minimums.  But never with my primary contractor, and I've never had quality issues, with tooling or with decorating, with any of them. 

With my current contractor, I get physical paint sample body shells first (for any new colors being introduced).  Then I get hi-rez photographs of decorated bodies to approve, which starts production.  Then I get physical final packaged approval samples while the cars are being painted/printed/assembled.  Then final packaging starts.

On new tooling, I first get at least six sets of test shots from the molds of the parts on the runner, along with samples of metal-stamped, diecast and etched parts.  I use this to assemble and test the model, to uncover any needed corrections.  Then I get an assembled pilot model with trucks/couplers and painted a color that shows all the details, which I check for assembly issues and then road test.  Any needed changes are made and then another assembled pilot model, painted a different color, is sent to check and test.  This cycle continues until all issues are resolved, and usually takes no more than two cycles.

So the "secret sauce" is finding a contractor who is reputable and with honor.
« Last Edit: March 30, 2023, 12:51:22 AM by bbussey »
Bryan Busséy
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Ed Kapuscinski

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #43 on: March 31, 2023, 11:22:24 AM »
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So the "secret sauce" is finding a contractor who is reputable and with honor.

Please go refer them to... everyone.

bbussey

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Re: New run of Bachmann Connies- Is the Bach Mann going "Stealth" too?
« Reply #44 on: March 31, 2023, 03:28:53 PM »
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Everyone over here is aware of everyone over there. Lowell Smith uses the same contractor for his passenger cars. Altas uses them on occasion. It depends on schedules, volume and production costs.
Bryan Busséy
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