Bachmann S4 question

[MichaelWinicki]

I understand the angst against Bachmann not researching schemes and numbers properly.

From a business standpoint I don't get that either.

It's not quite as bad as having "Donald Duck" on the side of the locomotive because everyone would know when they saw it that it's not a RR thing.  But as it (the NYC/P&LE loco) goes probably 99 out of 100 model railroaders would not know the scheme is wrong.  I didn't until someone pointed it out on the board when the locomotive was announced.

[sizemore]

Gotta admit that'd be a pretty scheme though!

The S.

[bbussey]

... It's not quite as bad as having "Donald Duck" on the side of the locomotive because everyone would know when they saw it that it's not a RR thing.  But as it (the NYC/P&LE loco) goes probably 99 out of 100 model railroaders would not know the scheme is wrong.  I didn't until someone pointed it out on the board when the locomotive was announced.

Out of the group of N scale model railroaders that are modeling the P&LE specifically, particularly those who have been modeling the railroad for a while, I would think a greater number would know the scheme is inaccurate rather than the reverse.  I agree that the majority of the "toy train set" crowd that Bachmann targets would not.  But among long-time modelers, while no one will know every detail about a railroad no matter how hardcore he/she is, I would think that the majority would be familiar with the paint schemes of the period modeled.  And, based on past history of what manufacturers release, they would verify the fidelity of the scheme if they weren't certain.

[Chris333]

Chris, your scratchbuilt FM is powered by an old Arnold S2 mechanism, correct?  Are you going to retrofit the Atlas mechanism when it's available?

It uses the S2 frame, but a LifeLike SW motor. It is actually one of my best running (slow) locos:
http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/showphoto.php/photo/50209/title/erie-hh660-23304/cat/500

[bbussey]

I've always liked your HH660.  I'll have to make one of those someday.

[peteski]

... "toy train set" crowd that Bachmann targets ...

Bryan, we all have been using this excuse to easily forgive all the problems with Bachmann models for decades (pretty much since Bachmann started producing N scale models).  But I started thinking about this and I don't think we should let them off the hook so easily anymore. 

While Bachmann (and also Model Power and Life-Like)  all have been associated with "toy grade" N scale models, all those companies have drastically improved the quality and fidelity of their models in the last decade (or even longer ago).

Bachmann introduced their Spectrum line of higher end models into N scale. They have successfully produced several very good models (especially of steam locos).  While those models have flaws, the serious model railroaders took notice and started buying them (and even gave them positive reviews).  Bachmann responded by making even more Spectrum-series models (such as the doodlebug or the new trolley).

Do you really think that Bachmann still produces their models strictly for the train-set modelers?  I really don't think so.  I think that their aspirations are a bit higher.  They still have some ways to go, but they have been improving.  Too bad that they often take 1 step forward and 2 steps back.... 

However, I really think that we should stop excusing Bachman's mistakes by continuing to pigeon-hoe them as the toy-train manufacturer.

[johnh35]

While Bachmann has made great strides, it is apparent that they have price points related to the target audience (hence the Spectrum vs their regular line). As the S-4 is not of the Spectrum line, it would be my supposition that it is targeted at the general model railroading audience and hence devoid of some of the finer details. Does this excuse a paint error? Maybe or maybe not, it depends on the individual. As I intend to repaint mine for Northern Pacific, it could come from Bachmann painted purple for all I care. All bashing aside, I have seen nothing but good reviews from those who have purchased it (myself included) and I have not seen a smoother running switcher (or any smoother running N scale model for that matter).

[Ed Kapuscinski]

But it's not like using the right paint scheme costs any more.

[bbussey]

Bryan, we all have been using this excuse to easily forgive all the problems with Bachmann models for decades (pretty much since Bachmann started producing N scale models).  But I started thinking about this and I don't think we should let them off the hook so easily anymore. 

While Bachmann (and also Model Power and Life-Like)  all have been associated with "toy grade" N scale models, all those companies have drastically improved the quality and fidelity of their models in the last decade (or even longer ago).

I put the "toy train set" in quotes for a reason.  Their items are equipped with DCC yet priced to entice people to enter the hobby, similar to what Athearn was doing 40 years ago in HO, and be well-detailed enough and operate well enough to persuade those newcomers to stay brand-loyal.  I'm not overlooking the fact that they continue to take liberties with the deco schemes a significant amount of the time.  But we aren't the target audience.  We happen to benefit from their decision to improve the tooling and functional quality of their products.

[Bob Bufkin]

Not getting any those go around.  I'm not modeling P&LE but if I was I kinda like the fake/foobie paint scheme better than the real one.  Guess if I was a P&LE modeler I wouldn't get it tho.

[johnh35]

But it's not like using the right paint scheme costs any more.

This is very true, but we have all seen the manufacturers use paint schemes that appeal to a broader audience whether realistic or not.

[sirenwerks]

This is very true, but we have all seen the manufacturers use paint schemes that appeal to a broader audience whether realistic or not.

But it's not just paint schemes.  Look at Bachmann's 'new' chimera of an AAR 40 foot boxcar.  That's got more liberties than an aircraft carrier comin' in to port. 

[johnh35]

But it's not just paint schemes.  Look at Bachmann's 'new' chimera of an AAR 40 foot boxcar.  That's got more liberties than an aircraft carrier comin' in to port. 

I have never seen a Bachmann freight car I like.

[bbussey]

The boxcar does have issues.  But the two tank cars are well done, with body-mounted couplers and correct ride height, and requiring only a swap out the wheels and couplers.  Same with the NE caboose.

[sizemore]

The boxcar does have issues.  But the two tank cars are well done, with body-mounted couplers and correct ride height, and requiring only a swap out the wheels and couplers.  Same with the NE caboose.

The tank cars were a great addition, the NE Caboose is damn near perfect. The flat cars are welcome additions too, just like the Atlas flats just swap out the decks and add body mount couplers.

The S.