Bachmann GP40 apears to be all new

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Looking at MBK's site today, I came across a new run of Bachmann GP40s:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-63561-GP40-Diesel-Engine-MKT-p/bac-63561.htm

That's actually not bad, especially at $40.

Here is a previous run for reference:
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-N-63558-GP40-Diesel-Engine-ARR-p/bac-63558.htm

The difference is striking. I thought I was looking at their HO version (which was updated a few years ago), but the track is clearly Kato C80 Unitrack and the couplers are Standard Bachmann EZ-Mate N.

Shell is all new from the ground up and appears well proportioned. Fans might be a bit off but the radiators look nice. The plastic fuel tank means a totally new mechanism too.

Very curious how these might look in person.

[peteski]

I suspect that Mark ( @spookshow ) will review it soon (if he hasn't already).

What stands out to me in the MBK  photo is the very heavy (wide) engraving of the door outlines.  The handrails also look a bit heavy (thicker than recent Atlas). Close to what Kato handrails look like.  The shape of the horns seems a bit wonky too.   But then again, at $40 these sins can be forgiven. We are talking early '90s prices here.

[jpwisc]

From the photos, I can only see one small problem. It’s a Bachmann.

[cjm413]

I suspect that Mark ( @spookshow ) will review it soon (if he hasn't already).

What stands out to me in the MBK  photo is the very heavy (wide) engraving of the door outlines.  The handrails also look a bit heavy (thicker than recent Atlas). Close to what Kato handrails look like.  The shape of the horns seems a bit wonky too.   But then again, at $40 these sins can be forgiven. We are talking early '90s prices here.

Bachmann HO model shown in this photo:

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=265_379_383&products_id=6652

I wish I could get better resolution on the MB Klein photo to compare

[tehachapifan]

From the photos, I can only see one small problem. It’s a Bachmann.

Although they can put out some pretty nice stuff from time to time. I sure like my 44 tonner and my S4!

[peteski]

Bachmann HO model shown in this photo:

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=265_379_383&products_id=6652

I wish I could get better resolution on the MB Klein photo to compare

That photo confirms that MBK photo is N scale. The photo you pointed to shows much finer handrails (which indicates it is H0), and the track is also different.  The shell engraving is also finer and the coupler smaller.

Difference is clear.

H0 (from Bachmann site)


N (from MBK)

[Chris333]

N scale gets matching number boards.

[Point353]

H0 (from Bachmann site)


N (from MBK)

Curiously, neither model gets the cab and nose striping entirely correct:

[Albert in N]

Let's see if the headlight looks better.  The current N scale Bachmann GP-40s have a single hole with the headlight shining a single beam of light from the incandescent bulb (just like all of these based upon their 1970s body shell). At least price remains reasonable and it is DC analog instead of clunky dual mode decoder equipped.

[cjm413]

Let's see if the headlight looks better.  The current N scale Bachmann GP-40s have a single hole with the headlight shining a single beam of light from the incandescent bulb (just like all of these based upon their 1970s body shell). At least price remains reasonable and it is DC analog instead of clunky dual mode decoder equipped.

It appears to be a definite improvement over the old Bachmann GP40, but it still has to compete with the Atlas GP40.

The price does seem reasonable, but so are the prices of
 pre-owned Atlas GP40's with older DC analog mechanisms.

Ideally, Bachmann will follow-up with a brand new U36B and/or GP50...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

This is perplexing enough to be a typical Bachmann move.

I mean, the world has been clamouring for another GP40!

[Albert in N]

   Maybe Mehano in Yugoslavia will bring back their 1969 GP40!  Atlas first imported it.  Mine was OK for the time, but my new 1974 Bachmann GP40 blew it away. 

[nkalanaga]

I had a pair of Bachmann's 1974 GP40s, and may still have them, somewhere in the old house, if the burglars didn't get them.  They always looked a little oversized to me, but they ran very nicely.  A lot noisier than my Minitrix Fs, but almost as smooth.  I would have run them more, but, other than the Fs and Alcos, 4-axle road power was unusual on the BN in Pasco.  So I stuck with the Fs.  Besides, they could be painted in a variety of schemes while the GP40s were limited to CB&Q decals were scarce for them) and BN.

[jmarley76]

I'm behind Bachmann products, it's easier to push them down the track that way! 

In all seriousness, I would be cautious at best. You get what you pay for...

[jpwisc]

I'm behind Bachmann products, it's easier to push them down the track that way! 

Now that is some funny stuff!