Bachmann 70 Tonner Running Quality?

[davefoxx]

I have two, I switched out the decoder on one with a Digitrax decoder for the MTL GP35. Now I get 128 speed steps I can crawl ties with it. Be sure to clean it as over lubrication causes a drop in conductivity and it will slowly pulse. You will want to clean the frame contacts, I just used a couple passes with a bright boy. And be sure to give it a couple hours in each direction to break it in.

The S.

This is a perfect example of why I wish that all locomotives were just DCC ready.  You and Scott paid for decoders that probably ended up in the trash and caused the locomotive purchase price to be a little higher than if it were only DCC ready.

Back on topic, I like what I hear about the 70T and the 44T.  I've been trying to find a reason to buy one and when I figure that out, I'll pull the trigger!

DFF

[garethashenden]

This is a perfect example of why I wish that all locomotives were just DCC ready.  You and Scott paid for decoders that probably ended up in the trash and caused the locomotive purchase price to be a little higher than if it were only DCC ready.

Back on topic, I like what I hear about the 70T and the 44T.  I've been trying to find a reason to buy one and when I figure that out, I'll pull the trigger!

DFF

Surely "It's cute!" is enough of a reason for a 44T...

[davefoxx]

Surely "It's cute!" is enough of a reason for a 44T...

Almost!

[sp org div]

I'm looking at motive power for my papermill:

Plan is to use two Bachmann 70 tonners, and not a SW8/9 or NW-2 loco if possible. However, I have not seen one of these run and am looking for comments on how well(or poor) they run. If I need to add weight that's fine. The mill trackage is all flat, but where it comes down off the main line the grade is about 2-2.5%

Ian,
Im fussy and like mine out of the box so far, but has not been put into full service yet.  Suppose it depends on how long of a stretch of track you have at 2%... In early testing my stock 70 tonner pulls about a dozen cars (50') on flat ground.  Varies on direction.  On a one percent grade it pulls 7 cars... with a bit of wheel slip, but it is steady with 5 cars... That is what it will encounter on my shortline's grade.  My layout's max grade is 1.8%, but there it only pulls about 5 cars and a bit of wheel slip.
Not sure about available space to add more weight...  but probably help if anything like my yard goat we did that to here.
Ray added enough Tungsten into that Life Like SW1200 to get it pulling up to 38 40' gondolas on the flat!

Jeff
http://espeeoregondivision.blogspot.com

[randgust]

I have a lot more problems with the way it looks over the way it runs; both with the wide hood and the square-edged cab.   The mechanism is as good as it gets for anything this small, good pickup, good slow speed.  Although the decoder is supposed to be dual-mode, it performed very erratically using a transistor DC throttle, so I pulled it entirely and it ran even better.  I can't pick on the mechanism at all, I redid my own 70-tonner with their mechanism, so what does that tell you!

If the hood and cab bother you enough I still have molds for my own resin 70-tonner....! And a couple sets left of etched brass handrails!

Both the 44- and 70-tonner are really cool little engines.   I have to give them credit.

[packers#1]

This is a perfect example of why I wish that all locomotives were just DCC ready.  You and Scott paid for decoders that probably ended up in the trash and caused the locomotive purchase price to be a little higher than if it were only DCC ready.

Sorry for the classic thread drift, but ditto; B-mann's first new run, their B23-7, were DCC-ready and streeted for $40 at MBK; now with DCC it's still $60-$70, which is a deal but still

[Ian MacMillan]

Thanks again everyone. I picked up 2 off ebay last night brand new at $30 each.

Randy I may take you up on those handrails.