New Bachmann USRA Light 4-8-2 with DCC+Sound

[Maletrain]

Just saw this https://www.modeltrainstuff.com/bachmann-n-53451-4-8-2-light-mountain-southern-railway-1489-dcc-and-sound/  on MBK site, and it is already showing-up in eBay (for $79.94 more).  The Bachmann site also has them (for ($148.99 more).

It's another Econami decoder.

I guess this is a good sign.  But, I would think the heavy version would sell better.  And, I am really wanting a USRA light 4-6-2 and 2-8-2 with a high mounted headlight in n scale.  Maybe some day.

Wondering what Spookshow will think of this one.

[reinhardtjh]

I wish they'd re-run the H-4 2-6-6-2 (Not the USRA version) or make an H-8 2-6-6-6 Allegheny.  But the C&O fan in the company (H Lee Riley) retired, then passed away a few years ago so I doubt that's going to happen.

[southern837]

I got my southern version in the mail today, not very impressed with the pulling ability of the engine. Seems that it suffers from the same issues as the original runs. Thinking of shimming the driver with the traction tires and then see how it goes.

Soundtraxx has yet to supply a sound selections chart for this version. The whistle list is not the same as the recent 2-8-0's. Took a while to find the right one

Tim

[mmagliaro]

I was a tad worried about this.  The original runs sell all the time between $70 and $100.   For a $350 list price and $200 street price, it would be nice to see something more than just the old engine with a decoder and speaker in it.

How is the tooling and detailing on the shell?

[Maletrain]

I don't know about the latest release, but Spookshow says that the first release (non-DCC) had these problems, but the second release did not.  I have a second release version, and it pulls 11 heavyweight cars around 15" curves with no problems.  Hoping Bachmann didn't forget what they learned from the first version that they incorporated into the second.

[southern837]

I will try to get some photos of the engine tomorrow night.  The shell from the current version is pretty much a direct copy of the previous 2 versions.  I have all 3 road numbers released in SRR.  This one is a much darker green with yellow gold lettering compared to both of the others.  I brought out the others to check the pulling ability compared to the new one.  Both older versions pulled at least 7 HW cars with no issues.  The current version slips a lot  pulling 7 on my layout.

I noticed a spring was placed on the pin that holds the trailing truck in place.  After an examination I noticed neither of the older versions had this.  So I took it out and found the engine puller somewhat better.  The traction tired driver acts like it is not touching the rail very much.  Thinking of putting on some thicker tires or shimming the driver to force it down.

[Mike C]

 Shimming the TT is pretty easy . Remove the cover and roll the last 3 driver sets out , Then use a small sliver of Scotch tape in the bearing slot . Took me about 10 min. but I also cleaned up some of the excess grease  .........

[southern837]

Attached is a photo of the southern version. I did some work on it and have it pulling 7 heavyweights fairly easily.

[spookshow]

I have more work to do, but my initial reaction is a favorable one. Mine ran flawlessly right out of the box (smooth and quiet, no pickup problems, no shimmying, no shaking, no wobbling, etc). I hooked up a prototypically sized passenger train (8 heavyweights) and it walked away with them like they weren't even there, so pulling power seems good. I did notice a slight squeaking sound after a couple of hours running, so something somewhere needs a bit of lube, but beyond that it looks like a winner.

-Mark

[southern837]

I have that same squeak in my engine.  Mine mimics the sound similar to an engine slipping. Still trying to figure out where its coming from myself.  Last night I had it pull a 20 car coal train and it did it surprisingly well. My initial reaction of disappointment has turned into being pleased.

These engines hit at the perfect time for me with micro trains coming out with the southern passenger cars and my model power 4-6-2 developing issues with the drivers staying quarter. If anyone has any advice on making this repair I'm certainly open to options.

Tim