Bachmann taking reservations on N scale H16-44.

[NYC]

With the excellent Atlas model already out there that is really close I have to wonder why they decided on this model? I can't imagine its that popular to warrant another version when things like the Alco RS line and the GE Uboats remained relatively untouched. I don't want to sound like I am bemoaning this release but I have to wonder about there selection process sometimes.

[FrankCampagna]

A number of railroads had this version. It is quite distinctive from the earlier version offered by Atlas. I suspect New Haven fans will be happy. This gives them almost all the roadswitchers owned by the NH. NH purchased these in 1956 and they ran until the end. It may be cheaper because Bachmann has their own factory. They do not have to pay the middle men. Frank

[Robbman]

Message deleted

[NYC]

It's the later phase... even a newbie could tell a Ph 1a and 1b H16-44 apart from a IIIb H16-44.

What I don't get is the roadname choice... why bother doing ATSF and SOU... they never had Ph IIIb H16-44s.

P&WV, CN, NH, MILW, AC&Y and two mexican roads  (ChP and BdeC) also had Ph IIIb H16-44s.

My guess would be ATSF and Southern are more popular roadnames than those listed. This release doesn't seem to be targeted at the serious modeller with a street price of $36. My guess junk mechanism and details on par with earlier releases. My question still remains on doing a obscure engine that hardly sold well and had very limited roadname selection when an eralier phase is already out there. Out of the roads listed the best roadnames would be CN and NH neither which is great by themselves so thats my guess why the Southern and ATSF are there. If they did a Uboat there roadname selection could easily be tripled if they were even looking at later runs with different roadnames. My guess is this engine will be the next standard train set edition as all the other BAchman stuff as of late has been "modeller  " grade.

[umtrr-author]

Yes, it is a standard line according to the Bachmann website.

It's also been pointed out on another forum that the phase modeled should be different from the Atlas offerings-- high walkways all the way across.

Glad to find out this is on another forum (see my post starting the thread):

This is the "mini-Trainmaster" body style as opposed to the earlier Raymond Loewy body on the Atlas H15 and 16-44's. Due this October.

Sorry Gregg, I had read that but forgot that I had.

[NYC]

Funny just as I was going to post this I saw it n another site but I will post it here as well.

From Pete at BLW per his emailings. I couldn't agree more with his review.

BLW Editorial Opinion: As N scalers, we are delighted to see any new product made available. However, we
seriously question Bachmann's direction in N Scale. Here at BLW we have taken advance reservations on 2 steam projects previously announced by Bachmann: a 4-6-0 Baldwin Steam Loco and a 2-10-0 Russian Decapod. Both have been well received and would fill a big void in N Scale. steam. Neither of these projects are now listed in the new Bachmann 2006 production schedule. If advance sales were insufficient, I can understand Bachmann's decision to
delay or even drop those projects. Profitability has got to be the bottom line ... as much as we would have liked to
be able to offer those steamers.
In their place, however, Bachmann has added an all new H16-44 Diesel. I seriously question the need for this new project. Atlas offers an outstanding version of the H15-44 and H16-44's in N. While the new Bachmann effort will
be lower in price -- does N scale really need another H16-44?
The bottom line -- each company must turn a profit at the end of the year ... or they won't be here for US! As N
scalers -- we all depend on the manufacturers who bring so many great new products to the table each year. So I
sincerely wish Bachmann the very best with this and all of their efforts ... I am very concerned, however, that should this project not be a profitable one for them, they might consider the negative results a reflection on N Scale and not as a result of a poorly chosen subject.
Wouldn't both Bachmann and the N scale market do much better with a different prototype ... one that is not already on the ? Looking no further than Bachmann's own beautifully produced 2006 Trains catalogue ... how about a GE 44 Ton switcher in N scale???

[Mark5]

I sent Pete an email rebuttal - it went something like this:

"Pete,

Bmann is doing the H16-44 late version, which for completely unknown reasons Atlas has chosen to ignore. IF the Bmann version is decent, I plan to buy some (big IF).

Let's see if they're any good ..."


Plenty of roads had the Phase III versions, so I think Bmann will do fine with these.

The model that makes absolutely no sense is the duplication of the Atlas B23-7 and B30-7 in N scale.

[3rdrail]

The strange withdrawal of the Russian Decapod without explanation (at least Bachmann explained the motor problems with the Ten-Wheeler), coupled with Jim Maurer's remarks about Micro Ace ceasing to offer Japanese steam locomotives makes me wonder if these aren't all made in the same factory, which has been busy making Atlas Moguls!

Not good news for steam locomotive modelers.  :'(

[up1950s]

The strange withdrawal of the Russian Decapod without explanation (at least Bachmann explained the motor problems with the Ten-Wheeler), coupled with Jim Maurer's remarks about Micro Ace ceasing to offer Japanese steam locomotives makes me wonder if these aren't all made in the same factory, which has been busy making Atlas Moguls!

Not good news for steam locomotive modelers.  :'(

I would buy a decapod if it was a pull toy .

[Mark5]

The strange withdrawal of the Russian Decapod without explanation (at least Bachmann explained the motor problems with the Ten-Wheeler),

Actually, the Bmann has discussed this several times. The "official" reason that this is on hold is the motor.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/read.php?f=1&i=136292&t=135208

[up1950s]

I hope this model gets made . By saying that an early H16-44 or a H24-66 is close enough to ignore doing this in lieu of something else , is akin of saying we already have a black engine , so we don't need anymore steam .This choice was probably made because of size . Atlas did GP-7' and GP-9's . Haw close are those compared to early and late H16-44's . Those 2 GP's were done by the same company . This H-16-44 is a uniquely different loco . I welcome its production .

Here are some I would also welcome .

GE-44 ton
AS-616
RSD-7
RSD-15
NW-2
SW-1
S-4
S-6
H-20-44

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm betting it had more to do with them having already done the research on the HO model.

What I really don't understand here is where Bachmann is going with these.

Judging by the price tag, and inclusion in the "standard" line, they don't seem to be shooting for hardcore modelers, who know or care about the difference between phases. They may sell a few to people in this category who want them for kitbashing fodder, or repowering fodder, but I don't think they're going to sell a bunch here.

But because it's a more obscure engine, they don't seem to be going for the "just wading in" category of consumer either, because they don't "look" like anything really recognizable to anyone just getting into the hobby. Based on the paint schemes though, I'm guessing this is what they're expecting to do.

So where is the big payoff for them? I just don't get it.

[NYC]

But because it's a more obscure engine, they don't seem to be going for the "just wading in" category of consumer either, because they don't "look" like anything really recognizable to anyone just getting into the hobby. Based on the paint schemes though, I'm guessing this is what they're expecting to do.

So where is the big payoff for them? I just don't get it.

Co-signed

[Mark5]

Based on the paint schemes though, I'm guessing this is what they're expecting to do.

So where is the big payoff for them? I just don't get it.

The VGN and N&W schemes are correct. Dunno about the others. But to me telling someone to use the Atlas H16-44 for the late H16-44 is like telling them to use a GP20 for a GP7 (well, worse even).

This hole thing hinges on this model being decent enough to be used by a model railroader. The SD45 has unforgivable errors (need an extra foot between the trucks and the frame?), so this is indeed a big hinge for this model to be swinging on!

If they are decent, here's a place where Bmann will get my money. I'm still amazed that Atlas has refused to do the late H16-44 (they even called their phse 2 the "late" version).

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm not questioning your decision to get some, if I were in your boat, I'd be VERY happy, even if I'd have to repower them, but from a business standpoint, these make NO sense.