Why Bachmann Is Not All That Bad

In the hobby of model railroading, Bachmann tends to receive a lot of hate, sometimes from myself. However, I think they have at least a few bright spots, which I highlight here. There’s definitely more bachmann does well that I haven’t mentioned, and they definitely have their problems. These are just a few of their bright spots I have experience with, so if you have any other good or bad thoughts about bachmann, leave a comment!

[@heirandspare]

Thanks for sharing. I'll have to give it a try later on today.

[@RamblingModelRailroader]

I'd consider keeping your first locomotive. Even though the quality may be pale in comparison to what you've collected, it's always a nice reminder of your humble beginnings.

[@ColbysProjectBin]

Maybe, but it’s sort of in the same boat as a first car (most of the time). Sure it’s got sentimental value, but why keep it when it’s falling apart, gets driven once a month, and you have 2 newer cars. It’s a decent engine, I just never use it and even though it has some sentimental value, it’s not enough for me to keep it around.

[@Shinyspddmn]

Still have my first HO locomotive, Bachmann GP-40 back in 2004 with the McKinley Explorer set and it's a bit rough now and desperately in need of a cleaning, but still runs

[@RamblingModelRailroader]

@Shinyspddmn I have my first locomotive as well... An Athearn F7 from the early 2000's. It's survived years of misuse as I learned how to properly handle and maintain models. I'm proud to say it's still alive and well.

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

Thank you! Bachmann was my childhood, bachmann is not the worst company, and I love customizing Bachmann 4-4-0s and 0-6-0s

[@ColbysProjectBin]

For modern equipment they’re definitely far from the top, but compared to a lot of older models, including ones I own (tyco, pemco, life like, and cox to name a few), they’re definitely not the absolute worst company to ever make Ho scale trains

[@chasesrailwaylinesrr6447]

yea You can't say Bachmann is the worst when my first ho locomotive was a Bachmann and still runs great without any major servicing or repairs needed, some product are not good but they have there good ones, and they try things other stay away from

[@TheSanCarlosRailfan]

Yeah most bachmann Steam locos such as the 0-6-0, 4-4-0,etc are good a customization and superdetailing

[@k4productions]

The only thing I like about bachmann is that they are easy to work on and spare parts are very easy to come by

[@ColbysProjectBin]

Parts are definitely easy to come by, but depending on the model, some of them are quite difficult to work on. The pancake motors with their screws covered in resin almost always seem to strip out when trying to remove them, a lot of their non dcc ready engines are quite difficult to convert to dcc, and some of their modern locomotives are definitely difficult to change the couplers on (specifically my FB’s and FT)

[@NotGavin]

I highly agree. Modern day Bachmann is way too overhated and they actually pump out nice products. People have to remember that most of these are supposed to be budget models, not meant to be accurate down to every rivet, nut & bolt. Great video on this topic!

[@ColbysProjectBin]

Thanks! Bachmann does have a number of poor products, but their bright spots are definitely far too overshadowed

[@VestedUTuber]

I love my Bachmann N scale SD45s and SC44. I _don't_ like their couplers.

[@ColbysProjectBin]

I agree with the coupler issue, even in ho scale. I replace all mine with Kadees

[@abbush2921]

Hornby makes early 19 century trains all be it , in 00 scale .

[@ColbysProjectBin]

That is true, I should’ve specified 19th century American locomotives. While there aren’t a ton of early 19th century American trains out there, I don’t know of any brand other than bachmann who makes them