Bachman

Bachmann RS-3 runs ultra smooth!

Not the S-2 or 4 but if it's any indication as to how good they run, my RS-3 SoundValue engine is smoother than some of my more "high end" Atlas.  If you dissasemble most of the latest offerings from the major players out there, you will find that the almost all copy each other on the drive mechanisms. 

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_ALCO_S4_(DCC_SOUND).pdf

http://www.atlasrr.com/pdf/S4%20SWITCHER.pdf

Take a quick look at both of these diagrams and compare how similar they are.

I'm sure the Broadway limited is also similar seen here.

http://www.broadway-limited.com/support/explodedview/SW7%20exploded%20view%20(2-8-07).pdf

Ultra smooth operation depends on a few factors such as having a good mechanism right from the start.  I think all three of these have that.  Also, weight is a big factor, not for pulling power as much as for better contact with the rails for electrical pickup.  Here in my opinion is where wiper pickups have a slight edge over journal bearing pickups as seen in the Broadway unit.  The Atlas and Bachmann have wipers.  I think those provide better electrical contact and are less prone to dirt.  Wheels nowadays  seem to be almost al NS and not the plated variaty from past.  Dirty wheels and dirty track will be your worst enemy much more so than unpowered frogs will be.  I have NO powered frogs on my layout and most are trouble free. 

P.S.  My Atlas S-2 runs smooth also but no sound.

S4

I just checked You Tube for the Bachmann S4. There are videos and comments, though some videos are not always the best but generally you can get a good idea.

There are users of the S4 at the Bachmann forums.

Rich

Pete, Thanks for replying

Pete,

Thanks for replying to my question. As I mentioned, I've been out of the hobby loop for several years. I failed to mention that I have a #8480 Atlas RS3 loco that I purchased quite a few years ago. I only ran it on DC to test it when I bought it. Someone gave me a Lenz LE103KDUS decoder that is supposed to fit this loco. I wasn't knowledgable about decoders so I never installed it. I got the loco  out tonight and took the shell off. Looks like the decoder drops right in. I just have to follow the instructions and make the proper connections. I also have a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 that has a MRC AD310 decoder in it. When I bought it, the hobby shop owner installed this decoder in it and I ran it on his layout. He had Digitrax. Any suggestions for a plug and play sound decode for this loco. I'll have to save up for it. I am working on  limited budget. Who isn"t? Unfortunately, I no longer have a local hobby shop that I know of.

My thoughts on the S4 were that it was a simple and inexpensive way to have DCC loco with sound so that I could start building and operating a layout and save the other engine and decoder work for later when I could tackle the installation after lots of study or find someone who could lend a hand.

Thanks again.

Chuck

Nelson, Thanks for your

Nelson,

Thanks for your input. I'm getting the cart before the horse. I have my bench work up and I need to get some track down to start testing. Then I need to purchase the DCC system. As I mentioned to Pete, I was thinking of the Bachmann unit as an easy and inexpensive way to get started without a lot of decoder work. Then after I get things running I could install the  decoder in the Atlas unit. The 2-8-0 should be ready to go, even though it has an inexpensive decoder and no sound in it.

I liked the looks and sound of the S4, and it is a smallerunit than the RS3 or 2-8-0. I didn't want to buy one without hearing from other owners of one first..

Thanks again,

Chuck

Rich, Thank you for

Rich,

Thank you for answering my post. I'm new to blogging. You mentioned the Bachmann forums. How do I find and access these?

regards,

Chuck

Sound decoder

No issues

I have the Bachmann S4, and have no real issues with it. Although basic, as regards what functions are available, it runs fine. I do have powered frogs, so that may help?

Brian

mine is fine

I have a Bachmann S-2 with Tsunami decoder and it runs like a Swiss watch.  I did have to adjust the speed table to get it to start smoothly, but there is no problem with low speed operation or smooth acceleration or stopping.  The basic drive is great; any issues people might be having are probably due to bad programming. 

Go to Bachmanntrains.com.

Go to Bachmanntrains.com. Click on Ask the Bach-Man link.   Joe 

To all, Thanks for all of

To all,

Thanks for all of your comments. I've gotten a lot of useful info from those that replied.

I am going to purchase one of the S4's soon.