Bachmann USA Prairie Unboxing & Review (With Smoke!)

[@alexveburg6726]

12:00 Ah, the old horn-hook coupler- my long time nemesis.

[@SamsTrains]

haha mine too - very irritating things! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@foolishmastermind2442]

Mine horn hook actually broke from a derailment, I had to super glue it twice and duct tape it

[@evanforst7272]

Im glad I was born mostly beyond the time of the horn hooks.

[@brodster7042]

@@evanforst7272 same

[@the_autism_express]

I know, I'm unfortunate emough to own a diesel and several wagons with horn-hook couplings One of the horn-hooked wagons is so light that if it is pushed backwards with other trucks in front and behind, then the truck's bogeys derail

[@sebastianmarconi2855]

Great review! Yes, Bachmann took the USRA 0-6-0 they have and put two more wheels on it. I can assure you it's not based off of any prototype. 2-6-2's were mainly used on logging railroads here in America.

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's so lazy!! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Dakodmiesier407]

I feel like it’s hard to find information on American steam engines 😢

[@raveoned]

Great review! My family had a train shop, and these were definitely starter locos. The box and style are from the mid to late 1980’s, as the locos on the side of the box were also sold then as well. The can motor must be a later modification, as these only had those horrible pancake motors.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Ed! haha yeah I think that's definitely true - yes I remember reading that the original version did have the pankcakes! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@adem9599]

This is not the BACHMANN we know today. But the video was still amazing, good job Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

I don't know - they still produce some poor overpriced models.... but I agree, not to this extent ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TheSharkKing45]

@@SamsTrains Bachmann does have some good engines, but the ones I own are from box sets like the Coastliner, Iron King, Thoroughbred plus a newer model, Bachmann UP 4441, a USRA 0-6-0.

[@hohobbyist1098]

@@SamsTrains I have a 2-6-0 and it's great and inexpensive. (I got it new on eBay). Bachmann has improved over the years.

[@nodrogthedevourer]

Unfortunately not as much in N scale or many reasons in my opinion. I’ve had 3 steam engines, two standard one spectrum, all had problems around the drive rods.

[@kevincook7524]

@@SamsTrains Their quality control is kinda inconsistent. Sometimes you get a good model, sometimes you get a bad model.

[@SpottingWithSam]

Update on my Prairie.... The wheels fell off mid run XD Muffin Man "sam"

[@SamsTrains]

haha oh dear.... that sounds about right though ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

Oh no, not that one! Please! Most of our American models are not like that! PLEASE! I mean I operate with UK models but still. Also that model must be at least 30 years old, judging by that old coupling.

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! I know they're not all this bad - I've had plenty of good ones, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@corollee6947]

But you cant deny they are expesive

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

@@corollee6947 I have to agree with you on that one, bit only for the high end models. But for the starter sets it is very reasonable.

[@timothykissinger4883]

Is that the ugliest loco you have.?

[@warrenlehmkuhleii8472]

@@timothykissinger4883 Actually no, I have this wired electric box shunter thingi?

[@thethompsons115]

The new version of that model is pretty good

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh is it?? Glad they were able to improve it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Bennyboi_]

@@railsofthenorthland1181 oof

[@BarthvaderHalloween]

Is it the version that has 1839 as the running number instead of 1836?

[@RC-nq7mg]

I agree, father in law and I have one in Canadian Pacific.

[@zacharyhale1681]

How good exactly? I've been thinking about getting one of these (the newer version of course in the ATSF paint scheme) but I'm a tad skeptical.

[@rucarnuts13]

I have a couple of these as shunters in my yard. Had them since I was a kid. I’ve gone over them with an airbrush to improve the looks with some weathering and re-painting of some aspects in my later years, but I do agree that they’re a bit on the expensive side for what they are. For what they lack in visual cheapness, however, they make up in durability and longevity. With minimal servicing, mine have lasted well beyond 20 years, have countless miles on them and they run better than a good deal of other locos I have. But this was truly the era when Bachmann mostly made entry-level, model toy trains and not realistic, scale models. We in the States do seem to get more fictional locos though, I have noticed. I think it has to do with the fact that children are, by far, the biggest market for model trains vs enthusiasts here in the States, at least from what I’ve seen. At my local hobby store, for example, you have to special-order any model over $120 - and that’s usually the price at which enthusiast-grade stuff typically begins in the States. Everything in there that is on the shelves are of this quality - entry level quality for children. I firmly believe they do this deliberately to over-saturate the market with stuff like this and don’t charge what they’re worth to further increase the premium on the high quality locos. But that’s my conspiracy theory, at least. 🤣

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very nice - glad to hear you were able to improve yours, they do sound like good projects! Thanks very much for the info too, much appreciated! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stevenhong4171]

These fictional models are usually either jumbled together from various locomotives, usually with some parts from the USRA standard locomotives

[@Wren_59]

Hey Sam! I own one of these and I can safely say it's been heavily updated since this video. It runs very smoothly and quietly! it's a great beginner loco and I encourage you to do a second review of it!

[@That_One_Guy_In_A_Band]

I'm actually hoping to grab one of these soon, mainly because I want a 2-6-2 and these are pretty affordable aftermarket, or even new they're not bad. The Union Pacific one is the most basic, if you want one with a much nicer livery, check out the Southern Railway one, it's beautiful, even though it's quite cheap. I have the 0-6-0 variant and it's quite alright, though again, pretty cheap.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fair enough mate - do so at your own risk, haha! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@mechatrain150]

i did own a number 150 with that plastic insulation you mentioned and yes it did crack over time. but i just like the locomotive in general especially the 150 it was my favorite no matter the quality. it definatly influanced me to continue my hobby and it's not hard to modify any locomotive just some minor adjustments to meet your ideas on how it should be and done! infact that's what i like about the idea on how starter locos should be thought of engines that have been overhauled to meet demands of model rail companys.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that - yeah they do tend to fail, and it is a shame! That's good to hear though - glad you like the way they look! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Lepper36]

I can definitely tell you those shells actually belong to the USRA 0-6-0 shunters.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I read that too - it's pretty cool! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cressonshursleverington1940]

I came down to the comments to say exactly this. While American railroads definitely had 2-6-2s this is not based on any of those prototypes. This is a cheap cash grab to re-use old tooling. They did the same thing in their N scale range.

[@nodrogthedevourer]

@Cresson, Shurs, & Leverington I can back that up. I have seen the 2-6-2 and have had 2 0-6-0 and they’re bodies are the same.

[@Vinyl_guy]

Ooo I got one of those

[@WWIIREBEL]

The current versions are great!. I have a pair in my yard. One thing that's great about these, there are now On30 narrow gauge steam loco kits (3-D printed) available that can use the existing chassis that can be found on either ebay or etsy.

[@cosmicshadow8466]

it is kind of accurate to say, most of our locos in america were painted black pretty much, some were in very fancy liveries like the daylight loco, and some others

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true! Bits of it definitely are quite realistic! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kyaing9047]

prove me wrong here but Union Pacific didn't put yellow lettering on their steam engines, did they?

[@RHaenJarr]

The memories! I had an old west-ish american coach (maybe even the same as in the video, not 100% sure now) in the exact same package. I shamelessly kept it coupled to a german 0-4-0 "BR 98" loco from a PIKO starter set because that was all I got.

[@SamsTrains]

haha really?! I used to do things like that - if you enjoy it, then why not?! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Cyber_Horse_Studios87]

This was my very first ever HO steam engine, and I just recently got a new one because years ago I drove my trains like a race car driver and most of them got destroyed. This new one that I got not only still smokes, but apparently at some point it had sounds installed into it because it makes puffing sounds as it runs! Man I missed this engine… and it’s cool that Bachman produced so many variants of this engine!

[@optimalhazza]

Oh look, a Little Train on the Prairie

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! ;D

[@suburbanthebotalt1353]

Little house on the prairie

[@TheUnknown-sh9vz]

Because its a Prairie i get it😂

[@jimipolkerman8266]

Very nice, unbiased review! not too harsh, but you also didn't go easy on it, just perfect. as always a great video!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Jimi, that's very kind of you to say! Cheers mate, Sam :)

[@RockyRailroadProductions_B0SS]

I have two of the 0-6-0 version (The "Correct" one, as these were just USRA 0-6-0 models with extra bogies) and they have been pretty reliable runners for a long time. One of them has actually survived being dropped without much trouble, and with some extra weight and metal wheels on the tender, they both run pretty smoothly. For a train set loco I think the mechanism being as heavy and surprisingly smooth as it is, it's actually quite impressive. Especially compared to a "rival" company that have made an American looking version of Hornby's 0-4-0 but with a bigger motor and so on. (I have the latter too, and - Agh, I can't really bring myself to knock that one much either, mostly because it's rather cute looking)

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting! Glad to hear the 0-6-0s are better than this one! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@garlandward4372]

Another great video, as always! I do have some notes on that engine, though: 1. The model is of the USRA 0-6-0, people generally get them and just remove the front and rear wheels to make the model prototypical. Indeed, Bachmann did build most of them as a 0-6-0. 2. I do have one huge redeemer for this: in the states, you can buy one at any train show for $10-$15, and that is US dollars, so they are very, very cheap over here in the states. 3. Lastly, for your American passenger consists, the combine, the coach with the baggage door on it, would run at the front of the train, with the baggage door facing the engine, and the window side facing the other coaches Anyways, thanks again for another great video! Take care.

[@SamsTrains]

Hi Garland, thanks a lot for the comment and the info - much appreciated! I'll have to remember that about the combine coaches for next time - duly noted! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ITakeItGood]

I have one that is identical but it's a 2-6-0 and Pennsylvania 3233. It even has the pinhole where the prairie's rear truck would go (wondered what that was for). When it goes over points the rear axle dips into the frog, cutting out power. I burnt the smoke unit out but you don't notice it until you put fluid in and see a puddle on the track underneath. When I bought it in 2010, there was a stack of them at the store with different liveries (some even had sloped tenders). All of them were listed for $̶9̶9 $74. I put a Kadee coupler on it.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - haha that sounds pretty dire, I've burned out a few of those smoke units too, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cadej.mertens2396]

Old video yes, but I am sitting and watching whilst adding new decals to my 0-6-0 version of the same locomotive! It’s been painted in a matte finish with some weathering though, as well as a sloped tender that I’ve added metal wheels and proper knuckle couplers to each end of the loco. The said I paid $5 USD for it so between the paint, couplers, wheels and decals I’m probably in it for around $50 but for ultimately a loco that feels much nicer that it in reality is. That said it’s been fun to upgrade it and make it look a bit more at home with the rest of my fleet. I see them on resale sites here for around $50 to as high as $100 USD and for that price I’d be disgusted by it, but for the aforementioned $5 it’s hard to complain. If you see this cheers, hello from the US and thanks for the content, I’ve turned to it on more than one occasion before buying.

[@lukebarber9511]

I had one of these growing up. The valve gear kept seizing up, so we sent it to Bachmann for repairs/replacement; on the replacement loco, the rearmost driving wheel's axle came apart.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that.... they're not great quality sadly! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RJCormanRailfan]

The joys of the very cheap grade of white nylon for the axles...

[@freebrickproductions]

This guy might actually date back to the 1980s, or at least the box does. If you look at the side of the box at 2:00, you can see a GE BQ23-7 being advertised, which got me interested since I didn't realize any HO-scale ones were made. Doing a bit of Googling, it turns out that the Bachmann BQ23-7s started production in 1982, and left the line-up around 1990.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah it's very possible - definitely an older one!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bambostarla6259]

Someone beat the tango haha! Still can't understand how heljan butchered that model o:O

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely! I can't understand it either.... I feel like they must have known how bad it was... but then why release them in that state?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jacksyoutubechannel3290]

USA Prairie: Exists Literally every Hornby and Bachmann model ever conceived: Laughs in superiority.

[@halfofacouch2397]

Nah this model is better than that Heljan one. This model has more features than the Heljan, it has a comparable mechanism, and mostly, the price is somewhat fair compared to that Heljan locomotive, especially in the US. You can pick one of these up at train shows or store for around $30-$40, or around $80-$90 for a brand new loco with DCC. Edit: I Stand corrected. There is no DCC, only a smoke unit. However, the bachmann 0-6-0, which is basically the same model, can go for around $60 brand new. Still better than the Heljan though.

[@zeruiahwild1]

I have the Ho scale Pacific Flyer Bachmann model and the lamp gets brighter the faster it goes I'm not sure if that's the case for yours but that's just how mine runs and I thought I should mention it.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah if it’s a bulb they will get brighter when faster! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@wellsworthjunction]

Such an adorable little thing. Nice review and its an amazing loco. Also did you get my PM on twitter Thank you again and cant wait to see more of your reviews.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Edward, glad you liked that! I'll check my Twitter! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@TrainGuy844]

I had two of these as a kid and one lasted until I started using doc and it got converted to doc. With the board I have it has no problem with the switches and gaps that are on my layout and other people’s layout.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that's not too bad then - at least they lasted reasonably well! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@111greatbear3]

The pancake motor was used by Lima as well and it's very good

[@SamsTrains]

The Lima pancake motor was very different to the Bachmann one - the Lima one was great, but the Bachmann one was very poor! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Goofyboi2002]

Btw Sam, bachmann had retooled there 0-6-0’s with different road names and they now have sound in them so I recommend you getting one to review

[@maymaystudio1702]

an 0-6-0 version of this was my second loco ever, it eventually broke down and i ended up using it as scrap dressing and now it’s sitting underwater in my harbor

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - sorry to hear it broke down :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@nodrogthedevourer]

I’m not surprised it was a 0-6-0 because when I saw the thumbnail it looked so similar to my 0-6-0 I thought it was one. If you do ever get one from Bachmann, men had mechanical problems. I’ve had two and both did this so, after 5-10 minutes the left drive rods fall out. After you put them back in if the motor still works it will last for 10 seconds and then the motor will lock up. I sent my second one into Bachmann to get it fixed (I returned the first one) and it had been so short since I got it I sent the warranty in with it. When I go it back 2 weeks later, I ran it for 5 minutes, took it off the track, pushed in the drive rods because they were about to fall out, and haven’t had a problem worth it since.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh interesting! haha yeah - I'm well familiar with the mechanical issues - it's such a shame :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@How-To-RC]

I haven't had any issues with mine. I have two of them and they are my favorite trains in my collection

[@rwjenkins]

Before Bachmann introduced their "Spectrum" line in the US about 20 years ago, "Bachmann" used to be synonymous with "crap" as far as American models go. Cheaply made, crude detail, with performance to match. Their smoke units seem to work pretty well though, the best smoker I ever had was one of their N&W J class 4-8-4s. The Bachmann 0-6-0 and its derivative 2-6-0 and 2-6-2 versions have been around in some form or another since the 1970s. They seem to have upgraded the mechanisms on their basic line in recent years, so the performance seems to have improved considerably, but the tooling is old and it shows. You can expect much better quality from Bachmann's Spectrum line, in terms of detail, fit and finish, and performance. Mass-produced US prototype models tend to fall into two categories: Iconic (UP Big Boy, New York Central Hudson, Pennsylvania K4, etc.), or generic. Although most US locomotives were built by only a handful of builders (Baldwin, Alco, Lima), most railroads had their own locomotive designs, and their own dedicated following of modelers, so it's difficult for the manufacturers to please everybody and make any money in the process. America didn't really have an equivalent to the Grouping or Nationalisation, except for a brief period of standardization during World War I under the U.S. Railroad Administration (USRA). The USRA produced several standard designs including Mikados, Pacifics, 4-8-2s, and 2-10-2s in light and heavy versions, plus 0-6-0 and 0-8-0 switchers, and 2-6-6-2 and 2-8-8-2 Mallets. These designs have been popular with model manufacturers because a number of railroads either received engines from the USRA, or built their own copies after the war, so a USRA model can be realistically lettered for a number of different railroads. On the other hand, sometimes they will just slap a road name and number on a model that has no basis in reality, for example, the Bachmann Prairie. The Bachmann model is derived from a USRA 0-6-0. The Union Pacific and its subsidiary Oregon Short Line did in fact have fifteen USRA 0-6-0s between them, which would have been delivered between 1918 and 1919, and none of them were ever converted to Prairies, as far as I know. The real Union Pacific 1836 was a 4-6-0 built in 1900 and renumbered 1336 in 1915. The numbers 1820-1849 don't appear to have been used on a steam locomotive after that.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes i'm definitely getting that flavour from some of Bachmann's older models (and newer ones too, come to mention it!) Thanks very much for all the info - I do need to learn more about the US model market!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@matthew_miller0075]

That’s called a horn hooked coupler. They used to be the standard ho scale coupler in America before the knuckle coupler came along. They are most seen these days on decade old ALCO brand engines and rolling stock from the 1980’s. They also tended to have plastic wheels, axels and higher bodies than modern ones. I myself have a whole lot of freight cars from that era, as well as 5 diesels (two are the same model). About two thirds of them were given to me for Christmas 2019 (May that year Rest In Peace) and the rest originally belonged to my dad. He gave them to me when I was just starting to get into HO scale trains, but I was too young at the time to know that they were still in good condition, so I let them be. It wasn’t until right before the pandemic that I realized my mistake and decided to repair, reassemble and test run them. They were worked just as well as the last time time they ran about 35 years ago and still do to this day. The same can be said with the others.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh duly noted, many thanks for the info on this! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tracksidefilms5416]

This locomotive is based off the USRA 0-6-0 which was a popular switcher in the US at the time however instead of being an 0-6-0 it’s a 2-6-2

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for the info on this - I've read something similar too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Allusiongaming15]

This is a old tooling of it. The coupler style is called horn hook which is an old model train style. If you can the top tier bachmann models are most the spectrum line and the DCC sound line. Top tier for american locomotives is Broadway Limited and Overland Limited.

[@SamsTrains]

Hey, thanks a lot for the info on this mate, much appreciated! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@ecidaho]

Just purchased one of these eBay for about $15 and $15 for shipping, and plan on repainting and detailing some (maybe fix the bell). Not expecting much to be honest but my fun will be in the modeling rather than running. Thanks for the review! Mine will be transferred to the Northern Pacific or Chicago, Burlington and Quincy. Take care and all the best! Cheers!

[@trainboy7]

If I were to get my hands on this locomotive, I'd more likely go for the up to date version. At least that one doesn't have any traction tires.

[@epiccsx]

I have a Bachmann locomotive with smoke, and it is really enjoyable. Try using the Bachmann EZ Command Control Center. For mine it helps it put out more smoke

[@SamsTrains]

That's fantastic! Does that work pretty well? :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@KCSRailstudios]

Nice video! Don’t worry, Bachmann does make USA Locomotives with quite a lot of detail! Some of them are, but I have a good bit that look great! And @ 23:13 I spotted the daylight! My favorite Locomotive of all time! That’s a nice one created by Bachmann. Have 2 of them, and they work great. Great review as always, and looking forward to the next video/stream! -Kaden

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Kaden! Yeah I've seen that plenty of them are much better - I know they're not all like this! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@brandthutchinson]

I just got a brand new one and they have really improved the detail

[@tomscameras]

I know that it's a correct representation of the USRA 0-6-0 if the the pilot and trailing trucks are removed, as others already said. The Bachmann 0-6-0 / "2-6-2" is still available today. Does anyone know if the models of the current production are in any way improved to the one that you are reviewing here? The only higher-quality model of a USRA 0-6-0 that I am aware of is the one from Life-Like / Proto 2000 ... but as far as I know that one's out of production since some time, so the Bachmann is your only option today.

[@vincentberkan605]

Actually, that Bachmann 2-6-2 is actually a USRA 0-6-0. Bachmann added a few pieces to make it look like a 2-6-2. They've even made a 2-6-0. I used to have one also lettered as Union Pacific #1836, but it died and it was sadly scrapped.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for this Vincent - I had heard similar things! Thanks for the info on this! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrKenichi22]

@3:18 ouch they did the same thing in N-scale. Mine is essentially a 0-6-0 locomotive with 2 wheels added, but they remembered to paint the bell, whistle, and safety valve... I paid $50.00 for it in 2017

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh really?? I guess it's okay, so long as they're sold cheap enough!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrKenichi22]

Sam'sTrains Yep, bought it christmas 2017, It was on sale for $49.99 (about $50 including Tax). I know now it isn’t on sale but I don’t know if they have changed, It was cheep (considering the cheeper trains the 0-6-0 six wheel coupler it’s rare to see those things painted in N Scale). I suppose, but I started out with N scale and the Prairie essentially replaced the pack in loco from my yard boss set. (an 0-6-0 that never worked)

[@MrBobsTrains]

I have this locomotive, and I agree with your assessment. The light is too weak, the bell and whistle moldings are so bad I couldn't even tell what they were, and there was no detail inside the cab. I did not have the grip on the rear wheel, so it was good you pointed that out (didn't know it originally had that). I need to get that grip because now it spins its wheels pulling loads and going around curves. Also it stalls out going over the frogs on a switch, and jumps the switches with the front wheels because the flange on the front wheel is sharp like a knife and sometimes cuts through a closed point. So not too good on the Bachmann EZ track.

[@KeyesRacing]

Would definitely be cool to see one of the Bachmann sound value 2-6-0s on the channel at some point. I have one it’s it’s really a nice piece for the price

[@SamsTrains]

That would be great - I'd love to try one! Thanks for the tip! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@Jimmy_CV]

I got one off eBay for $25 and I must say what it lacks in detail it makes up for in how it runs. Plus I was able to add details and weathering without feeling bad about messing with a really nice model

[@TeeJayDesastron]

This is one of those I'd categorize under: "Not good but fun." It's not a good model by any stretch of the imagination but once it runs, especially when you are using the smoke feature, and with a fitting train attached to it the engine is actually fun to watch. Would I buy it? Only for little money. Would I take it as a gift? Any day. Would it be something I'd run constantly on my set up? No, which is due to the necessity to refill the smoke feature every few minutes. If it weren't for that then I'd actually enjoy it as what I call a "background runner", meaning it is something that rarely if ever gets close to the front of my set up so things like that hideous bell would not be too prominent. To be honest this loco gives the impression of a model that was put together using leftover parts from older models. Maybe someone at Bachmann thought: "Hey, we still have a few parts from the 0-6-0 from a few years ago. It happens to fit on this 2-6-2 chassis we still have a few of. And there..... this tender from way back when..... we could use this, couldn't we? Bingo! New model!" That would explain how this thing came to be. And for that I actually think it's alright. Just the colour scheme..... if you want to call it that way...... is really way too boring. Maybe this would be a nice one to customize......

[@didyou555]

at 9:07, that's not the whistle, that is the safety valve, the whistle is molded into the dome

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh I see! Thanks for the info Brent! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kylegilas3401]

I have a newer version of this model in a Canadian National livery and I can tell you the newer version is a vast improvement over this one. The funny thing about Bachmann is while they make super high quality models over in Europe for their Branchline range over here in Canada/USA they are known as the entry level company that makes cheap plastic stuff and this model shows exactly why they have this reputation. Now in recent years they have improved their models a lot and while they are still not quite to the standard of many of the other American manufacturers like Athearn, Walthers, Intermountain etc. they do produce some great products for the price. Also on a side note, I don't know if this is possible in the UK but if you ever come across any of the old President's Choice train sets at a train show or something pick one up. They were a line of train sets that were sold in Canadian grocery stores in the 90s/early 2000s and they came with horrifically cheap plastic freight cars with cereal and other food companies on the sides however the locomotives in those sets, although not the most detailed, were practically bulletproof and are some of the best constructed locomotives of that time period and the price of the set is worth it for the locomotive alone. I think Mehano made the locomotives for those sets but I could be wrong. The freight cars were just cheap Model Power ones.

[@SamsTrains]

Hi Kyle, great to hear the later version was much better - that's one good things then! I don't think I've ever seen that train set, but I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bambostarla6259]

Mmmm, many people complained about the bachmann usa range a couple of years back. Compound is working well now, fixed the bearings and solved the tender wiring. Still buzzing when going forward, don't know if thats normal or not

[@SamsTrains]

That's good to hear mate - glad you fixed the bearings - it depends on how bad the buzzing is - a little motor noise is normal! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bambostarla6259]

@@SamsTrains Nothing serious, feels smoother in reverse though

[@michaelramsey82]

The prototype for this loco isn't actually a 2-6-2 - it's the USRA 0-6-0, a standard design used by several railroads. Bachmann also sells an 0-6-0 version - this 2-6-2 is just the same engine with leading and trailing wheels added. At some point you should try the new version of this loco. It was updated around 2010. The chassis is totally different now, and it runs much better. The only real fault now is that it still doesn't have tender pickup (I've added it to mine).

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting - I didn't know this! I'd love to try a new version!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@PuggySD455]

Pretty common over here for companies to make a generic model for a starter that they can paint in many different road names to appeal to as many people as possible.

[@tomdickerson1578]

If you can get ahold of one, I bet you would have a lot of fun with the American 4-8-8-4 Big Boy! Or maybe it's little brother, the 4-6-6-4 Challenger. Two of the biggest locos every made!

[@SamsTrains]

That would definitely be a lot of fun - I do keep an eye out for those! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrBnsftrain]

2:06 I would cosnider this engine to be in your modern rankings since Bachmann still makes this loco to this day (but it may have tooling changes that I desribe in this comment)! 5:40 a lot of American steam loco models don't have a working backup light, especially cheaper and older ones. 8:40 my version of the bachmann 0-6-0 does not have tthat screw, or any screws not on the bottom of the loco 9:03 my 0-6-0 is from 2009/2010, and doesn't have a bunch of excess plastic. The bell is an entirely different moulding too 10:37 your version seems to have larger and more noticeable cab detail than mine! 11:54 that type of coupler is called a horn-hook coupler. It's pretty common on older American HO scale models 12:38 my version has pickups, and does not have traction tires 14:50 my version also has a rather dim light at slow speeds 17:18 those bachmann 19th century coaches look good with a Bachmann 6-wheel-drive tender loco! I have some which I only run with that loco because it's the only working steam loco i have that's not microscopic! 18:12 you should try to get another caboose! Maybe a Santa Fe or a Baltimore And Ohio one! I think you should take a look at a newer version, I think you would be more impressed with it than this old tooling!

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah me too - I did put it in there in the end! Thanks a lot for the info - it's odd that so many don't have working back lights to me! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pedalcarguy]

Hello, Sam! I seem to have the exact same locomotive, only a still older version with the pancake motor. Not sure if I should feel proud or embarrassed! It seems to have been made with the same tooling, except when it was not worn down. The bell and whistle look quite okay. I am giving the locomotive a total makeover with painting, DCC and led lighting. Totally not worth the effort, but hey, this hobby is what one makes it. Love your content, stay safe and be well!

[@SamsTrains]

Uh oh sorry to hear that! I'd say you should feel very brave - so well done!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@adamrushton1740]

The Funnel or the chimney is called the Smokestack in America.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I’ve heard them called that too! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@BattleshipOrion]

With that model those coaches would be headed for the scrapers torch. By the way, that box says 1990's or early 2000's all over it. That livery has not been in any kind of run since at least 2007, most Bachmann USA models come in either blue or "silver series" white.

[@BattleshipOrion]

Also I got a Loco for you to reveiw from the 90's a GE Dash-840cw pre-owned when I got it, she's a good locomotive based on the real deal, might be a bit before I can send it to you as I am acquiring a EMD SD70ACe ASAHP (as soon as humanly possible) (school finals and stresses).

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's very true! I agree - the box definitely looks to be from that era! Thanks a lot for the suggestion - I can sure look into that! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@tracksidefilms5416]

It reminds me of the narrow gauge locomotives you would see in South America or in Cuba

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh is that so?? I'll have to look some of those up! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Brendon_up1995]

Hey Sam.. how long did it take for your locomotive to start smoking? I bought one after seeing this review and my locomotive doesn’t smoke at all despite 5 drops of fluid...

[@SamsTrains]

It was quite quick mate! The other thing about those generators is that they don't last very long - I've seen loads of them melt, and stop working! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Brendon_up1995]

Sam'sTrains Alright, thanks Sam.. Guess I just got a bad smoke unit.

[@pauls7249]

ahh the mid 90s I remember seeing these when I was a kid forsale in the local supermarket toy section.. Even as a youngster I had no desire to receive one of these as a gift.. But im sure alot of kids did and the ones who stayed in the hobby learned a valuable lesson of what not to buy.

[@SamsTrains]

haha blimey! If kids didn't want these in the 90s.... what hope did they have?! lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@aubyn3290]

You should do a running session where you run certain engines at higher speeds. Not enough to burn out their motors, but enough to contract your normal slow to moderate speeds.

[@SamsTrains]

Good idea! I have done that a few times before - maybe you can find the videos?? :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Heroduothecomedian]

The 2-6-2 prairie is a real locomotive, it isn't made up as i wondered the same as a kid back in the 90s when i got this same model for myself and google didn't help much as there isnt many pics that isnt the model itself -.- but It's missing alot of detail but then again where talking about a model from the late 80s, early 90s so that was before their was great detail and better motors in them. I think when i was a kid i paid 25 usd for it new and loved it but it really needs an update like so many other 00/HO steam engines need

[@SamsTrains]

There are 2-6-2s in real life- but this model doesn't represent any of the real ones (as far as I know), although it does look similar to some of them! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OwenBudd1]

This one may be worth revisiting, Bachmann still produces and sells the Prairie, but I suspect they’ve re-tooled it? Just a thought for a future review!

[@tempertantrum6464]

The tooling is actually pretty much the same on the outside. The mechanism was overhauled to get rid of that awful split chassis design that was so prone to failure. Other than that it’s the same model from the 80’s.

[@astromotive6047]

This Bachmann model is quite possibly the most produced HO Scale steam locomotive of all time. Included in around 90% of all of their ready to run starter sets, available in about every color and conceivable railroad livery imaginable and unimaginable, and is built to survive a Nuclear war (Or at least falling of a High shelf in my case).

[@SamsTrains]

haha do you reckon?! I've certainly seen a lot of them too!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelschultz5127]

I have the very same loco, you can add a little smoke fluid in the stack.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Michael, you can indeed! :D

[@mgr_video_productions]

Nice review. My brother got this exact locomotive as a kid.

[@jonas2431]

To be honest I own one of these now and i love it. It came in a starter set

[@electricgaming9914]

18:06 what locomotive is this and does it have smoke?

[@eddierools]

This is rather awkward, because I own that EXACT same model myself! Same configuration, same livery, same number! Bought it many years ago, it's a bit worse for wear, but it still runs. Unfortunately I don't run it very often anymore as I focus more on British locomotives these days. An unexpected surprise that was quite a bit more closer to home for me none the less, another fair review on your end Sam, but please don't let this give you an idea on the quality of American models, our models these days are MUCH better than that, promise!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh oh dear, haha! And absolutely - I've had plenty of other American models that were much better than this one, haha! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@fredtedstedman]

SAM ! ARE YOU SMOKING IN THERE ??!! refitting metal wheels on tender would be a worthwhile addition . I think it's cute .needs a lot of flash trimming off with a scalpel to clean it up .

[@SamsTrains]

haha! Yeah good idea, I could get the scalpel on there! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@fredtedstedman]

@@SamsTrains I build planes and this is a thing you used to get regularly , these moulds are old and get worn so the styrene gets "squeezed out" where the 2 halves join-usually a very noticable place like top of boiler / fuselage , and you get these frills forming .

[@DeathInTheSnow]

I love that little engine. It's so bad at almost everything it does, but it smokes well and it just has bags of charm thanks to all of its faults.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate - yeah I agree, plenty of charm (and smoke!) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Steamer96]

Back in 2010 I wanted to get the Union Pacific 0-6-0 as my first HO model. Fate had a different loco for me. Which was also somewhat fictional. My Mantua Shifter (My First Locomotive) is based on the Pennsy A5. I am glad I never bought this loco.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh that sounds very awesome!! From what I can gather, Mantua do make better quality models! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Steamer96]

@@SamsTrains Also Mantua from 1952-2001 made their locos in the USA. Unfortunately after MRC bought them out they moved production to china of course.

[@ohiovalleyrailfan]

Lemme tell you something, Sam. These old Bachmann locos were known for their cruddy quality, especially since the company's use of one-piece plastic molding. Also, these old models had a temperamental motor (like pancake motors), so that explains why the model is a bit shaky. Bachmann has improved their tooling over the years, and now you can get models like these with LED's, smoke and even DCC.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I can definitely see why - though this doesn't have the pancake motor - this is a later one with the Can motor! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@movingchannels8547]

What's weird about some Bachmann models when in reverse the front light dims up for some reason (not a Bachmann expert but all I pretty much have is Bachmann so far)

[@mcguireshepherd]

But with the raised chassis platform also reminds me of the Caprotti Black Fives of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, but a little smaller.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh yeah - I see what you mean, it does have a bit of that about it, very true! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@miscellaneous.7127]

Great video mate! That smoke really does set that loco apart! :)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate! Yeah the smoke was very cool!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@KPen3750]

I watched your review of the Adams Radial from Oxford rail and I am thinking of buying one from Hattons! Thanks for the review or I wouldn't have thought to buy it

[@SamsTrains]

That's great to hear Kyle, hope you enjoy it if you get one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SuperJacob2006]

Hey Sam's trains I think the model looks good for an American steam locomotive

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jacob! :D

[@Tombola1993]

Just looked it up. This is definitely based on the exact engine at the Ventura County Railroad. No. 2 to be precise.

[@SamsTrains]

I thought it looked similar too - thanks for confirming mate! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@Tombola1993]

Sam'sTrains No worries, Sam. The real loco in particular is pretty much the last of its kind. From what I can tell, at least.

[@RioGrande486]

I actually own the Denver & Rio Grande Western variant of the 2-6-2. Personally, I thought it looks kinda goofy and isn’t worth the money I paid. I love it and all, but I got it massively overpriced (which doesn’t really bother me that much considering it actually runs pretty well). I always HATED the tender though. Sure, the detail is pretty mid-tier, but it always wobbles and I’ve always thought it looks WAY to big for the locomotive (which actually runs pretty smoothly). I also have a recommendation for a review if you are interested. The Bachmann DCC-Ready USRA 2-8-2 “light mikado.” Now, it has extremely good detail (although a good part of it is molded, however a decent chunk of it is not). It’s a smooth runner, but it has its problems. For one, it has trouble navigating 18” curves sometimes, and another is it has no builder’s plate present, and another thing is (at least my model) it runs pretty slowly. Going even further, the marker lights (or whatever they’re called) don’t light up and there are a lot of wires connecting the tender and locomotive, much like then Spectrum 2-8-0. However, it has two very bright headlights (both on the locomotive AND tender, unlike the 2-6-2), all metal wheels (well yeah, the tender has to collect power for the headlight and whatnot). and it has a swinging bell (idk, I think it’s the coolest thing for some reason). Anyway, I say for the most part it is a fantastic model and I personally love it.

[@lucaknight_]

I have a bachman version of the same loco different livery and it runs amazingly

[@a.l.l43102]

Hey Sam, I am a modeller like you and I got a mogul which is another bachmann model with the same body just with a 2-6-0 chassis and it is horrible I got it from a model shop and when I put the smoke fluid in the chimney the smoke fluid came straight out of the bottom because what they told me was that the smoke generator was fine but it had been ripped out so my track is now covered.🤣🤣

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that - yeah I've had similar experiences, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cristianhiga2070]

I work on that missing Connet rod I try best to restoration! :)

[@SamsTrains]

Oh wow!! Good luck! :D

[@cristianhiga2070]

Sam'sTrains I forgot my shelf missing for to move the rod for have 2 years ago.

[@94_Chevy_Z71]

I have one of these with the Baltimore and Ohio lettering on the tender, brand new $60 seven years ago... The driver's side valve gear fell apart on the break-in run 🤣🤣🤣 I still love it though and now I'm tempted to take it out of storage after watching this

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh sorry to hear that - but glad you love it, that's all that matters! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tankengine52produtions22]

I'm in the USA side but, I like seeing trains you have. + I have the smoking steam train as well, but a Southern Pacific 2-6-2 #1905.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, glad you like these trains - glad you have a few that smoke too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Joshuagt34]

Ah what we have here is a model from the Bachmann era know as “Botchedman” back in the day there American locos were terribly made. It’s a good thing the quality has gotten better.

[@SamsTrains]

haha! I've heard a lot about this era, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Marco-xz9sc]

What I used to do to get the smoke going was hold it still and run it at full speed, then I would slow it down, not to a full stop, half speed, and you will get smoke.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's true - that works very well!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@otisjb]

Personally, I don't think it looks too out of proportion compared to other American locos I've seen. I think there were quite a few narrow gauge engines that closely resembled this, which would explain the look and small wheels. Bachmann obviously didn't do much research! Edit: 8:10 Ew! I agree with you now, it looked way better from a distance!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very nice Otis - at least it looks like some engines then!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@rynodynomyte2755]

I've got lots of these models Sam! I just got one with a loose crosshead. I think the rivet between it and the connecting rod is loose. It still moves and runs but it comes loose and crooked. Any ideas on how to tighten it without breaking anything?

[@traviscoffman2503]

I actually have a modern version that is southern green with a coreless motor

[@lovropirkl2672]

Wait for the dapol terrier! The prototype has been produced and the people that have seen it say that it's already miles better than the hornby one :-)

[@SamsTrains]

Yep I would agree - if the prototype photos are anything to go by, it should be much better! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@juliapeter]

You should review some high end American models. Like the Athearn Genesis sd70ace

[@SamsTrains]

I should! I'd definitely enjoy giving that a try! :D Cheers, Sam :)

[@LukeLovesTrains-Mr.RailYard]

Also some of North America's famous prairies are McCloud River Railroad number 25 built in 1925 buy Baldwin and Fort Steel Heritage Railroad number 1077 built by Montreal locomotive works in 1923 both of these engines have been in movies 25 has been in the movie Stand By Me and number 1077 starred in the movie Shanghai Noon and journey of Natty Gann

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very cool - thanks for this, I'll have to look those movies up! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@joelightrailway2362]

Excellent video review of the Bachmann Union Pacific 2-6-2 locomotive Sam 👍😉 It is a shame that this model has many negative down points of the detail of this model, but very impressive that it has smoke, but just about it as it the most unimpressive with as I mention earlier, the pooh detail not to mention of the tender wheels are plastic which is not a good thing. The American locomotive model that you should review is the HO S160 2-8-0 as I saw two in the gaugemaster shop during my visit last week. I went to the Swanage Railway yesterday to see the famous Flying Scotsman in action and I really enjoyed seeing both the railway home fleet & the famous engine on a special five day event.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Joe - I agree yeah, the smoke is at least very cool! Thanks for the tip - I can definitely look into that one! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lazerjet8997]

Sam my very first Hornby locomotive is a 08 shunter

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh nice - I've heard they're amazing! :D

[@wellsworthjunction]

First of all, You cannot hide the j72 from me, or the fact that the Daylight (one of my personal favorites) with mk1 coaches. Bullman, top form as always, and you hit the marks on this loco dead on. NIce review,... Loco,... well,...

[@SamsTrains]

haha very well spotted mate - nothing gets past you, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@wellsworthjunction]

@@SamsTrains always a pleasure to watch your videos, thanks for making these. I'm glad to call you a friend.

[@sgkingly8392]

I love these have a laugh reviews. The wobbling just makes the whole thing so much worse. Well, I guess the smoke is an feature. *Tango has left the chat*

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks mate - I agree, the wobbling is pretty horrid too, lol! ;D Yep - the Tango has a rival ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@paulmishler402]

My friend has one ( the 0-6-0 version) and the smoke unit melted the funnel off

[@SamsTrains]

haha I've heard so many stories about that - I kind of want that to happen to mine! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)