Comparison - Life-Like vs. Bachmann vs. Kato

[@bendover9411]

Life Like is cheaply made, but great for young kids. I've had good Bachmann locos and a few bad ones. I have enough confidence in Bachmann to continue to buy them. I have some expensive locos too, but I think Bachmann makes a great loco for the price.

[@SMTMainline]

I watched this video in may 2011!

[@kurtkauffman4326]

I also have the LIFE-LIKE Chessie System GP38-2.It came with my set I bought at TOYS 'R" US in Green Bay in the late 1980's.It came with the Powered & Dummy Locos.I still use them,even on my Layout at my home in Bradenton,Florida.

[@slotcarfan]

I had large collection in the 80's. Kato was by FAR the best. Atlas used Kato's drive for a while.

[@ScottishNSRailFan]

Kato is the best when it comes to n scale. I have a total of 88 of their locos.

[@owyntg570]

Scottish NS Rail Fan true i have bachmann but there couplers suck katos couplers are perfect and im getting my first kato train set in 1 week or 2 its the mixed freight set

[@DH4Hobbies]

I'm not new to N scale but just getting back in and started buying Kato everything. Very impressed.

[@haroldsmuck3569]

I have over 300 Kato engines and they out perform any other makes I have.

[@chsrails]

I have 4 kato locos but I am planning to buy more

[@zackbobby5550]

Apparently this is HO lol.

[@rodneymcgiveron]

I have over 20 Bachmann loco's ..Most are DC only but three are DCC...Never had a single failure on any of them . One got dropped at a train show on a concrete floor and dislodged the rear trucks . Got home and took all of five minutes to access and fix ...Damn near bulletproof ...My latest one is the Sound Value SD70 ACe..It has a Tsunami chip .I also have quite a few Intermountain , BLI and Athearn Genesis and a single Atlas and the Bachmanns run with them , no trouble ..Good review ...Thanks for posting ...

[@WWIIREBEL]

When it comes to running two different locomotives paired together ,by bachman and kato, i usually space them apart by a couple feet. If the loco thats tailing the other catches up to the other, while on the same speed setting, i then put THAT one at the front of every train they pull as a paired unit . I found that not doing so, puts extra weight/pressure against the other loco and can actually derail it when crossing a switch frog or going over a 4 way crossover. However...i mostly use the old Athearn blue box locos/diesels over the others these days,lol.

[@OneSpiceyFiesta]

When I was about 10 i got a Bachmann N scale Iron Duke set and the 0-6-0 USRA steam switcher was awesome! It ran superbly for about 2 and 1 half years and i made the mistake of not getting lubricant for it and eventually the motor burnt out on it. The first locomotive i bought without buying a set was a Bachmann N scale B23-7 Santa Fe locomotive. I love it...it can pull all of my freight cars at one time which is about 22 of them...it also runs wonderfully and a low speed of 18 mph scale speed.

[@ZakWolf]

I remember when I got one on of those HO Life-Like Chessie diesels on Christmas morning 1999. But then Nickelodeon aired the Rugrats episode "Reptar on Ice" and I entered as my brother was watching, and then they showed Reptar causing a train wreck, so my brother grabbed my locomotive and threw it to the ground! I was so mad at him, but I was the one who got in trouble.

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

Zak Wolf aw that sucks

[@Petemonster62]

When it comes down to a model railroader's opinion of which brand of locos are the best; everybody has an individual experience & develops an opinion from that. In 1975, I got a Bachmann U36B. At that time; they had a flat-sided can motor, a heavy metal chassis, 8 wheel drive, & 8 wheel electrical pick-up. It ran good - I had a Tyco F9 & an AHM GE center-cab; both units had failed motors. Bachmann was headquartered in Philadelphia at that time & they were great in helping you obtain replacement parts!

[@Shinyspddmn]

I can stand by Bachmann when it comes to their newer HO products, Life-Like's Proto 2000 series is far better than their normal stuff, but KATO still reins supreme for both HO and N

[@christianpetterson1784]

My first locomotive that I ever bought (only about a year ago) was the Bachmann Santa Fe 4-8-4 steam loco. I love it!

[@CaliBup]

LifeLike was a big player in the N scale community. They have some fantastic running locos, even back then.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I have a small number of N scale trains, and my Life-Like F40PH is my best runner. The lower price HO may have skipped out on quality, but they put some good effort into the N scale diesels!

[@CaliBup]

DarthSantaFe Currently my LifeLike PA-1 is my best runner. Hoping I can score a F40PH really soon!

[@ussling]

A friend years ago gave me a gold nugget of wisdom. "Buy the best, and cry only once". So true.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Did your friend know the price difference between these things these days?

[@DarthSantaFe]

Those Japanese engineers really know what they're doing. You should give Kato a try! I just pulled out my Kato SD80 again, and although the detail isn't quite on the level of Atlas or Genesis, I'm always amazed at how it just glides.

[@fortnitedaily9375]

I like the ones heavy weighted because they don't come off the track on corners easy.

[@ZakWolf]

The Bachmann HO diesels of the 70s and 80s, and the train set locomotives of the 90s, were a lot like the Life-Like HO diesels. Today, they are much higher quality, though not as much as Kato, or Athearn or Atlas or whatever. They're more in line with the Walthers Trainline locomotives, using all-wheel drive and pickup, 3-pole flywheel can motors, and rather decently-designed shells. They also now come with LED headlights, and the models with DCC and sound are even better.

[@robertknight4672]

So far I don't have any complaints about the Bachmann locomotives I have purchased.

[@thaddeuskobylarz8519]

Robert Knight I only have one Bachman, and it's my only train too, it's pretty good

[@bloodofthetyrant]

i have many life like and Bachmann locomotives that I purchased used for a very low price and for the most part, they are all great. I don't have any katos, but I do have some athearn and walthers mainline which are fantastic.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Athearn and Walthers do make some pretty good stuff! It may have gotten criticism for its 8-wheel-drive chassis, but my Athearn Gas Turbine is the smoothest runner I own! The Kato in the video was about $80 brand new at a train show, so there are some good deals on them now and then.

[@bbtrainproductions1225]

Its 2021!!!! now

[@ThePeninsulaRailfan]

IK!!!!

[@choochoo3985]

Yes, Thank you. Bachmann responded as well when I contacted them. However they don't have the specific lines available which means one must modify what they have. Not so much a complaint as a statement of fact. As for the gears, that needs to be resolved as they are not good at all. Many brands have gear problems, To bad as they make the overall product less desirable.

[@kenstrainstuff6908]

I have a Bachmann GP40 and its great! It is a great engine and definitely closer to a Kato than to a Lifelike

[@DarthSantaFe]

That's about when I got my first train set too. It was a Life-Like HO set with a Santa Fe GP38 and a few freight cars on an oval of track. The quality is poor, but I keep it anyway since it was my first set. :) Hope you can find yours! Kato trains are made in Japan. They're more expensive as a result, but the running quality and reliability are top notch just as the video shows! I have 2 Katos, and they've never given me a hint of a problem.

[@timothystadel6484]

You can see the difference between a precision model and toy in all aspects. Kato hands down in operation, lighting, detaiils and durability. I prefer to spend a few cents more and get a model that runs flawlessly for years. Leave the toys to the toddlers.

[@Kolonol1]

my Life-Likes run great...in HO AND in N-scale... as for Bachmann...I sold it all or threw it away because I couldn't keep one running (especially their steam)...the gears split...even on the new spectrum (Bachmann stuff with a detail kit...) so all together, keeping a bachmann running is the REAL chore... KATO? I have only had 1 problem with a KATO engine...I bought a used GS-4 in N-scale and the wheels jammed up (I think it was my fault but either way it happened) I sent it into KATO and there was no questions asked...at all...it was repaired and sent back within a week and a half...EXCELLENT!!!! After that? Not a single problem...they run smooth and quiet, they are strong pullers...and they are detailed to the max... So there is really no comparisons between KATO and Bachmann...

[@DarthSantaFe]

+Kolonol1 Bachmann's done a lot of retooling in the past 15 years, and their reliability has improved considerably. I have a couple Bachmann Spectrums and a 4-8-4 from the 90's era when they came as partial kits, and they've all had problems and needed repair. My newer Bachmann trains on the other hand are practically maintenance free! If your last Bachmann was made more than 15 years ago, I would recommend giving one of their newer products a try. :)

[@Kolonol1]

+DarthSantaFe I have...I have had tons of New and old Bachmann...take them apart and they are NOT retooled...the plastic is the same...the design is the same...large axles and small plastic flanges...they break in every brand that had that....KATO and athearn both fixed it...Bachmann didn't...it's cheap junk made to be played with then tossed

[@DarthSantaFe]

Sorry you've had such a poor experience with their stuff! Maybe I've just been fortunate, but except for a gear problem on my Shay (fixed with NWSL gears), all of my Bachmann stuff made after about 2000 has been completely trouble free, and that includes both Standard and Spectrum.

[@Kolonol1]

+DarthSantaFe the only difference spectrum has is the name and amount of details... NWSL is an excellent choice to replace your gears with...that's what I normally use...how ever I do have a KATO/Bachmann Hybrid 4-8-4 that was made by one of the guys at KATO that is pretty sweet...runs like a dream

[@DarthSantaFe]

+Kolonol1 I won't deny, Kato's really set the standard in running quality and reliability! My SD80's motor is noisier than I expected, but I've never had even a hint of trouble from anything made by Kato.

[@trainzaholic]

Now that Walthers has acquired Life-like, there is a significant improvement in detail and speed, and overall quality, and just about everything else. And that's n scale.

[@Datskinnychild]

i have some lifelikes from 1997 ( gifted) and my lifelikes run better than my kato's....

[@40belowful]

one thing a lot of people don't address and I lived it with a new cotton belt Bachmann "n" scale engine. I bought the cotton belt Bachmann gp-9 set with micro trains piggy backs recently. the engine came with broken handrails. the engine came with detailed parts break down list with parts numbers. I called Bachmann and tried to order new handrails for it. They said no you got to buy a whole new engine. We don't sell parts that's for your reference is all???? and they did not have a replacement in stock anymore? So that's my one and only Bachmann's story:) other then poor service the engine ran great with no handrails:(

[@thesaers]

40belowful I purchased a dummy gp40 offside from Bachmann direct. I needed some new couplers for it cause the couplers were housed to the frame by 2 screws yet broken. I contacted Bachmann with disappointing results. One of their reps stated they couldn't help due to part being obsolete or not American. I thought Bachmann was just that, and of all, I once felt Bachmann was the only way. I also experienced very poor customer service with Bachmann.

[@40belowful]

it just blew my mind that they included a detailed parts list and part numbers but don't sell the parts:(

[@thesaers]

40belowful After I read many of the comments here and elsewhere I'm going to say we're definitely not the only ones dissatisfied with Bachmann. Yes, very discouraging when you have a problem with a brand that prides itself and claims to be supported by great customer service and doesn't deliver. The rep I dealt with was very short with me and just gave me the answer to where my loco was made which was Hong Kong... though it was a Bachmann, made me feel like it was Hong Kong's problem, not a Bachmann issue. Very displeased with there lack of service and as of having parts listed by number and not providing, it sound like the company has no true motive.

[@tyrinonbrightblade]

I know this video is old, but it would be nice to see comparisons that also add details of what is under the shell and show it. Nice vid.

[@jasondooley6550]

Life-Like must have made some good along with the bad. I have 8 of their GP38s and I really like them.

[@aspenGF8]

it depends on what type of locomotive that you are talking about. walthers thrainline GP9M is a old widebody that can be thrown in the garbage. if it's a F40PH the shell is fine and a athearn GP38-2/40-2 frame can be used to power it.

[@Subparanon]

In Japanese Ka is pronounced like the beginning of caught. Add an o to that and you get Caughto which is exactly how a Japanese person would pronounce Kato or かと

[@JAFZX1207]

Very informative comparisons. Nice to know that my Life Like engine is not the only one that makes that loud squeeling sound. Was wondering if it was just mine. Thanks.

[@willparsons32]

I'd say the "noise" originates from the roadbed material(s) and Not the wheels of the train.. Not sure what you're track is attached to but if you were to use the neoprene road bed you probably would get a LOT less noise at higher speeds. The better sound dampening material you use between the track ties and the base material of your layout (plywood or hardboard) the less noise your locos will generate.

[@DarthSantaFe]

The roadbed is cork, and does transfer some track noise through the layout. The noise I was talking about had to do with the motors, gears and bearings, but wasn't always picked up well over the track noise by the camera's mic.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Hi! The Life-Like F40PH uses the same chassis as the GP38 in this video. The drive wheels are plastic, but as long as you keep the thing nice and clean, it should pull your Bombardier coaches fine. If you ever want to upgrade but still get a good value, Walthers makes a nice F40PH with a metal chassis and all wheel drive.

[@Elfnetdesigns]

Bachmann has come a long way. I have an old Bachmann F unit with the pancake motor and a newer one with the cam drive motor. You can not only tell them apart by the noise but the shell molding as well as the newer one has more detail. Now Bachmann does make some excellent European stuff.

[@zackbobby5550]

Looks like Bachmann is really stepping up their n-scale game. That loco ran better than most of their more popular HO stuff.

[@DarthSantaFe]

This is actually all HO scale in this video.

[@zackbobby5550]

@@DarthSantaFe Oh shit I thought Kato only did N-scale stuff so I just assumed.

[@STiGuy]

Just got a Bachmann SD40-2, and it runs great & the detail is amazing for $99.00

[@rodneymcgiveron7267]

G'day from Australia, I'm a big fan of Bachmann , especially the spectrum series..I have a few and have never had an issue with any of them..I have six SD40-2 which all run perfectly..My two lifelike's on the other hand are jerky , noisy and no comparison..I've yet to buy a Kato , but will be soon...Great video..Thanks

[@byronugalde3158]

Thanks for your video. I like your layout, small and wonderful!

[@shawnwood4317]

I am in TOTAL agreement with your assessment, keep up the work. Look forward to seeing more videos.

[@thatguyy7581]

Actually, Life Like is one of the best if you think of it. They made Proto-2000, which is one of the top notch stuff. They also were the first ones to use actual knuckle couplers in HO scale.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I'm definitely a fan of the Proto series, and have quite a few of them! Instead of getting out of trains like Tyco, they decided to step things up and create some really nice stuff.

[@JBofBrisbane]

I should do a similar comparison. I have three F40PHs, by Life-Like (crappy, similar to your Chessie GP-30), Walthers Trainline (good runner, so-so detail and paintwork), and Bachmann Spectrum (great runner, excellent detail and paint, working strobe lights on cab roof).

[@danielhulitt1212]

Early Atlas motors (prior to 1995 I think) were made by Kato, and are good running engines for a very good price. After 1995 Kato went on their own and Atlas sourced their motors from China. Nice Vid.

[@kurtkauffman4326]

Someday the LIFE-LIKE Chessie System GP38-2 should have the Powered & Dummy Locos,plus a Caboose altogether in one.Please Post soon!

[@Redsurge98]

I have a life-like, it kinda sucks that they dont exsist anymore, but the life-like train i had was ok quality. Ive had it for a long time but traction started to give out so it wouldn't go forward. Ive decided to try and fix it by putting more weight so it will move

[@bloodofthetyrant]

sometimes noisy is good,right?! to me i dont care if they are noisy because most of my engine i buy used for super cheap. none of the high end stuff, but works perfect for what i use it for.

[@keithparquette]

Not my first bad experience with Bachmann, however after this one I am all the more reluctant. . by far the worst was an N scale set purchased a couple years ago new, defective right out of the box. No response whatsoever from Bachmann when I tried calling/emailing for replacement repair.

[@containershipfan]

for me: 1) Proto 2000, 2) Athearn Genesis, 3) Kato, 4) Atlas, 5) Intermountain 6) some Athearn RTR.

[@kurtkauffman4326]

I've been a longtime fan of LIKE-LIKE since 1979.Great stuff they have from them.

[@DarthSantaFe]

A lot of their products are very nice, especially since they came out with the Proto series. I have older Life-Like trees, buildings, and other scenery on my layout. A lot of their freight cars are also made from old Varney tooling, which was pretty good quality in its day.

[@kurtkauffman4326]

DarthSantaFe Thanks alot Darth Santa Fe.I have quite a few LIFE-LIKE items on my Layout at my Home in Bradenton,Florida.Among them I have are the Buildings,Action Accessories,Locos,Cars,Track,Power Pack,Booklets on "Basics for Beginners",Color Catalogs,& HO Scenics.I also took a look at LIFE-LIKE Products On-Line.Thanks alot for posting it for me,appreciate it.

[@kurtkauffman4326]

DarthSantaFe I also purchased LIFE-LIKE Products through the years from,Kaybee Toys(Now Defunct),TOYS 'R' US,Hobby Shops,& also later at the Swap Meets they have in Bradenton.

[@kurtkauffman4326]

DarthSantaFe Through the years Montgomery Ward sold LIFE-LIKE Products in its XMAS Catalogs before they went in history.Later on it was Sears & J.C.Penney,Also at K Mart,Wal Mart & many other fine Stores.

[@24TRAINMAN]

I have a newer bachmann. It is a B&O FA2 from 2012(I Think) I also have some older bachmanns. And the quality and performance is really steped up from the older Bachmanns. Runs great looks great. Bachmann has really steped up their game. Pretty good engine for what I got it for($80)...

[@MattKonsol]

Really nice ho scale comparison vid here. I did the same thing but it is no longer on KZbin. Not sure if I’ll ever do a comparison vid on it too who knows?

[@jantheman9999]

A very helpful and honest comparison. Confirms what I thought to be true about these engines. Please keep up the good work and videos.

[@ReadingAreaRailfan]

I have multiple life like GP38-2's, I actually like them, they run forever

[@TRRailfan]

I don’t get why everyone hates Bachmann. I have a GP40 and it’s one of my best runners, even though it was much cheaper than any of the better runners.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@pilotso The Life-Like motor can be put out of alignment pretty easily, which will cause a lot of excess heat. Some very fine adjustment can be done, and they'll run very cool after that, but it's hardly worth it. One thing they're at least good for is practice taking things apart and putting them back together! As for Kato's greatness, you'll get no objections here! They're an excellent product!

[@Rickster5176]

Kato is the top of the line. As with anything, you get what you pay for, but there's definitely a useful place for the lower end diesels. For example, I wouldn't buy a kid an expensive Kato unit for his first diesel. The Bachmann Spectrum equipment has gotten better over the years and is good value for mid-range priced equipment. But, if you can afford it, Kato is the way to go.

[@Mike-pj1kv]

I didn't know they made locos that bad - the first one.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Yeah, except for the Varney based trains from the first couple years in the 70's, that was basically the best you could get from them in HO until the late 80's when they started the Proto 2000 line.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@MrMomobot All HO scale trains (except for Marklin's) are designed to work on the same 2-rail track system. You should be able to run Bachmann and practically anything else on your Life-Like track without issue. Have fun!

[@tommyhaynes9157]

My regular life like ( not the proto 2000) isn't as finely detailed as my Atlas locos but they run great they seem to really pick up the current from the track well and can run very fast

[@joedaylight]

My first ho train set was life like and it was awesome train and still have it today.

[@alcopower5710]

My preference for lower price locos is used Blue Box Athearn. Can pick them up for cheap at train shows or eBay. Mid range I like Atlas and Kato. Can’t really afford high end stuff so can’t comment there.

[@auxil47]

I didn't mention this before but I find that Atlas is just as good if not just a little bit better than the Kato, just my opinion. But I'm a big fan of Bachman 15 years and counting.

[@briefroboboy]

The train itself is good, its just the motor. I have a Life Like Santa Fe F3. Its motor doesnt make a whining noise, but if i go at high speeds it smells a little electrical.

[@keithparquette]

There must be some form of trickery the likes of which I am not familiar with in reassembling the metal frame, upon doing so the plastic pins which held the screws in split, basically i am left with a $30.00 paperweight.

[@Conrailsd80guy]

Kato rules.

[@owyntg570]

J&B Productions yes it does my friend yes it does

[@Mapletheneko]

J&B Productions it's the best company ever

[@alco251b9]

J&B Productions that is, for people that can afford them

[@csxfan6309]

Yes kato rules!!

[@spinster4000]

If you go on trainworld just look at kato trains, literally $84.99 for a single engine, thats cheap compared to most others such as Intermountain which price them at around $199 and kato has some really good unitrack, most people LOVE unitrack, it's so simple to ballast and is very realistic track.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Yeah, the standard line N scale can still be a little hit-and-miss. I think there's been a lot of improvement in the Spectrum N scale trains, though. Surprisingly, Life-Like's standard line of N scale diesels are actually pretty nice runners.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@trainwreckmaster Yes, Kato will run on Life-Like track. LL track is made to Code 100 standards, so all HO scale electric trains should run on it without issue.

[@bendover9411]

There's no comparison, everyone in modeling knows Lifelike is garbage. They became really good when they went Proto! Bachmann is a fairly good locomotive as far as being economical! I have over 50 HO diesels and my best is an MTH F7! I had a Kato N scale that was a great runner!

[@rodneymcgiveron]

G'day, Thanks for a really good comparo on these three brands..I have about 50HO locos which about half analog/dcc... No doubt the Intermountain DCCs are almost perfect runners , with Atlas and Athearn fair ,,but otherwise most of the rest are Bachmann Spectrum locos and they are pretty good runners across the board..Got one iffy Bachmann Dash 9...is all...My one and only Lifelike is terribly noisy and rough...No Kato yet... Thanks/Cheers Rod...

[@whoohaaXL]

Bachmann trainset diesels have come a HUGE way from what they were. Their seperate standard line and spectrum are in a league of their own.

[@PRRXRR]

personally being a dcc runner i would not even consider a life like but between bachmen and kato I would take kato any day,

[@alco251b9]

Old Bachmann is junk the new bachmann is better

[@houseoftrainsgarcia9794]

Great pulling power

[@ironhorsehistorian9871]

Their new diesels are very well detail d

[@user-sd7qo7qe4v]

Still junk

[@DarthSantaFe]

Bachmann Plus is the same as the current Standard line stuff, but some of the drive parts are anywhere from a little to a lot less refined (especially the 4-8-4s). I would only buy a Plus model if you can get it for less than the current Standard models.

[@danhoyland142]

I got a layout In front of my drum set as well right now. I thought I was the only one haha

[@mikekutz5776]

Excellent informative video. Thanks for the info.

[@agwbcfjc2]

May I ask you, and your other viewers, a question? I think I have a memory (from about twenty years ago) of Kato diesel locomotives having two motors, one for the rear axle groups and the other for the front axle groups. Is this an accurate memory? Have you ever seen that? Thanks to all for your help.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Aside from the newer models with self contained motor trucks, I’ve only seen Katos with large central motors. There have been models from other brands with two motors.

[@vidfreak727]

thats what Im saying. Replace the body with a better can motor with dual power pick-ups and just put the shell back on. Im not really that worried about details because my layout will be fictional anyway.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I'm sorry to hear the one you got had so many problems. I've had great luck with Bachmann, so I'll stick with them, but we all have our own preferences. :) My Life-Like/Walthers Proto and Trainline, and many of my Athearns (BB, RTR, Genesis) are great runners, so those brands are all good choices.

[@raythedodger]

Thanks for the review. I know Bachmann products were junk at one point and some folks seem to hold that against them. Besides having the best warranty int he business, I have grown fond of some of my bachmann engines. They are great runners and on par with more expensive models. Who can argue with the price either?

[@slickflyguy]

Life-Like is a division of Walther and a good first set when you're young. I bought a Life-Like set to resurrect my Tyco train set from my childhood. The set came with quite a bit of track, two switches, and a crossing gate with a bunch of other stuff. I like the GP38 engine it came with also My three Bachmann engines (GP40 and an SD40) run smoother and quieter. The Life-Like power loc track that came with the set is much better than the Bachmann track due to derailing issue at the two switches and crossing gate. Never had a problem with the Life=Like track and all the engines run better on it. Bachmann's track has too many bumps between sections cause it does not fit cleanly like Life-Like. I am very disappointed with Bachmann's track that came with a Bachmann set I purchased.

[@DarthSantaFe]

+Packfan I've had some problems making rail on EZ Track line up properly too. The Power Loc track is very easy to use for floor setups and works well. On a layout though, standard track on soft roadbed is far quieter. My layout's track is made by Atlas and tacked to cork roadbed, and when laid down properly, operation is smooth as silk.

[@bloodofthetyrant]

back again! i had recently bought a new snoot cp rail sd40-2 athearn and ill have to say it does run great but its reeally noisy. my 40$ gp9m walthers runs perfects as well as my bachmann sd40-2. bachmann is really underrated imho.

[@DarthSantaFe]

The SD40-2 uses a 30 year old chassis and motor design, so it can be noisier than some of their newer designs. It should last forever, though!

[@keithparquette]

After a bit of super glue, duct tape and patience, did manage to get the frame together, and, after waiting a while for the CA to dry gave the locomotive a run with a few boxcars, which did fine after a few runs at full throttle . . . about the third time around, began to shake, slip and stall again. Note to self: If you see anything (even used) in a Bachmann (or, as I now call them, Botchmann) box-don't do it. Going to stick with Athearn, Life Like or Walthers.

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Nice comparison. Thanks for sharing I liked and subbed to your channel 👍😃

[@ScottJohnson4449]

I just bought a LifeLike E8. It outpulled all my other locomotives in Vinnys challenge. $37.00 online, brand new from VA Beach

[@DarthSantaFe]

Those Proto 2000 E units are some strong runners! I have the E7A with the same chassis, and that huge weight along with the 1" flywheels and sprung axles really put it in a class of its own.

[@ScottJohnson4449]

@@DarthSantaFe It is the heaviest loco I own. I wanted it to put one of my 1976 Southern Crescent shells on. I have 3 LifeLike E8s and one Kato E8 all in Southern Crescent dress. I made the 1976 Bicentennial decals on them 'cause I loved seeing them that summer in VA. I found it on buildingyourmodelrailroad,com. I keep looking for more. I put a video on about it : "I put the $37.00brand new Wabash E8 to the test" Thanks fo watching and replying. I run Kato, Lifelike, Atlas and a few others. You might like my video about turning a smoking, sparking Bachman GP40 into a dummy.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@@ScottJohnson4449 Looks like the commutator in that GP40 motor was gunked up with brush dust and oil! It might be possible to clean it out using some alcohol and a toothbrush, then use a very sharp knife to clean between the segments of the commutator. It might be able to work again with some maintenance, but having it as a dummy works just as well. :)

[@ScottJohnson4449]

@@DarthSantaFe Yes it runs better as a dummy then it ever did lol. thank you for the information. I recently had a geeked up Kato SD70 "Daylights Dunsmuir" that probably got ballast in the gears. I just replaced the trucks-works great. I appreciate your thoughtful replies.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@MrMomobot If you can afford the Atlas, it's the best choice overall. The running quality is equal to Kato, and the detail is top-notch. But Bachmann is still a great choice, since most of their engines run smooth right from the box. If you're talking about coupling the Life-Like engine to another brand, it won't like it so much. Life-Like's non-Proto series trains run very fast and will fight most other brands of trains.

[@DarthSantaFe]

@EWLR89 I use the DCC version, but I took out the DCC board (it didn't work so well). I've heard of odd squeeling problems with the Spectrum GP30, so the new one is probably better mechanically. Aside from cheap electronics (except in the Spectrum line), most modern Bachmann products are very good.

[@mikeday62]

Maybe I missed where you told us what scale these are. (?) It's not easy to tell except to say its either HO or N. The scale is the first thing most people want to know. All my stuff is N scale. I have about 15 mostly new Kato locomotives. Eleven of those are modern GE 4400 horsepower series, AC4400CW, C44-9W, ES44AC. The Kato's are my best locomotives....very quiet, smooth, powerful, reliable, nice details. I have two new Bachmann GP-7, came with DCC decoders included. They are very nice, no complaints yet. My Atlas are older ones.....okay but noisy and slower. Have about seven Intermountain brand locos which are excellent high quality as well. Did I mention the scale? They are N scale. N is for Nice.....and Normal. The Normal scale. Some Bachmann locos are quite good!

[@DarthSantaFe]

They're HO scale. I have little experience with N scale beyond what was made in the 90's, but for standard line products, my Life-Likes are actually better than the Bachmanns. I'm sure Bachmann's improved some of their drive components in recent years, though.

[@christopherdelgaudio9484]

Life like rules!!

[@MattKonsol]

Team life like-Smt mainline

[@kenstrainstuff6908]

Some say the golden rule of model railroading is "don't buy bachmann". The golden rule should instead be " don't buy life-like". Bachmann makes good beginner trains, and good trains for those advanced railroaders who don't have a large budget, and can easily be super detailed with a super detailing kit.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Bachmann's also been making all of the trains for Athearn, BLI, and some other big ones since they bought the factory a few years back.

[@DarthSantaFe]

When the tires are fresh, it has quite a bit of traction, but the motor isn't all that powerful. For a single unit, I'd keep it down to about 15 free rolling freight cars.

[@balto5080]

Bachmann and life like make great train cars but Kato and Atlas as well as Innermountain Atheran, Fox Valley and Genesis make great lasting engines

[@JasontheFolf]

OwO

[@Sukkoui]

Bachman is great if you just want to start out. Honestly, I owned 3 Bachman, and sold them all. I never liked them, so I personally moved to higher models. Basically, if its just for fun maybe once or twice around the christmas tree, thats all they are good for. If you want to be serious, buy things like Kato, Athearn RTR and Genesis, BLI, or Internountian.

[@UnionPacificBNSF]

Walthers makes Scene Master knuvkle couplers that drop right into a Manuta, Life Like, TYCO, or IHC coupler pocket.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Buy what you feel comfortable with and if it looks good on the layout then get it.

[@JonRabit]

I have the same bachmann model. all it needs is some good running in time and it will be virtually silent.

[@ORCA4312]

Because it stopped running?

[@lancesamtraktrains3734]

Still here in 2021

[@shipmate3577]

Are you running DC or DCC? I'd like to start a door N scale layout and I only vision using one train as I like simplicity and want to give the impression of a scenic scenery out in the wilderness. I may run a switcher at a later date when I hope to eventually expand to include a railyard on a 2' x 4' addition.

[@DarthSantaFe]

I run DC. The layout I have right now isn't enough to justify DCC, so I won't be using that until I have the room for a bigger layout.

[@shipmate3577]

just curious, what's your opinion on how big is big enough to justify switching to DCC? I'm trying to figure if I should test the waters with DC or spending the money now to get DCC in order to probably save money later.

[@DarthSantaFe]

Shipmate Part of it is your setup. My layout is made for continuous running, usually for 1 train at a time. If you're going to have switching, you may want to start DCC sooner, since it'll give you easy control of the individual units on the track.

[@vidfreak727]

how did you put knuckle coupers on the life-like? I tried doing that with my SF GP38's (2 of them) and they didnt really work well with them (I had kadee #148 knuckle couplers on them, btw). I put the horn hooks back on them and plan to just use those for smaller trains. I now buy from Athearn and Bachman mostly.

[@vidfreak727]

Thanks. Maybe I can just take out the chassis and replace the whole bottom part of the loco that holds the motor and replace it with another one? Don't know if that's possible, but its worth a try, I think

[@vidfreak727]

One more question. Can you compare the Walthers Trainline engines to the Athearn ones? I would like to know the details beside cosmetic looks (which could be obvious to some people)