I Bought a Bachmann Train Set - And Kinda Like It...

[@kenhanks9620]

The Santa Fe used the red and silver war bonnet scheme for their passenger service locomotives while the yellow and blue was for freight units. The main difference between pass and freight was in gearing with the passenger being set up for higher max speed (hence some reduction in pulling power). There were also some differences such as many pass units having steam generators for car heating and so had increased water capacity for use for the generator. As passenger trains increasingly discontinued leading up to Amtrak many Santa Fe (and other lines) began using many pass units in freight service with the paint schemes intermingled. Eventually many pass units repainted, regeared for freight, steam generators removed etc.

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks for sharing this, I was not aware of that.

[@animalyze7120]

The difference was the freights were not equipped with the steam generators in the rear and that's the easiest way to determine which was which, however many carriers used the non steam version for short and/or short day trips. There was no differences gearing or otherwise, the E-units were specifically designed for Passenger service and had different engines and gearing, the F-Series were only designed for freight and eventually tooled to allow comfortable passenger service capability allowing for dual purpose road units, mostly just the addition of said Steam generators for heat. The warbonnet paint scheme was for the higher end Passenger service like The Chief designations and a few others.

[@kennethhanks6712]

@animalyze7120 You really need to do further research on this. Basically EMD offered many gear ratios although certain models only offer a limited number of choices. 65:12-50mph switchers 62:15-65mph freight 61:16-71mph freight 60:17-77mph freight 59:18-83mph dual service 58:19-89mph dual service 56:21-102mph pass 55:22-110mph pass Obviously customers had several choices depending on whether their Fs or Es ran in mostly flat or hilly terrain, etc. It was later when passenger service in decline many former F and E Units in pass service re-geared for freight which was relatively simple primarily achieved when traction motor units exchanged/relaced. Erie was a notable example when they had passenger Es re-geared and used in freight TOFC service.

[@michaelramsey82]

I work at a hobby shop, and we sell quite a few of these Bachmann sets. They're definitely beginner-oriented, but they're far better than they used to be, and I don't feel bad recommending them to people anymore. For people who aren't serious modelers and just want a fun train set, Bachmann's quality is adequate at this point.

[@tommurphy4307]

i'm glad you didn't say 'kid'- because a kid would never know what an F7 was.

[@LaneMphoto09]

@@tommurphy4307 *coughs in kid

[@bryceblazegamingyt9741]

@@tommurphy4307 me at 14 👀

[@animalyze7120]

These are not worth 175$ and up. Total ripoff for what you receive and that's the only reason I would never recommend these sets. The quality has gotten better but they still load it up with junk track and plastic wheels, the only real thing in there is the newer designed Engines that have just a tad more power and reliability. These sets will lose more future hobbyists than they will retain. Hobby stores I remember would put together their own sets to make certain down the line the customers enjoy their purchases. They didn't have fancy packaging but so what. $75 maybe $90 and this puts it in a better range and allows more people to afford the start. Trains should never be this ridonkulous in pricing.

[@chessieandjack]

I just got the Thoroughbred set for my nephew's kids. Cost $126. Basically it's the same thing but with two straight pieces so it is a small oval. They wore out the old General set in one day (stripped the driveshaft) so I got this because the F unit is easier to handle and more durable. They can use the track from the General set and make a bigger layout. I test ran it and it worked fine. I always thought that having all the finish in flat paint was not quite realistic as all new units are glossy until they age. My biggest problem with EZ track is the connector tabs broke off from time to time. Great job with your videos!

[@Don_ECHOguy]

Nice to see Bachmann has changed up the chassis and power supply's... the earlier pancakes and plastic chassis were just that CHEAP, but they served there purpose for the time period and chances were little Brother 5 years old were actually playing with them and were susceptible to a lot of abuse. I think you done ok with that set... thx for uploading.

[@FierroDuroRails]

I walked into my local hobby shop and was happy to find a used almost new CP Atlas Trainman HO train set for 140$$ I bought it right away for my son. I was very happy to find out the gp38 takes a 8 pin decoder and it runs great.

[@SMTMainline]

Sounds like a good deal and a good set to start off with.

[@magnuswettermark8293]

Atlas is always good. The best in my humble opinion👍🙂

[@antonbruce1241]

There isn't a darn thing wrong with Atlas. You got a deal there.

[@sirtrailproductions8198]

That’s a nice starter set! I honestly feel like this is one of the good starter sets that Bachmann has!!

[@SMTMainline]

I would likely choose this over their larger sets and add some stuff with the money saved.

[@amcaljosh]

I wake up, i get a notification. Its SMT, best way to wake up to a Friday.

[@ScottTice1971]

Yep same

[@AlexWeiss94]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@SMTMainline]

Haha, thanks!

[@Wilhelm-Von-Hohenzollern]

I like how he's not just hating on it cuz it's not a different company, good on him. Don't see that too much.

[@carolosten995]

Dark blue and yellow is their freightbonnet scheme

[@msnow22000]

I have bought 4 Bachmann n scale GP’s over the past year. Bachmann has retooled their diesel locomotives. I’m running DC, and the Bachmann units very much have the same running characteristics of a Kato now. I’m very pleased with them. In fact they pair up in multiple unit lash ups really well with my Kato locomotives. Just stay away from the previous lines.

[@kiffstevenson2784]

I recently purchased both the "Santa Fe Flyer" and the "Canyon Chief" sets. One with the FT locomotive, the other with the F7A. Both locomotives come in the warbonnet scheme. I wanted both because I like the idea of having an example of both pre-and post-war "classic" Santa Fe EMD cab/car body power. I have really enjoyed both sets so far - and have been pleasantly surprised by how smooth both locos have run at low speeds after being properly broken in. Also, I took a a couple of evenings and upgraded the wheels on all six cars to Bachmann's 33" metal wheelsets. I conditioned the plastic bearings with a micromark "truck tuner" (always be very careful with sharp tools, folks - and/or get your parents' help), and now they run like a dream! Loads of fun! Thanks for the video!

[@BNSF4749Railfan]

I just got a bachmann HO scale layout which is actually a vintage layout and I'm so excited I dont even want to go to bed and instead play with it!

[@yambo59]

Wow, im old (63) and seeing how much a company like Bachmann is charging for these very basic starter sets is unbelievable - when I was this age a set like this was bottom of the barrel and cost like $15 - $20 tops - This reminds me very much of my first set in the early sixties with the same engine colors but mine was from Tyco - more toy grade than hobby grade, though the one big difference is in the engine is this ones all wheel drive instead of single truck drive and its got some extra metal for weight, the earliest sets had neither.

[@betsymani2734]

This was the first video I watched from you. This video is what got me into model railroading. Thank you

[@NicholassTrainChannel]

Nice unboxing i have always wanted to get one of theose Bachmann HO starter sets they are great for beginners.

[@timkraft4583]

You did a good job explaining. Thanks for digging into the engine and showing what you really get for the money.

[@davidstrainsandlego]

I see bachman starter sets everywhere and they are always kind of enticing

[@SMTMainline]

Probably the most common brand on the market.

[@kroy1037]

The November 2020 issue of Railroad Model Craftsman included an article in the "Diverging Points" section written by Jason Shron, the founder of the Rapido train line . Titled "What About Train Sets," his conclusion hits the nail on the head: "it is impossible to make a quality model train set at a mass-market price." That said, paying a bit more can still secure a product with greater dependability, flexibility and expandability than what Bachmann generally provides.

[@christopherdelgaudio9484]

Nice little video I enjoyed it keep em coming alotta fun

[@jameskerner7782]

I'm glad to see that you are doing videos again. I haven't seen you in awhile.

[@funker419]

My dad bought my first set in 1969 when I was 5, I think it was more for him. It’s amazing how things have changed since then. There has always been starter sets but I can’t get use to this EZ track. It makes my skin crawl when I see layouts using it. I remember Dad would take me over one of this friend’s garage, the whole layout was hand laid even the turnouts. He would start with the ties and then on to the rails and it was all perfect. I’ve alway used flex track first in code 100, now I only use code 83. I know everyone has different skills and not everyone is trying to achieve the same results. Yes,the EZ track is prefect for the beginner especially if the layout is not permanent.

[@SMTMainline]

I completely agree. It's fine short term but in the long run nothing beats nailed down track.

[@medwaymodelrailway7129]

Great video. Beautiful layouts. A joy to watch on this morning. Thanks.

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you!

[@antonbruce1241]

Yes, Bachman makes the cheapest products. The problem is: Bachman makes cheap products.

[@SMTMainline]

It's all about the value to cost. In my books they ether should pull down the price or bump up the quality.

[@ShenandoahRailfan]

lmao

[@antonbruce1241]

@@SMTMainline But the quality isn't good, so no matter WHAT the price - it's still cheap. But if they dropped the price, Bachman might...and I say MIGHT - be worth a look.

[@michaelcerza871]

Anton, you do realize that Bachmann does make higher quality Spectrum models that are well detailed and constructed. Starter sets are sold with various levels of quality at Bachmann, with DCC and other advanced features. Obviously they are more expensive than the set reviewed above.

[@antonbruce1241]

@@michaelcerza871 Yes, I realize that. But, we were talking about starter sets, and Bachmann's starter sets are cheap quality. And I DO know about Spectrum - I have a couple myself. The Spectrum series are better quality and better runners.

[@yankeesandy2545]

You got a starter set wow good job hope it gives u a lot of good memories

[@gamingspartan225]

I love the design and paint work on the train

[@johnbrown7858]

Thanks for this unboxing. I like the blue war bonnets a lot. I will probably look for one these starter sets down the road.

[@ZakWolf]

The modern Bachmann sets like those, their locomotives have really increased in quality. Not Athearn or Atlas or Walthers Proto quality, mind you, but more like the Walthers Trainline locomotives, with all-wheel can motor drive, body-mount knuckle couplers (with coil springs, too!), even LED lightning. Even the shells on some of them are detailed pretty well, like the GP40s even having wipers molded onto the front windows.

[@SMTMainline]

They've come a long way from the 80s but still seem to be a mixed bag in terms of quality control.

[@gvet47]

At 74 I bought an N gage Bachmann train set to put on my coffee table to entertain myself since I live alone and COVID keeps my home bound.

[@joshhenry9542]

We picked up a Hornby coca-cola train set new for under 100us. It’s Little diesel switcher is well built and runs really good. Basic style track but it would be a good comparison to the bachmann set. I have had decent luck with most of Bachmanns newer stuff. Can’t beat the value for dollars. Good video

[@crsrdash-840b5]

The F9A you have is in the Blue Bonnet paint scheme, which is the alternate version of their famous Red Bonnet scheme. There is another blue with yellow strip scheme known as the freight scheme. The F9A in this set appears to be the Bachmann Plus updated version, oops its not. It's there standard low end version. The freight cars are all standard, under NMRA standards cars. The red and yellow caboose looks cool.

[@ErickC]

This F9A does not carry the bluebonnet scheme, it's using the blue and yellow warbonnet which was applied to freight diesels in the 1960s and 1970s (which should itself not be confused with the yellowbonnet scheme applied to the Amtrak F7 lease pool), which is correct for an F9 later in its life (that is, before being rebuilt into a CF7). The bluebonnet scheme was applied to seven F7A units and a smattering of B units - supposedly meant for dual service in the Amtrak era - and was the basic stainless steel, black, yellow, and red warbonnet scheme, but with blue paint applied where the red paint would have gone. Bluebonnets and yellowbonnets can be seen here: old.atsfrr.org/resources/funits/Santa%20Fe%20Railway%20Historical%20&%20Modeling%20Society%20-%20The%20F-Unit%20Pages.htm The blue and yellow warbonnet on an F9 can be seen here: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3318566

[@colbeausabre8842]

@@ErickC You can tell it's a 1750 hp F9 since it has louvers ahead of the forward port hole. ATSF had 18 A and 18 B units, operated in freight service, primarily in Texas. By this time the hood unit was dominating the new loco market and only 101 A and 156 B units were built in the US and Canada. F unit construction would cease with the New Haven's unique Diesel-Electric-Electric F9/FL18's of which only 60 were built. The KIng is dead, Long live the King!

[@ErickC]

@@colbeausabre8842 : I think you might want to read my comment more carefully - it's about the fact that the F9 did not carry the bluebonnet scheme, rather, they were painted in the distinctly different 1960s blue and yellow warbonnet scheme. The bluebonnet was exclusive to certain 325-class F7s.

[@colbeausabre8842]

@@ErickC Nah, I read it right the first time. You need to read my post more carefully

[@paulbervid1610]

Harrison, nice purchase. 15 years ago you could get these at the grocery store at Christmas for 25 dollars. I use them to pull my vintage Lionel ho.

15 years ago was 2006. 'ill take stuff that never happened for 500 alex' trainsets havent been sold in 'grocery stores' since 1975 some even had a model railroad section

[@metrolinxfan3005]

It’s now that I’m noticing that Bachmann has changed the texture for the EZ-TRACK

[@SMTMainline]

They have made a lot of changes throughout the years.

its not code 83 but for track you can weather with a can of camo brown, it cant be beat at its normal price

[@MattKonsol]

Dang man i cant believe you got another bachmann set for your collection!

[@SMTMainline]

Yeah!

[@Barb5001]

Bachmann has be around the HO RR business for a long time. They were never the very best in detailing but were certaily adequate.. However, they were usually less expensive the most other brands They also always seemed to also specialize in starter sets Having said that.... A bit of detailing here and there with a tiny paint brush....and some tasteful dry brushing like on the trucks.... and some minor weathering can work wonders for any rolling stock .

[@JohnBachofer]

It's definitely an improvement that the couplers are body mounted rather than truck mounted. I had a Union Pacific set that used this same consist in fact it was the same gondola and hopper back when I was a kid and the couplers were, A: Horn Hook, and B, truck mounted. I still have all my old starter set cars from when I was a kid including that one but it looks like some "modifications" are in order to make them compatible with the newer additions to my collection. I know for sure it's going to consist of coupler replacement (changing them to body mounted knuckles) and putting metal wheels on them.

[@SMTMainline]

Bachmann has come a long way since the 80s. They still aren't my favourite brand but in terms of improving quality some credit is due.

[@JohnBachofer]

@@SMTMainline I have quite a few Bachmann starter sets floating around, I was mainly after the bulk number of freight cars, since they have the knuckles as opposed to my dad's old TYCO's which still have the horn hooks. One thing is for sure though, I'm going to put metal wheels on them, the Bachmanns and the TYCO's.

[@carbidejones5076]

My father in law recently passed, among his effects were a Marx military set and an Allstate streamliner set. Incredibly horrible, but these cheaped out sets were available to families with less money and were a lot better than nothing. A local Kmart was closing and I bought three similar sets to this modern starter for ten bucks each, but this was in the early 2000's. I thought the roadbed track pretty good and used a tiny amount of Wahl clipper oil to keep the rust off {really tiny} My daughter loved to run her Percy and troublesome trucks on it. She is 21 now and still loves trains.

[@truckingindustries7228]

You were my inspiration to start my HO scale railroaded

[@rj29productions]

I got a train set 10 years ago with the same engine, the inside looks and sounds identical to mine so I doubt they have changed the drive system for a while

[@SMTMainline]

It's possible I got old stock, I'm curious if they have made any changes.

[@FreeManFreeThought]

@@SMTMainline Bachmann's basic F-Unit hasn't changed in nearly 50 years, I have one I bought in 2010 new (exact same set, but in Canadian National Noodle paint), and one I got from a friend that was from the 1970's; some differences, but fundamentally a fairly similar machine. They may be cheap, but they are good reliable runners that can clean up nice if you put some work into them :)

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

I have been very fortunate my Bach locomotives have always preformed grest I only use code 100 on my ho layouts

[@anthonyj.adventures9736]

I have always loved that style of locomotive. My first trainset was an old Lionel set my uncle Artie gave me back in 1993 i was 6. Unforutanlty moving from NY to PA to Maine and back to PA it was left behind somewhere. I dont remember what set or what rolling stock it had but it had a red and chrome santa-fe.

[@sharinasingh5180]

I am looking for one of that I have my son the same set in the early 80’s now I am trying to get him a collector set any suggestions

[@stefanegger]

I like that you always tinker around SCREW THE WARRANTY hahaha

[@ryans413]

Here’s a tip with those tracks place them on the ground and push them together don’t try to connect them in up in the air that’s when you get it misaligned and damage the tracks

[@Petemonster62]

SMT - I saw a similar set in the Menard's toy land a couple of years ago with a Soo Line F unit & caboose. It reminded me of a prototype train I saw back in May of 1981. The consist was a Soo Line F unit, two boxcars, & a caboose!

[@davidztog9011]

Nice unboxing and review of the Bachmann War Chief, Harrison. It is a fine starter set for anyone getting into the hobby. Just put a 🎄 in the middle and you're set for Christmas. Did you test slow speed on your layout? That might make a difference due to track type and controller. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍👍

[@SMTMainline]

Thanks David. I should have done another low speed test on the layout but I didn't think to.

[@josephscarfo5972]

I Said the Same thing about putting Around the Christmas tree 🎄 that's so Funny that you mentioned it!!!! Lol

[@thehernandezmediacorporation]

If I'm not mistaken, Bachmann released a similar HO set called the Challenger with the exact same freight cars, but instead of a Santa Fe F9 and caboose, it was Union Pacific.

[@4everdc302]

My first starter set was the red and chrome Santa Fe over 40 years ago🚂🚃🇨🇦

[@SMTMainline]

Nice

[@MikeThomasRailRoadOverhaul]

Harrison , Bachmann is junk "Not just my option" I'm glad your excited about the engine but you do so well with buying them used and fixing them that I would have enjoyed seeing that instead of wasting money. Your inventory of engines is large and when you come back to run that Bachmann engine again odds are it will fail. "Not just my experience" As you stated the track itself is also garbage however you can cut off those clips and connect to Kato or any other track. Knuckles are good instead of the horn hooks and adding metal wheels would be best if you wanted a better experience. LOL Good luck with it but im gessing it will be on your repair table quite a bit. Congrats on all the subscribers, you finally beat me, LOL Mike..

[@kaitheraccoon20]

Those kinda couplers are very common in starter sets I bought a couple from hobby lobby and each time they had those

[@BipolarBear777]

My first set getting me into the hobby is a Bachman Overland Limited in HO and now I’m gonna buy another set that has sound making a cool set.

[@lesforan7695]

I have modeled in N-scale since the late 1970's. Many of my locos back then were Bachmann F units. The problem with the nylon gears has been an ongoing problem that, as far as I know, has never been corrected. I think the reason they went with nylon gears was to avoid the problem they had with brass gears. The brass gears were very durable, but very noisy. We used to call those locos "coffee grinders"! I would rather have a noisy loco that runs than one disabled by broken gears. Now, forty years later, I buy Kato F units and avoid the problem. It was disturbing to read of the Bachmann controller catching fire. I use two Bachmann controllers on my model railroad, but only for controlling my turntable motors. So they only see infrequent light use. Thanks for doing this review.

[@deplorableconstitutionalis2834]

The rail chief set the locomotive itself isn't too shabby, rescued one from an abandoned house and found it had a can motor, dual flywheel and 8 wheel pickup plus 8 wheel drive. It moves around quite well.

[@edcrane4438]

I saw a started kit for Bachman that had a steam engine with I think 5-6 cars, was thinking to buy to get into N gauge.

[@dfwrailvideos]

Hey SMT, if you're looking for something unique, Bowser made a C430 in Rock Island paint. Story goes the Rock originally placed an order for 10 but at the time UP was the Rock's motive power funder because of the merger and didn't want the oddball Alco's on their fleet, so they changed it to GP40's. Cool video!

[@andrewwillard5625]

I had the smallest scale Bachman set and I got to say never had a single issue besides the fragile couplers was a great piece,

[@martensiersma3304]

I had a train set in 1966. It was led by an EMD F series. Not much has changed

[@danshobbies13]

Bachmann Steam locomotives are really bad. However most of my diesel locomotives are Bachmann and I’ve never had a problem with them. My first train set was a Bachmann Powerhouse set from the mid 80s. The locomotive from that set still works today.

[@leverettrailfan5414]

I'll admit that this feels a lot nicer than starter sets with the notorious 'pancake' drives. The pancakes work, and they work reasonably well, but wow are they noisy and cheap feeling. On the whole this locomotive feels a lot higher in quality than an all plastic loco with a pancake drive and a few steel plates for weight. Provided it's treated nicely, it seems like a great improvement over older starter set locomotives. The rolling stock also looks pretty decent quality for a starter set- shiny isn't necessarily most people's preference, but they do look like they have clean, crisp lettering and crisp paint work. You could certainly do worse for a starter set.

[@VunLee1]

Nice review. I’m new to the HO train. I’m not into like building a layout or anything, but I did thought about this kind of train pack both cheap and good quality for under my Christmas tree…

[@richardnelson-ux1zz]

Great video lots of information keep the good work up

[@josephtucker7181]

If bachmann coverted the sets to dcc ready or dcc sound I believe they would be better sellers. I would love overland limited with dcc ready or the norfolk southern thoroughbred set with dcc ready or sound.

[@nsconductor2007]

Bought a rail chief set awhile back. I had the cannonball express in the late 90s. One thing I noticed is the hopper, caboose and gondola haven't really changed since then. Only difference is the couplers, and they feel slightly heavier. But the cars so far seem to hold the track better. I think the only upgrades since then have been what they call the Mark 1 couplers. The power pack is the same as in the rail chief. One thing I don't like about it is they don't have scale mph labled.

[@saints093]

Nice video, I've had a few nice Bachmann HO Scale trains, but now, I have an Athearn HO scale GP-40 diesel locomotive pulling my freight train, and I have an Amtrak set that has two Walthers Amtrak F40-ph locomotives

[@boiseeas237]

My bachmann f7a warbonnet loved the vid

[@jaredt1356]

I got this same set for Christmas 2 years ago it's nice I like the details on it it was going for 80 USD at the time

[@luisalvarez23]

Blue and yellow are the freight service colors and the red and silver are the passenger service colors .

[@Gevoface]

I have a really nice Norfolk Southern F unit from Bachman. It’s so smooth

[@joallawestervelt6918]

Thanks for sharing.

[@codyhilton1750]

Enjoyed your videos.

[@garysprandel1817]

Atlas made the FP7 in in the yellow and silver war bonnet livery back in the 70s and 80s though my yellow bonnet got a paint stripping and still survives to this day as Chicago Great Western 116C. Apparently the Santa Fe also did an even rarer is the blue bonnet where the traditional Santa Fe red and silver was done in blue. Ah and the ever popular Minneapolis & St. Louis hopper. For such a relatively regional and fairly small class 1 road the ol Maimed & Still Limping got a lot of love from the toy train manufacturers most likely due to their bright red freight equipment.

[@ErickC]

A word on ATSF F-unit paint schemes. The bluebonnet scheme was applied to 7 F7A units in the 325-class and a number of F7B units. Supposedly, it was because they were meant for dual service, but it's anyone's guess as to whether or not that's true. The more common yellowbonnet scheme was applied to a number of F7 units in the Amtrak lease pool and was just the traditional warbonnet but without the red layer applied (a cost-saving measure). Of course, the yellowbonnet scheme shouldn't be confused with the later blue and yellow warbonnet freight scheme, as applied to the Bachmann F9 in this video. This is, indeed, the paint scheme that ATSF F9s wore before they were torn apart and rebuilt into CF7s.

[@SMTMainline]

That's interesting.

[@antonbruce1241]

Well, at least Bachman is now body-mounting the couplers on the rolling stock.

[@RailBrothersProductions]

9:27 I learned that the hard way with my Bachmann controller🔥🔥😬

[@RailBrothersProductions]

@RandomDDA40X yes

[@modelrailroader5619]

Every day is Christmas Day in your videos.😂

[@russcole5685]

My first set I got my son was 5he Bachmann commander set. Two DCC engines and a Ex command control, nickel track. My only complaint is not much extras available here in New Zealand, so easier to order off of eBay

[@phelpstonrailfan4282]

I still have my first Bachmann set that I got 10 years ago and still runs like new

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear that.

[@elleryparsons5766]

Cool I am Not the Only one With Bachman👍👍👍👍

[@ThePainTrain765]

I had one of these sets growing up except mine had a red and silver warbonnet FT. Of course me being a young child it was destroyed within a few weeks lol

[@sfm_ferguson5033]

I got the same TYPE of set years ago. Same as that one but just different colors, literally. And I’ve had the Santa Fe engine running smoothly for years.

[@SMTMainline]

Glad to hear that.

[@thomasmoje5926]

I recently purchased a Bachmann 'Rail Chief' HO scale train set; primarily because I already have a Bachmann 'Harry Potter Hogwarts Express' set and have been very pleased with it and wanted additional trackage and pieces that would be compatible with what I already have. I am pleased so far with the 'Rail Chief' set also. Runs great and the cars have enough detail to be visually pleasing running around the layout. I couple the loco with a Mantua F7A/B loco set and six-car consist and it runs around fine.

[@tacticallegos]

I’ve had the rail chief a while and it seems these locos work pretty well if you keep the track and wheels cleaned.

[@thomasmoje5926]

@@tacticallegos I since bought another Bachmann model of GP40-2 loco in BNSF livery to go with the one in the 'Rail Chief' set so I can double-head a long consist..I found some wheel slippage occurring with just the one loco now with two of them as a matched set it's fine. I have no complaints about the newer Bachmann gear.

[@houseoftrainsgarcia9794]

Like those Bachmann F locomotives really good pullers . I have the Royal Gorge ROUTE train set with 2 extra full dome passenger cars .

[@thunderturbine8860]

Jolly good show Harrison @SMT Mainline

[@erikthepirate8068]

Cool Train Set! You could use it for your Christmas Tree or Your Collection.

[@boovoudoun2661]

I went with the Bachmann Superchief set in N scale. I'm reassured because I heard you say in other videos that Bachmann's N scales aren't completely bad.

[@SMTMainline]

I don't know why but they seem to put more care into their N scale line up so I'm sure it will be a decent set

[@boovoudoun2661]

thank you. I liked that Kato Silver Streak starter set and was leaning towards that but I'm too close to Philly so I went Bachmann. I'd still like to run both. I think I'll be running table top set ups for a while yet. Got to get the engines down first. I got my old 70's track and 2 Tyco power packs that I hope to get cleaned and powered up but I also wanted to start with something new and work on maintaining it.

[@MrBnsftrain]

I'm glad Bachmann no longer sells these F7s individually, but I am disappointed they haven't been changed in the starter sets. I got a separate sale Union Pacific F7 in 2011 for $25 and the motor ended up not turning as well and jammed the drive shafts which burned out the motor (that was 8 years after I bought the model). I also don't like that the trucks aren't easy to access under the die-cast chassis I think I made a good choice in picking the Bachmann steam loco starter set when I began my model railway journey as that 0-6-0 is still running well, even after falling off the table once. I don't have any of Bachmann's GP40 models that they also stock in their starter sets, so I don't know how reliable those are.

[@SMTMainline]

$25 seems like a pretty good price if it was new. Honestly if they just improved the frame, truck linkage and motor they would be pretty good models.

[@77ford20]

Biggest issue I have with Bachmann was their use of steel EZ track in every starter set for a long time. Steel rusts quite easily. I think they switched to using the nickel-silver track (which they had while still pumping out the steel stuff) Since I don’t have a ton of money and am not that avid of a model railroader I still use the EZ track. One day I may get regular track.

[@steveg1649]

Last set I got still had the steel. What a waste.

[@ericzerkle5214]

I have a box of EZ track and i really like it for a slap together floor layout. Im pretty happy with it. I use the wider radius corves instead of the tighter ones because i have some bigger locos.

[@Dawsonsrailfanadventures74]

Harrison dark blue and yellow is the freight bonnet

[@DRailed_777]

I swear that every time he makes a video he says “well folks!”

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

wow I was not expecting that for a motor. I thought these locomotives in the sets were the same as the ones they sell separately but those have a totally different drive train and frame. I bought one of their train sets a few years ago with a little steam locomotive and I liked it, albeit cheap and toy looking like these cars, but some flat coat, weathering and rust effects, they actually look really good. I tried Al Mayo's "dipping" to weather the cars and it really worked well and was fast.

[@jadenthereadingtrainaddict8140]

Almost had that set but I got scout special and thoroughbred.

[@markvittorini5163]

Got the Scout Special and the Circus Train sets!

[@ontariorail1251]

About to sell my thoroughbred. Really sad about it since it was my first ever model train item but a I don’t have a use for it anymore 😕

[@thunderbird1921]

Thoroughbred and Thunderbolt were my childhood. I still have them both, they run remarkably well.

[@readingrailroadfan7683]

Meteor and comet for me

[@cessnaace]

Well, it runs a lot quieter than I remember the Tycos I had in the 70s did. One question. There's no Road Code (Headcode) on the front of the locomotive (or so it appears). Does Bachmann provide Headcode numbers that can be added to the loco?

[@aquilesriffo]

oh... I am seeing the former bombardiers used on Ottawa

[@samuelbenge524]

My favorite locomotives are the Pacifics, the Js, the As, the T1s, the K4s, and the whatever is an American steam locomotive with a Walschaerts valve gear. P.S., make sure it's HO scale 😁

[@jasperrocks9967]

My issue with Bachmann is the jump in quality and price from them to other companies. I got a Bachman engine for ~$100, it doesn’t look that good or run well but my other option is +$300 for the same engine.

[@francoisguerette]

Holy, you’re at 31k subs... I got at the channel when you were at 6k, your channel grew so much, I admit, I haven’t watched your videos in a bit, but your channel grew a lot! Love ya SMT!

[@SMTMainline]

Thank you so kindly! This year has been quite the time for the channel's growth and I appreciate you being here for it.

[@francoisguerette]

@@SMTMainline No worries! Love your content! Keep it up!

[@RJ_Bright9]

That LifeLike ATSF was my first Ho scale train from 2007

[@pokeysproductions6761]

There good little sets!

[@andrewmcgirt8338]

The only Bachmann models that I currently have are Thomas, Toby, Emily, Annie, Clarabel Emily's Brake Coach and the Sodor Mail Car. I was planning on getting Percy next

[@bluskidu]

I like Bachmann starter sets, but I don’t like how they lack metal wheels, then again it’s a starter so I’m find with it.

[@SMTMainline]

It would be a great improvement to their sets.

[@Kuhnakarm]

@@SMTMainline bachmann would probably overprice their sets more for that little addition

[@crewleaderprods]

I've had nothing but trouble with Bachmann N scale but their HO stuff is OK.

[@SMTMainline]

I usually hear the opposite, I guess it's just luck of the draw

[@Elfnetdesigns]

I remember back when a very similar Bachmann set cost me $30. This was back before the e-z track stuff and locomotives had those pancake motors

[@peekaboom9299]

can you do a reveiw of the Bachmann Rail Cheif HO scale train set

[@terryvoigt3209]

You need to check out the Bachmann Spectrum line in my opinion they are one of the best engines out there