Lionel HO Vs. Bachmann Berkshire

LINK TO LIONEL HO BERK REVIEW- • Review- Lionel HO Pola...
The comparison to settle all Internet arguments and mud slinging campaigns..
I've had both engines, and dealt with problems from each..Here are my thoughts on the pros & cons of the locos.
In short, Lionel wins for pulling power, smooth drivetrain and sheer fun operating.
Bachmann wins for a lower price and higher caliber of detail, but will require investment to make it run decently.
Choose as your interest or budget best allows!
Timestamps- Bachmann 1:04
Lionel 2:31
Side by Side 5:26
Pricing/ Closing Remarks- 6:37

[@houseoftrainsgarcia9794]

Bachmann has the front coupler . That's a plus.

[@TheAtlantaRailfan]

If you wanted to you could put a couple on the front of the lionel easily enough.

[@Tidewater312]

Between the two if it were me I'd go Bachman but you got to give Lionel credit when it deserves to be given. Both pieces are excellent representations of their real life and Hollywood counterparts.

[@SCL3618]

Tidewater312 Absolutely! Luckily owning both, I don't have to choose lol.

[@robintheslavewr1513]

I've got mine to pull a 50 car coal train at a club layout mine was the only steamer there and I've custom built mine with a recessed headlight and a roundtop whistle

[@MachRacer4]

With my Bachmann 2-8-4, I have no problems running a 30+ car train on a slight incline and with smooth control with the stock decoder. And I have had it for years.

[@38031906]

Great review SCL3618. Thanks for the insight on both models here given. Regards

[@Hgshelby]

I picked up the Lionel Berkshire for only $30 at Lionel Concorde used, they had a deal of used trains going on. But overall very happy with it for what I got it for.

[@SCL3618]

Always fun to see what's on the refurb table at the outlet. You definently got a good deal there.

[@stevensainerailfanproductions]

What lok sound decoder did you use? I might want to get that decoder if I get a bachmann berk.

[@SCL3618]

Stevewivibeevy channel This was a Select with the Steam Collection soundfile, announced before the Full Throttle options.

[@SCL3618]

www.modeltrainstuff.com/ESU-HO-Loksound-Select-6-AUX-Sound-Decoder-Steam-p/esu-73417.htm also available here.

[@abysmaldryer]

I always had a problem with the polar express because Lionel put marker lights on the front and the one in the movie didn’t

[@BreakingNuyt]

The polar express in the movie also didn't have 1225 under the cab windows and it had a really short headlight. My best guess is that lionel went in a more realistic direction.

[@sklecanda]

Hello SCL3618 Great review. I feel your review of the HO version of the Polar Express locomotive was by-far the best on the Internet. Making a comparison to the Bachmann was a very good idea. As for the price, I agree with you. I too felt that Lionel had over-priced this model, so I held off from purchasing one until recently. About a month ago, I received an email from a dealer about super sale for this model. So I purchased the locomotive/tender with Lionchief remote for the unbelievable price of $99 brand new from Trainworld, in NYC. I also purchased all the passenger cars as well, as they too were on a substantial sale. They still have the locomotive and some of the passenger cars in stock, but with very limited quantities. I checked other dealer and even Lionel themselves for available items and pricing. From what I can tell, it looks as if Lionel has decided to discontinue the HO Polar Express version. Many dealers have only a few pieces or no stock at all. This is odd, since we are getting so close to the holiday season that this model is based on. You would think all the dealers would have large stock levels. Also, some dealer told me that sales for the HO version have been poor from the start, and decided to either limit or not order stock at all. So, I contacted lionel via email, and asked them if the HO version has been disconntinued, but have not received a reply. At the price trainworld is selling this model right now, makes it a fantastic buy! Thanks again for the review.

[@SCL3618]

sklecanda Thanks for the kind words! You got the better deal waiting for the Trainworld sale, I almost picked up another for the sake of customizing another engine..No complaints asides the electronics being a little funky at times. Otherwise it's a solid little engine for the pricepoint. I believe Lionel will pursue HO with a slightly limited market, given they showed preproductions of the HO fastrack and camera car. I'd love to see them pick things back up...If nothing else, release some legacy boards into HO lol

[@38031906]

Hi Sklecanda. You got lucky on your purchase. Tried to purchase the loco this past monday (Cyber Monday Special) and they were out of it. Trainworld stated when I called them, they won't have it again in their shelves. Got the three set cars along with the hot chocolate car before they sell out. I hope the will bring the loco back again in a new version with details as the Bachmann one. Regards and Happy Holidays....

[@kenstrainstuff6908]

I will hopefully get the Lionel train, and the coaches too. I'll review it if I get it. :). Great comparison!

[@BlaxlandRidge3]

If Lionel made their marker lights look more like marker lights and less like eyeballs, and gave it separate handrails, I'd be a happy camper.

[@byates59]

You've got to remember that Lionel has to pay "Warners Brothers" a royalty, which adds cost to their model! Thanks for the video! Happy New Year!

[@SCL3618]

Bill Yates Very true. Happy New Year to you as well!

[@TheRealRCSPEED]

Happy new year in 2021!

[@uniquelybeautifuljourney7261]

I love them. I will get them in Christmas later

[@ChazzLyons]

thank you for making this comparison

[@Mascot_Mike01]

May I ask. I am starting to get into HO trains and going to start a layout in a few months. Before I get the layout started I was wondering what websites/stores are good for getting locos and rolling stock of HO gauge?

[@TJ-jr6el]

Train world. Com

[@dadnyfur]

I was waiting to hear what materials the chassis and shells are made of, you never mentioned any of that, but still a nice review.

[@aaprcob]

Question. What are those miniature heavyweight cars called? I’ve been looking for some for a while but couldn’t figure out the names of them.

[@SCL3618]

Those are Walthers' Oscar and Piker. If you can find the sets for cheap, buy them on the spot...I've amassed about 7 with some careful buying at shows.

[@MachRacer4]

I have a Bachmann 2-8-4 (The C&O version), and I have had around 30 cars behind mine on a slight grade with no issue.

[@TobyPasman]

I have the Pere Marquette 1225 version of the Bachmann Berkshire. I’m debating on getting the Lionel HO Polar Express Berkshire along with the five passenger cars they also offered.

[@southernpennsyrailfan8579]

who would win? Pere Marquette 1225 or the Polar Express 1225?

[@ugtmkoala3762]

Which one would you personally recommend for someone getting back into model railroading?

[@alcopower5710]

UGTM Koala .....I’d do Lionel if it were me

[@Rexproductions-qf2iu]

I like your North Carolina transportation museum car, they’re cool looking

[@thomasgianopoulos9774]

The Lionel now comes in an ATSF version.

[@UnionPacificFan]

I also live in NC and was wondering what hobby shop you support. Is it the antique barn or nicks trains or another one?

[@SCL3618]

Union Pacific Fan Primarily Hayes Hobby House in Fayetteville. I've always gone by the Antique Barn, but they've never really treated me with the best service. Nick's is alright, good selection but prices can be a bit funky.

[@UnionPacificFan]

ok cool. Ya Antique barn wont cut you any deals and nick has some funky stuff and some rareties.

[@bekbullygotkod2163]

3:16 Where can i get those Pullmans and what's the price of them?

[@ecpcharles]

Those were once made by Walthers, and long discontinued. They came in a set of 2, a diner and a observation car. Sets go for $80-120 on Ebay.

[@captainjamestkirk5350]

I hope they are still on eBay I’d love to buy a set

[@forzafan9733]

I've been able to get my ho polar express to pull up to 33 cars

[@robintheslavewr1513]

I've got mine to pull a 50 car coal train at a club layout

[@forzafan9733]

Update: I was able to get it to pull 120 cars

[@domstrains3984]

I got one of these trains for Christmas and I was so happy because supposedly they're going to be discontinuing the product

[@KorraDaTrainBuff]

This is probably too much to ask, but it'd be cool if Lionel did this in N scale. Then again, I do still have HO, so it's not like I shouldn't get it :P

[@TheBerkshireMainline]

I have a Bachmann 1225 (as you can see by my pfp) and it has the gross white wall wheels, and I am stumped on how to paint them. What are your recommendations?

[@SCL3618]

Easy solution is a black paint pen from the Painters line at Walmart, otherwise I would use a flat black paint and carefully brush on as drivers turn.

[@TheBerkshireMainline]

Good news, after a big headache I finally got to painting the drivers on my 1225 and oh boy does it look good! Thanks for the tip!

[@p6355]

Happy new year

[@SCL3618]

P Sk Same to you!

[@samfirn495]

Are you running the bachmann on 18 inch in the video?

[@astromotive6047]

1:53 WHAT ARE THOSE?!

[@Upguy-tj3gv]

Ikr

[@quizzyboi2320]

The thing I love about the Bachmann is the style but it's performance not my type but Lionel is my type because of performance that's the big part that Bachmann should have added to the berk

[@brendannelson525]

Probably gonna get the Lionel I'm an O Gauge guy but my local club runs ho so I just want something nice and different for when I'm over there

[@kdtrproductions4983]

Whats the bachmann berks pulling limit?

[@flyingscotsman611productions]

Awesome!! :D

[@PlaneBoy2520]

FlyingScotsman611 & SuperThomas 511 off topic I know, but that channel icon is really cool

[@legotech7268]

I do have a question on the Lionel Berkshire is do you need a dcc decoder chip or does the lion chief let it run on a dcc layout without the need for a chip?

[@SCL3618]

Lionchief will let it run on DCC without the need for anything extra. You can use the remote or regular DCC throttle without issue.

[@legotech7268]

@@SCL3618 thank you that is a game changer

[@talis84]

did anyone else have "Lucky Star" go through your mind from the intro?

[@theironlegionp5786]

1:54 what are those 4 wheel looking coaches? id like to have some just curious what they are

[@SCL3618]

Those are the Walthers "Oscar and Piker" coaches. They're tricky to find for a low price.

[@Chervodafolf]

Nice Wilmington box car !! I have one too

[@twiggs24]

Anyone have problems with the lionel not doing switches? At all it derails on every switch

[@crazyamericangamer7036]

THEESE have to be older models the new ones like this expensive but very detailed

[@SCL3618]

Lionel is 4 years old, Bachmann is about 8.

[@jakeandzack5763]

I too had problems with the pilot truck on my Berkshire derailing, but not just the pilot truck but the tender trucks jumped the tracks as well. But I fixed it. How? I stuck a screw on each truck with blue tack.

[@jakeandzack5763]

I got the Lionel Polar Express two years ago, and it too had problems with its pilot truck derailing. Though I'm sure my beaten up track was a likely cause of the problem, I superglued a washer to the engine and the only other problem I've had since is the engine cutting out at certain point on the track when crawling, but that's another issue with my track.

[@MasonRascona]

You say that the Bachmann model's pilot truck likes to derail, is that through switches? I'm using 18" Curves and I was wondering that if the loco went through the switches in a certain direction it won't derail. I also run My trains with DC, does the Bachmann engine still have sound in DC operation? Can I run the DCC Bachmann with DC? It seems like I can only get the DCC loco and not in DC, all I want to know is if the DCC loco runs on DC power! Thanks again! -Mason Rascona

[@SCL3618]

I've had it pop off in normal operation, along with going over switches. Out of the box, the Bachmann will allow you to run on DC, although it requires a little more voltage to get going. Most of the bachmann DCC stuff is dual mode, so you can still run on a typical DC setup.

[@orangegadgetsandaccessorie1378]

Rascona Railfanning I

[@orangegadgetsandaccessorie1378]

Rascona Railfanning

[@orangegadgetsandaccessorie1378]

Rascona Railfanning I was wondering

[@orangegadgetsandaccessorie1378]

Rascona Railfanning ,but I

[@swiftengine]

Christmas Rules!

[@owenmeschter9888]

1:54 What are those tiny Pullmans called?

[@SCL3618]

Owen Meschter They are called "Oscar & Piker", models were reissued by Walthers around 2000.

[@owenmeschter9888]

They're so cute!!

[@SCL3618]

Owen Meschter Hard to find, but they are fun to run.

[@owenmeschter9888]

Looks like it!

[@robertknight4672]

I like those tiny cars too.

[@jacobforbes39]

Do you run on 18 or 22 inch curves

[@SCL3618]

Jacob Forbes I leave it on the 22' loop.

[@the_gp9_802]

Honestly I’m glad I got the bachmann version! Mine is 759

[@riondoesthings1988]

The mth Berkshire hits these two Berkshires out of the park. So much more detail then both combined. I’m getting my MTH Berk in a couple of days

[@SCL3618]

Completely different price bracket than these two though. Definently want an MTH, but the price of that engine alone is approaching some O engines.

[@riondoesthings1988]

@@SCL3618 true nice video by the way I enjoyed it!

[@SCL3618]

@@riondoesthings1988 Thanks for watching!

[@disneyslittleeinsteinsfan8602]

This HO Polar Express is a really cool model and it's realistic like the American Flyer Polar Express but in a smaller scale.Since I like the HO Polar Express a lot I thought that everybody needs to do a HO Scale Polar Express layout. So here is my idea for Lionel in the HO World.Lionel in the HO scale line should do Polar Express only but nothing else because for Bachmann, Atlas and Kato we already got lots of HO Scale Diesel and Steam locomotives and we don't need anymore for the Lionel HO Scale line.Just do Polar Express only.Lionel should make some more HO Scale Polar Express Passenger cars to add to the starting line up that Lionel already announced this year for the Lionel HO Line like a HO Scale Polar Express Baggage car, Combine car, Diner Car and all kinds of cool HO Scale Polar Express Passenger cars for the Lionel HO Line.Lionel should also make some HO Scale Polar Express buildings from The Polar Express movie like the Hero Boy's Home, Herpolsheimer's Department Store and Billy's House.

[@Texas_and_Pacific]

My Lionel Berkshire starts slipping but can handle 12 train cars but I am running older tyco train cars with plastic wheels and my house is uneven. If I added metal wheels would it increase the amount of cars I can pull? Is their anything else I can do to increase the amount I can pull?

[@SCL3618]

It should be able to pull far more plastic wheeled cars..Tyco cars aren't the most free rolling, I've made a habit of cleaning out the truck axle hole, and adding some Labelle 102 oil to reduce friction. Half of my car fleet is Athearn/roundhouse awaiting metal wheels, adding a little oil has helped them ten fold on free rolling ability.

[@Texas_and_Pacific]

SCL3618 I tried adding oil a while back but ended up getting it all over the tracks making the situation worse lol so I might try it again but a bit more sparingly thank you

[@SCL3618]

@@Texas_and_Pacific Just a drop or so on the axle tip is my go-to, then roll it back and forth to let it settle. It's tricky, but generally works after a bit!

[@Texas_and_Pacific]

SCL3618 and if the drivers slip when the train first starts moving does that mean the drivers are slipping the whole way round the track or is it only when the train first starts moving? Sorry about all the questions

[@SCL3618]

@@Texas_and_Pacific You're good, chances are it's just have issues getting started. Watch it as it goes down track, if you see them level out at speed/maintains movement well, you should be fine. I would get a paper towel and rub those tires off though, chances are some oil might be on them

[@ishraqueahmed2903]

Are these model trains available in Pakistan because I am a fan of steam locomotives

[@SCL3618]

That I'm not too sure on. Your best bet will be to try an online service and see if they will mail it in. Best of luck in your search!

[@alfa1134]

Does half of the Lionel engine's drive wheels not have flanges?

[@SCL3618]

Middle two are blind drivers for the sake of being able to hit a tighter radius.

[@alfa1134]

@@SCL3618 I see. How does that compare to the Bachmann model's drive wheels?

[@elliottsaucedo442]

What I don’t like about the Lionel is the added details that were not on the Loco in the movie. Such as the numbers and the two front green lights. It distracts from the simplistic design of the movie model

[@Amayas_G]

I have the Lionel Model and I can't for the life of me get it to run on DCC no matter what I do. It's super frustrating. It sputters and and is just constantly dropping power and I don't know why

[@SCL3618]

Make sure all wheels are clean, the engine honestly runs better with the remote for some reason. Mine did similar, eventually just stuck to remote running

[@PresidentKanawha]

0:43... *did I hear this in an anime before?*

[@SCL3618]

Good catch! Guess you could say you called the right "Lucky Star"..

[@PresidentKanawha]

*hah* yes I did, how was watching Lucky Star?

[@SCL3618]

@@PresidentKanawha Enjoyed it! Been quite a while since I went through the series, back when I had first started watching more anime.. Add in a few years worth of content since then!

[@harrimanfox8961]

Main difference: ones a toy designed for children and the other one is a model train.

[@trainstorm1225]

Are you saying that the Bachmann one is a model? I don’t think so. The MTH one is a proper model.

[@The_jazzman15]

It’s technically a model of the locomotive from the movie. Checkmate

[@DELSTAR1]

Change the Bachmann 1225 to Polar Express and just pull the Polar Express cars.

[@bookianaunroblox661]

Which Train is the best Lionel or Bachman? Reply on the comments

[@HARPO1ME]

Bachmann stock dcc decoder are terrible and made my son want to quit dcc and go back to dc until I replaced it with a NCE decoder. Ever one of their dcc decoders are terrible unless you get them with sound. Thanks for the comparison. Nice Video!

[@MrRFAvery]

I got my polar express from Train world for 99 dollars several years ago.

[@8989theman]

I had my bachmann berk pulling 18 cars no problem.

[@SCL3618]

CentralOhioTrains I have an unlevel layout, it's lucky to get above 13 Bluebox cars around without stalling on the back side. Not a bad engine, but pulling power is weaker than it should be.

[@8989theman]

Oh. I was pulling on a flat layout. Uneven layouts can be a bitch when It comes to bachmann. Thats when I throw another engine or more on.

[@SCL3618]

CentralOhioTrains Now I've got a DCC GP30 that will pull just about anything...Solid brick, runs well enough. But the steam falls a little flat in comparison.

[@southwestvirginiarailfan729]

CentralOhioTrains I've pulled 50ish or so with my Bachmann Berkshire. No more room on the track for anymore cars or it could've pulled more.

[@owenmeschter9888]

Also I hate the look of the Lionel Berk.. it looks cheap and to me looks very poor.

[@SCL3618]

Owen Meschter Still runs better than my Bachmann ever will. Note what was covered in the video..It wasn't meant to be on the same caliber as the Bachmann detail wise by any stretch. They're about the same weight and build quality.

[@owenmeschter9888]

Oh ok

[@SaintifiedChild]

What Pullmans?

[@SCL3618]

Jovahni Bigot In the other video, I did a set of 7 Pullmans along with freight... Off camera I threw a mix of both cars on back to see how well it did, it was just mentioned in this to give a ballpark on pulling power.

[@SaintifiedChild]

+SCL3618 oops

[@aaroneaton4355]

Give me the Lionel Train

[@willausterman3104]

Don't bet on more Lionel HO products, they've tried and failed at least 3 times. At least this one seems to be popular and well built.

[@SCL3618]

Will Austerman Check the latest catalog and other announcements, they're at least attempting to re-enter the market. Given track is being developed, along with that wifi camera chair car, I think it's safe to not count them out just yet. The berk has some electronic flaws and lacks detail, but otherwise it's a solid engine.

[@willausterman3104]

SCL3618 interesting, hopefully they don't bankrupt themselves this time! I have several old Lionel HO including a 50's C-Liner that needs some kind of motor repair :'( and several freight cars with actual sprung trucks. I hope they're successful because what I have now is still almost new despite it's age and I'm interested to see what they roll out next.

[@SCL3618]

Will Austerman The cars should be good, I roster a few older Lionel HO cars in my fleet. The engine may be stuck as a display piece, unless you can find another chassis for it. I'm hoping they're successful! Always nice to see a new attempt in the HO market, and if anything else bring new tech to the table.

[@willausterman3104]

SCL3618 I'm sending it off to a repair place in MO when I get the funds. It ran for a few minutes on new motor brushes but I think the armature developed a cracked solder joint or broken winding - I'm glad I negotiated a lower price from the antique store I got it from! I hope their newer models last just as long as that old beast.

[@terrionevans2166]

I love P.E but Bachman whistle is good

[@SCL3618]

Terrion Evans The sound equipped Bachmann won't sound like that, they use Tsunami, whereas I put Loksound in mine.

[@terrionevans2166]

Interesting

[@ecpcharles]

for me, the Bachmann engine runs well, and detail plays a huge factor to me...I dont get why avid modeler(not children, or beginner modelers) would buy the Lionel version, considering the fact that it costs MORE than the bachmann one...

[@SCL3618]

Charles Li I've never been a fan of its stock performance, and this is after owning two. The only time I was fully satisfied was after I installed Loksound, but that didn't change its shoddy pulling power. Yes the Lionel costs more, but after fully upgrading a Bachmann berk, I was in the hole about $220, and this was before the Sound-value model came to market. Then I had to drop $200+ on a Zephyr..So that's over 400 to fully enjoy a locomotive. With Lionel, you're not just getting an engine, you're getting an engine and control system without having to drop major coin on DCC. If clubs pay attention, this will work well...No longer will visitors and newbies be forced to sit and watch, they can actually take something for a spin without needing a degree in DCC ops, or programming. Thus..I believe the tech will be something to watch, and potentially useful in HO.

[@UP4014SteamTrainFan]

+SCL3618 wanna Join my Series ? Rails of Sherman hill Train simulator 2017 Series?

[@SCL3618]

up4014 steam train fan Sorry mate, I'll have to pass. Don't have much of an interest in doing anymore series asides my own.

[@UP4014SteamTrainFan]

SCL3618 okay! i understand! But i was going to ask if you where interested in Voicing in Episode 9 Edwards Vs Amtrak! That is fine and i understand! Question! What editing software did you use For Cajion Railz ?

[@SCL3618]

up4014 steam train fan Originally I used a Windows XP version of Windows movie maker...Then Camtasia studio for a brief bit, before finally settling in with Sony Vegas.

[@Marco-xz9sc]

I had Bachmann and the reliability issues made me so angry the I will never buy another Bachmann Berkshire. I mean an rrp of $419, I feel like the Lionel makes more sense track, locomotive, and coaches. Sell what you don't want or keep for something else. The Bachmann quality for price has never been appealing.

[@SCL3618]

I've had good luck with mine, the engine filmed is still ticking to this day with the same decoder under the hood. The lionel berk has done well also, minus the decoder acting wierd sometimes.

[@phantomj7921]

At least the Lionel's eccentric crank on the Firemans side is on the right way... The Bachmann berks are always put on backwards...

[@justinroi98]

Yhe berksire is the best!!!

[@matthewlastrapes8104]

No the Bachman model is a lot better I think it is all I need is the cars

[@irf1630trains]

If the Bachmann's ran better they'd be perfect

[@SCL3618]

Illinoisrailfan 1630 Most of my newer products have run just fine out of the box. Only had a few hiccups with consolidations.

[@MarkInLA]

8:08 shows how poor the Lionel detail is. It resembles the toyishness of their O scale stuff. Look at the bottom of the smoke box and the near non-existant air pump covers, too narrow ladders, no cut-lever at all, poor bell, polling cups, too thick pilot spokes, et al.. The Bmann detail is A1 beautiful right down to the coupler pocket and horizontal pilot straps !! Plus number plates, other hand railings, marker lights, rivets, bell ! Excellent ! ...

[@SCL3618]

You have to remember, this engine was meant to be a toy representation of the Polar Express, nothing more..Bachmann was another game all together, actually aiming for detail.

[@scottgriffis3138]

The bachmann model far outpulls the Lionel on any grade. The Lionel has a design flaw the plastic gear on drive axel slips before the loco loses traction. I got a replacement from Lionel but the replacement has the same issue. I have not seen drive train slip since Athearn came up with rubber band drive in their earl6 diesel models.

[@SCL3618]

Scott Griffis I had the complete opposite experience with my 2 models. Bachmann was audibly making some noise at speed and slipping, the Lionel- despite rough electronics- remained smooth throughout. Even on the replacement berk, it had a smooth drivetrain. My layout is funky, given the basement floor is unlevel..Back side creates a grade that most engines falter under, even with a light load. Broadway, Athearn, I've had them all to near stalling points. At this stage in owning the engine, I'll probably swap for a better decoder. Otherwise this engine has continued to exceed what I expected.

[@scottgriffis3138]

I disliked the Lionel engine so much I bought a bachmann pere Marquette 1225 and custom made a tether cable to connect the Lionel tender to the Bachman engine it looks better and pulls better

[@towcat]

17 cars... *laughing meme* Is that all it can pull or was that where you ran out if cars/space? I understand both, but if 17 is all they can pull...no club mainline for me.

[@SCL3618]

nothing_cool the magical cat Remember, I'm filming on my shrimpy 4x8...This engine is capable of more, I just lack the space.

[@julieoehlert2893]

the Bachmann is way way better

[@SCL3618]

Julie Oehlert Having one blow up on me, it's far from perfect. But not a bad engine.

[@julieoehlert2893]

SCL3618 btw, that comment was from my 8 year old.

[@scrolls6211]

Julie Oehlert you've got a smart 8 year old! I personally prefer bachmann because even if it dies you can buy 2 more before you can even match the price of Lionel.

[@haroldrichardcheeseman4716]

Bachmann trains are garbage, pure and simple. I ordered the trailblazer n scale set, and it came with defective wheels. Then I foolishly ordered the harvest grain set, which came with defective tracks and a defective coupler on the train itself. Had to spend the whole day boxing it up, driving to the post office and then had to pay to mail it back to them. Stay away from these cheap Bachmann products, they're a waste of time and money.

[@SCL3618]

In this day, they're far from the crap they used to be. You got some lemons, which can happen with any company. That said, about any retailer would be willing to send you a return invoice and refund if the product didn't meet desire. It's all a part of buying online, I had to go through 3 Athearn Genesis locos to get one that wasn't damaged from the factory a few months back. Some of their stuff is actually decently built, that berk in this video is a few years old and still runs like a watch. Even falling from the layout and damaging front end didn't stop it. When they try, they are decent budget engines.

[@michaellandi1809]

Thats cheap shit.try 0 guage

[@fuzzcopter467]

What ended up being the cause of the random stoppage for the Lionel? Mine does it to and I know it’s not the track bc my dc engines navigate it just fine and so does my BLI mikado. All of them pulling the same polar express consist. 10/10 consist btw

[@SCL3618]

If the connection or Bluetooth signal dips out, the engine still hesitates a bit. The replacement engine I got after this review- broken tether + chuff sensor- is still ticking along.