N Scale Bachmann SC 44 Review

[@dailydoseofmetrampter6285]

Awesome review, I'm currently collecting Kato and my sets that I currently have are the CNW 6 unit set "400" Bi-level and E8A, and then I have the P42 Amtrak 4 car set and then lastly I have an EMD F40PH Metra 5 unit set, while I had another extra cab-car for my Metra so..... and then an Atlas. So as a Chicagoan I have been trying to collect Illinois based trains, Modern wise. So after seeing your review really elevated my trust in Bachmann's trains, especially since there has never been an N scale SC-44 which I've been look forward to so much. Thank you for this review, it really helped me see all the intercut details within the locomotive itself.

[@theuprrladivonyoutube]

Agree with your review 150%. The lighting especially the red reverse front marker lights and roof top strobes for us N Scalers are great features. Sound functions have improved as you also indicated so far in N Scale in just a couple of years and add in the Keep Alive and it makes these wells worth the price. I concur that Kato is not keeping up both in general and with things like lighting and I was a Kato fan for many many years.

[@jurigelato4366]

We'll see how Kato delivers the big boy. There's certainly enough space to add a firebox lighting as well as a tender light. BLI set the bar high with the smoke unit. The lighting of Kato's new SC42 does not even offer alternating ditch lights. Not even optional.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely a Kato fan. Their locos are top notch for running and pulling power - but they need to diversify. I am very much looking forward to their Big Boy coming out this summer, however. As for this Bachmann, the lighting features and sound are just awesome.

[@jurigelato4366]

At least it can be done. Still I am fully with you. Kato needs to make a step forward and offer more.m It doesn't cost more in the production.

[@luisv1873]

This seems to be as well detailed as Bachmann's steam locomotives. It looks really good. It's certainly impressive.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

it's a beautiful model. i plan to add another for sure.

[@BritishRail60062]

Great review and I agree with what you say. I might get one of these later on. I have a Kato Siemens ALC-42 in the Phase VI.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

I compared the Bachmann to the Kato, and although I love my Kato units since they're reliable, good pullers, and reasonably detailed and priced - this Bachmann makes them almost look like toys. I have to upgrade my Katos now!

[@matthewgaines10]

Bachmann pulled out the stops on this one. The question is is there a chance to get parts like motors and gears if you need them. Was waiting for the Kato version to come with DCC & sound. You can get parts for Kato units.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

Good question. I like having spare parts on hand and i hope i don't need them but i haven't tried to get any from Bachmann. As for the model - they took it hard to the paint and it's worth the price for sure!

[@williamruss8830]

i like it a lot thanks for sharing

[@donaldshroyer8633]

IMO, Bachmann's problem was using the under-featured original Sound Value (not the later Econami version) DCC chip by Soundtraxx. As far as I know, they still use it in their SD45, Berkshire, and Pacific locos. While it was, at the time, a big improvement over DCC on board, it's never been updated. You'd think after all these years Soundtraxx would have been able to at least get Econami features into the same form factor. If Bachmann's changing to TCS doesn't give Soundtraxx a clue to wise up, maybe they are just ready to cede the N scale DCC market to others.

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

The TCS decoder sound is fantastic. Bachmann swung for the fences on this one.

[@horaciovera7678]

Hey my friend I have a amtrak nscale 300 and I'm wondering if you know a way how to turn on the side light of the train?

[@AlleghenyNorthern]

first, does it have the lighting kit installed? not all of them came with it. second, if you installed it yourself, did you map it to the lighting CV to the lighting function, which is typically F0 or did you map it somewhere else for independent control? if it came preinstalled with the model, i'm not sure how they're mapped but it should be in the instructions with the locomotive - usually under the foam insert.

[@Vman7757]

You didn't have N scale Repido Trains.