Review: Bachmann HO SC-44 Charger, Amtrak's New Motive Power!

[@sparky107107]

i would say Bachman has stepped up their game with this one. lots of details, and I find Bachman motor drive is one of the best, long lasting and you can put them through the paces.

[@epacm50]

They sure did! I finally received the SC-44 unit a few days ago.

[@irishboi7596]

Is it just me, or has Bachmann REALLY started to kick into gear this year?

[@robertswickard8355]

Yes they have big time ...... I model PENNSY Bachmann GG1 //// 12 locos B.L.I. GG1 //// 2locos THEY are designed different The Bachmann's side frames pivot on the power truck , which for clarence , the brakeshoe's are not in between the wheels ,, the bodies shells sit a little to high ,, which I have lowered them to the right height . But run quality ,, BACHMANN BLOWS B.L.I. OUT OF THE WATER !!!! Bachmann's run flawlessly !!! B.L.I. GG1 WERE $50 MORE ++ I HAD TO SPEND ANOTHER $150 FOR TSUNAMI 2 DECODER AND POWER KEEPERS FOR BOTH ... I also have 6 PENNSY P5a's which already have had the Tsunami 2 change over .... THE P5a's LOCO'S COST $2400 + ANOTHER $900 to change them over .. 2 of my B.L.I. P5a's did not even pick up current on the drivers :::: only the end pilot truck ((( 2 points of contact )) which I also had to run a small wire from the bottom of the frame by the driving axles to the wire from the end truck then up to the decoder .... B.L.I. PAINTS THEIR FRAMES WHICH CAN INSULATE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS ,,, THEY DON'T REMOVE IT !!!!! Also if you have any B.L.I steam and the QUIT moving ,,, take the top of the boiler off ,,, locate the FLYWHEEL and push the compression ring back in to the FLYWHEEL ... All B.L.I. Paragon 3 steam is set up that way ,,, PASS THAT LITTLE BIT OF INFO OUT ,,, ONE HAS BECOME A MAJOR PLAYER ONE HAS BECOME VERY TROUBLESOME

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

Yeah

[@bluehappyscrap]

AWESOME!!!😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈

[@midwestmodeltrains3985]

I usually dont buy Bachman but yes they are starting to step up their game. I wouldn’t mind getting myself one of these

[@atms04]

Bachmann winning rn, awesome diesel and steam trains that have come out in the past few years

[@mgr_video_productions]

This model looks better than the real life locomotive it models.

[@michaelglass4701]

yes it does, I have a Charger it's beautiful

[@rjohnson1690]

It’s a beautiful model of a horrible locomotive. Keep some P42s or freight units on hand to prototypically haul the dead Charger around.

[@midwestrailfan5270]

This is the best Bachmann locomotive I’ve ever seen

[@michaelglass4701]

Yes, I have one for my Superliners

[@russrockino-rr0864]

I am impressed. Bachmann has come along way in the last few years. I started in the hobby in 1972. Bachmann has always been known for toyish junk until about 10 or 15 years ago. Years ago, we use to joke that Bachmann was only a small upgrade from tyco.

[@lenny6676]

Bachmann is still making junk for N scale. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@AussieGunzel]

Walters trainline has taken that honor now.

[@eliabraham6918]

You're not lying about that, I still have some of their junk from my teen years. I'm planning to experiment on some of them and put decoders in them.

[@epacm50]

I finally received my SC-44 a few days ago. Awesome unit!!!! It is indeed a Tier 4 unit.

[@tylerhays7365]

That is an amazing review of the Bachmann HO Scale Siemens SC-44 Charger. That's amazing! Hopefully someday in 2021 I can get me one or two Athearn P40/P42DC models for my layout. It wouldn't hurt to have a Siemens SC-44 Charger in my collection of models, just need Horizon passenger cars to go along with that and a baggage car or two.

[@htrago5581]

These will be the first Bachmann engines I’ve ever bought, and I’m super impressed.

[@donschroeder5194]

These have been running in the Chicago area for a good while now. Run through my town multiple times a day. The lights all do have a bit of blue tint in person. These are really accurate and nicely detailed models, I bought both Midwest models myself.

[@mathias369]

What a change for Amtrak, looks good

[@supermegadestroyerpoopmylo]

i know right, pass my house all the time now

[@michaelglass4701]

yes, I have one for my Superliners

[@jacksonsoto5308]

Bachmann has blown themselves out of the water with their new models, absolutely stunning

[@derekonxbox]

I've been looking forward to this

[@henrylevitan]

Same

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

@THECOMMENTMASTER 7 it's not a hunk of crap

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

@THECOMMENTMASTER 7 You probably don't even have one.

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

@THECOMMENTMASTER 7 BS but if you get one and don't want it I'll buy it from you

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

@THECOMMENTMASTER 7 man you would probably sell it cheap and it would be worth it for me and you'd get money

[@csxswarm4926]

Great model, getting excited as i think we all know what comes next for Bachmanns amtrak collection.

[@paulkirkmanMYTRAINS]

Very impressive locomotive. The lights and sounds and details are pretty sweet. I like the lady talking when you activate certain features. Nice review James.

[@douglaskirk5636]

EXCELLENT for just out-of-the-box. Lights look very Correct. Can see Two of these with Coaches-Club Cars, Observation, Lounge Car, Dining, Kitchen Cars, Sleepers trailing last . . . Thanks, As ALWAYS for Inspiring me planing my layout. This AmTrak Loco, gives me ideas in ALL Areas, Running or Parked. I will have ALL ORIGINAL Railroad Passenger Trains running around, as well as The Beginning of Amtrak. Sounds big, yet will be Amazing All the Operations going on, around my layout. It won't be in my house, I will have a Building MORE than Suitable.

[@ashevilletrainman6989]

Gotta hand it to em, Bachman does make good Amtrak locomotives

[@mr.buddah6004]

I must say bachmann stepped up there game with this locomotive. However I have found a few faults, I purchase one directly from trainworld the first day it was available. 1. The rear Red marker lights do NOT turn off when going In forward. Nor is there a way to turn off the reversing head lights while in reverse. 2. Snow plow is a bit too short it should be longer down towards the rail . 3. Paint coat is too dull, bachmann should have thrown a clear coat gloss over the body. 4. Some chrome items didn't get painted, such as the horns on top, the tips of the MU hoses, AC box on the roof, and the trip bar by the Front connections (nothing I couldn't solve with a chrome paint pen from hobby lobby however). Rather than thoes downfalls it's a very fine model. One bachmann can say now comes close to competting with Scaletrains and Rapido. PS... Hey James 50 scale cars pulling power? You must have never tried pulling the Walters Proto Amfleet cars with the inside Bering trucks..10 cars +/- of the Amfleets will be the max this locomotive will be able to pull. 6-8 if you have ANY kind of incline.

[@timothydemarco3525]

Thank for your service James

[@paulhebert3615]

Got mine today, beautiful model. I just wish the shocks on the trucks were separate applied instead of molded on as Bachmann did.

[@michaelglass4701]

yes, I have a Charger it's beautiful, mine is pulling my Superliners

[@vermontrail-fan5557]

Nice review James, This engine is just amazing in detail and sound from Bachmann. From what I have heard is that they are mainly working in the Midwest and the California coast along with the Pacific Northwest. I believe I heard most sources say that the P42 will stay in service in New England and parts of the Northeast and Southeast. Keep it up 👍🏻

[@kylemodelrail3728]

I’m assuming they are going to be primarily run in states with CARB (California Air Resource Board) emission standards since they meet Tier 4 compliance. I have yet to see one on the Silver Star when it comes through NC

[@ap70621]

Awesome! Totally out of my era, but I may need to pick one up anyway.

[@jonniefraz1376]

This is a great model and a great review. About the only thing I would have to say is the actual charger is glossy not matt finished in person. The brand new #300 alc-42 is amazing in person. I would love to see a model of this.

[@MuranZhang-bh3ik]

I mean, I'll take it. (Just kidding) I hope you get it back together! You are the best at fixing these. :)

[@kriskozub2419]

James you need some Rapido Horizon and Walthers Amfleet cars.

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

Broo I just got 1 club dinete and two coaches I've been longly awaiting the horizons and chargers plan to get two more coaches and another charger as I have a 5 car walthers proto lighted amfleet consist. Rapidos are better in every way imo. Painted interior. Amazing under detail

[@draytonblackgrove]

Great video, James.

[@bugman72]

This is the exact train that runs through my town (Jefferson City, MO). It's the River Runner route, as indicated on the model you are reviewing. Haven't seen one in person yet, but hope to soon, especially after dark.

[@bradleyogden5688]

James, once you get your layout up or maybe take this to a club and see what the maximum speed is for these SC44s. Maybe you can do a preview on it's electric cousin the ACS-64. I'm actually impressed with this model almost if not better than Kato, P2K. By the way, that red receptacle on the side is the locomotives fuel filler.

[@Masonburkett7929]

The horn is perfect

[@rcpilot1565]

Good stuff, James!

[@Bryce_TBS_Films]

Omg yay I've been waiting for this video foreverrrr

[@trainliker100]

Recently tested one we got for a museum layout and it could not reliably pull six Walthers Superliner cars (painted as Surfliner with one car modified to be a cab car). The cars do seem to have excessive drag and might need some attention, but an Athearn F59PHI works fine. I didn't have a means to test drawbar pull (i think I need to get something) but just "feeling" the engine push seemed rather weak and less to me than other 4 axles diesels we have.

[@AussieGunzel]

Will definitely be getting the NCTD and Surfliner versions.

[@Railviation]

Great video mate! Gonna get my hands on all 3 soon, might need to save up for coaches first 😂😂

[@proraptor4146]

Can't wait to get one of these, if they make an amtrack surfliner they better add the wing. My Son and I see sc44's all the time in Southern California

[@mikemartin112971]

I have that same 4611 as well as the 2111 surfliner, both are very nice

[@CSX1973]

I would like to have an ho scale SC-44 Charger locomotive on my train layout.

[@ronvanhoose2130]

Go Bachmann!

[@rjohnson1690]

I run these locomotives everyday, and I don’t know what any of that stuff does. I do know when your co engineer blows for a crossing while you’re in the area behind the cab, it’s REALLY LOUD. I assume the whistle indent is there to help us lose our hearing while using the restroom.

[@SOU6900]

Out of curiosity have you done a review of the Verta-Pack cars from Exactrail?

[@davidmackey344]

The stuff on the roof is the PTC antenna array. The engineers DO know.

[@jlwii2000]

I wasn't talking about the PTC antenna array, I'm aware of what that is. I was talking about the two offset grill areas on the rear of the roof.

[@railexposure6678]

@@jlwii2000 Ayeee

[@thefutureofyesterday8136]

I am not a Bachmann fan mainly because they are a budget brand. However this one has my attention and I have been looking at them since they came out recently. The Bachmann Spectrums are their top tier makes yet this one is not a Spectrum. I just wonder what these are a good equivalent to brand wise? Also I will assume the amber light is just for looks and not operational?

[@piedmontrf81]

I’m gonna miss the p42dc. Although I can’t wait to see the new locomotive for Amtrak!

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

So if the p42's had a 2 stroke prime mover , they would have lasted longer ?

[@uncinarynin]

Are the side grills photoetched, mesh or transparent plastic?

[@jonathanmegevand3266]

Sleek ! Bachmann did it the right way

[@michaelglass4701]

yes I have a Charger it's beautiful mine is for my Superliners

[@CameronCobb]

Bravo Bachmann

[@garrinhatfield40]

Nice video! What is the difference between sound and dcc value and sound and dcc equipped?

[@ZombieSlayer-dj3wb]

Think you could do a video of your dcc system set up

[@terryarnn150]

Witch ho trains make the least amount of noise I have a nervous condition but I want to still watch them

[@csxswarm4926]

Anything without DCC as thats the hardware in the engines that give them sound ability. If its says DC or DCC ready it wont make any noise besides light motor noise and the wheels on the tracks

[@natejackson8213]

Nice review James

[@GooseBurt]

What material is the locomotive?

[@doctorblem]

The decoder topic is a nightmare. I hope TCS make a friendly design in the future

[@natestrains1166]

The unit in this video, 4611, runs the Hiawatha service, which is local to me. I want to get one for this reason, but they don't have a DC version.

[@WyanoPenna]

Try running it at a club, but it still runs on dc

[@pokeyrailfanning]

Just get the DCC sound one it’s a lot better than DC anyways

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

I love it, best Bachmann probably ever made. I ended up with 3.7oz on the pull test as well. The ONLY thing I dont like is the paging system that TCS uses. Dont like it at all other than that this thing is a home run for big B. BTW James what camera do you use? Im tired of using my iPhone.

[@charitybrown4274]

Awesome

[@michaelglass4701]

I have a HO Scale Amtrak Midwest Charger it's beautiful

[@miguelangelgarrido7233]

hola buenas tarde muchas gracias por subir el modelo abrazo grande

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

What kind of dcc do you use

[@PatrickDoran2319]

It’s a bummer Amtrak is phasing out of the genesis diesels. A large majority of them are being stored as of now at the Beech Grove shops but there’s a high probability they will be scrapped

[@werta5000]

Via is trying to buy some of these as well, but like everything Via, it will be very late.

[@paulhebert3615]

Like mine but I don't like the blue tint of the LEDs.

[@GMTX-kg8ep]

Not my favorite engines, but these models are dynamite! Also, I read that Bachmann is releasing a Siemens S70 light rail vehicle. Is that still official?

[@michaelglass4701]

I have a Charger it's a beautiful model

[@prorailfan8582]

What do you use to control the sound?

[@jlwii2000]

DCC controller.

[@prorailfan8582]

@@jlwii2000 OK thx

[@prorailfan8582]

@@jlwii2000 does the bachmann ez command do the same thing as the dcc controller

[@lachietod3918]

When is Kato or Atlas bringing it out in N scale??

[@mrsurfliner149]

Probably not for a while

[@regisbrooks8064]

How much is cost

[@conraillock666]

cool illinois

[@michaelglass4701]

yes I have a Charger it's beautiful mine is for my Superliners

[@rickeyhall4254]

Bring Back the F40's

[@pokeyrailfanning]

Rapdio should be doing some of them here shortly I’m sure he might review it

[@Griphook3D]

Is the red beacon functional?

[@jlwii2000]

yes

[@Griphook3D]

Did not see it working...

[@railfannerguy1381]

Do they have n scale?

[@pokeyrailfanning]

No

[@bpcXD]

1:25 wait thats how you open a model train box

[@pokeyrailfanning]

For this models case yes, lots of models use the same type of packaging this one is a little more unique

[@donaldkormos5529]

I bought one of these ... it's a pretty neat engine ... and your review is dead on ...

[@michaelglass4701]

yes it is, I have a Charger pulling. my Superliners

[@markpalkowski9673]

hey has any one ordered any trains from bradford exchange? i have not got a car from the in 4 months( the indian motorcycle train)

[@PoconoMountaineer405]

its cool but my layout takes place in 1950-60s so it would look odd

[@willausterman3104]

It looks futuristic enough you could say it has a built-in time machine lol

[@PoconoMountaineer405]

@@willausterman3104 lol

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

im not big on the amtrak charger

[@kcgrailgilbert8466]

@Steven Huo hi Steven how r ya doing buddie so what kinda of locomotive do u have

[@Upguy-tj3gv]

If looks nice

[@mrdezi22]

Jesus you sound so BORED making these videos! Change it up or something so you sound like you're actually enthusiastic about the models. Also, maybe run the models at more than just crawl speed? put some cars on it and show us the thing actually running! :D

[@paulhebert3615]

He does sound bored.

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

Meh I don’t rlly care

[@keithspaventa8925]

My dad works for a the company that biluikt this engine

[@waynefrey9920]

Ask him why 4 antennas ?

[@michaelglass4701]

I have a Charger it's beautiful mine is for my Superliners

[@monder1060]

Nothing like a Charger passing by IRL and all of a sudden you hear a female voice loud and clear... "FUNCTION PAGE TWO!" :D Can that be turned off?

[@jlwii2000]

I dont see anywhere it can be turned off.

[@monder1060]

@@jlwii2000 and can the functions on other keys at least be used with shift keys etc.? the model seems crazy good, but that announcer is immersion braking as hell

[@jlwii2000]

@@monder1060 not that i could tell....when I used function shift keys it didnt shift to next in the "Tree"

[@nhbrail]

@@monder1060 you can use the shift key instead

[@monder1060]

@@nhbrail that makes it a whole lot better

[@evanstraintubeyt6950]

I hate how people crap on bachmann so much

[@natiman1345]

These are literally the ugliest engines on rails in North America today.

[@willausterman3104]

Currently you're likely correct. That being said, there's definitely been far worse looking locomotives in the past. There'll probably be worse ones to come too.

[@amtrak706]

F125 and Acela 21 are worse unfortunately.

[@amtrakisveryepic]

Lets hope they cover up that front later down the line because good god... absolutely degusting looking front lol

[@maxshelltrack6131]

They are ugly as sin I wish they still could've used the genesis body with the new power plant they didn't need to change the body I really think they should get people's input on looks before they just build something.

[@ironmatic1]

the body style is used all over the world

[@marka5478]

Looks are secondary. These locos are in full compliance with FRA and EPA Tier 4 standards. The Genesis units are beat to death. Amtrak is purchasing an additional 75 long distance Chargers from Siemens.