bachmann spectrum K4s
I'm looking at the BS K4's for my layout (HO). Can anyone comment on them? I'd like to know what you think of them and are they worth the money.thanksMike
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I have 2 from the early run(identified by non-blackened siderods). Both have had to be returned for repairs when they were almost new. One came back with a damaged headlight. They are just okay for...
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I was a purchaser of the first run also. It did run smooth and slow but it wouldn't pull spit. Major disappointment as Bachman has just released it's P70 PRR train, and you could barely move 'em, let...
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I have both the original release Spectrum K4 and the more recent (circa-2000) one. Between the two, I'd definitely recommend the later release versions. The later versions are easily distinguished by...
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For my money Longmc the Spectrum late series in the black box/gold label, are nice models, which on my layout (test track at the moment), have nice smooth running,can pull, are easily equipped with...
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I have 2 K4s one older and one latest version. The older one runs great but no pulling power. The newer one I removed the boiler and put as much lead inside as would fit and also a thin sheet on the...
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I'd sort of agree with the last two guys. For me, at least, dropping the kind of coin on a brass, or BLI is too much of an expense.Aside from the one mechanical enhancement listed in these posts, you...
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Thanks for all the advice and inputs. I picked up a Spectrum post war today. I found that 1361 was even assigned to the Cincinnati branch. I just can't swing the $400 for a BLI K4. Not when I'm going...
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I am a 3 railer. Just curious about your layouts and grades. Do you experience problems on the grades only or when running on level grade?
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I dont know the grade degrees but it is very steep in the helix and it also has a 30 foot long grade thats dead straight rising about 18 inches in hight along its length. My modified K does this...
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With the HO Spectrum models there is a great deal of variance. The one I had from the first run was, hands down, the poorest I've seen. It would barely move a six car Spectrum P70 train on level...
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The first run of the K4's had strong springs on the pilot and trailing trucks. These spring lifted the weight off the drivers, decreasing the tractive effort. Reach into the spring with a pair of side...
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May want to check International Trains in Central Florida (maybe Altamonte Springs). They're selling upgraded bachman K4's (new run) with an installed LokSound DCC unit for considerably less than the...
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I own two 2000 Run Spectrum K4's, and the only problems I've ever had with these is them taking sick to alert me of them needing cleaned. I also own a six-car set of the Forementioned 2nd run PRR...
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The later runs of Bachman 'P70 series' cars seem to flow along the track much smoother. Didn't realize that about the trucks. My own thrust has been to convert a few to P70R with those big and what I...
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