jime Posted December 30, 2014 Share Posted December 30, 2014 I have a chance to buy a Bachmann 1:20.3 2-8-0 Spectrum Model, unlettered, like new. What is it worth? I haven't seen it yet but was informed it is in new condition. What should I look for when I get there to look at it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 It's been a long time since I've looked for these and I just don't remember what these were selling for. Last price I see on line was just under $600.00 but I thought they were cheaper than that. I recall that this engine had issues with the main axle gear cracking (it's made of plastic) so that is the one thing I would look for. Replacements are available and I think an all metal version may be available as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benshell Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 If I remember correctly they were once selling for under $300 (even $225 on a sale--I was helping someone find one back around 2009), which was a great deal even at the time! I have no idea what they are worth now. I heard a dealer complain about the gearing and having a hard time with slow speed, but I know several people who have them and are quite happy with them. I've seen them run pretty slow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Thanks Ben, that's what I remember but wasn't 100% sure. The ones I've had here I felt ran at an ok speed for the type of engine it is. I personally thought they were a good deal and well made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Strong Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Which 2-8-0? Bachmann made two versions. The early version that I think most folks are talking about is the "outside frame" version, also called the "Connie" in large scale circles. Here's mine (albeit slightly modified): I've seen them go anywhere from $250 - $500 depending on the demand at the time. They've been out of production for at least 10 years, but you can still find new-in-box versions that have been sitting idle. As was mentioned, the "weak link" in this loco is the main drive gear on the axle. It's prone to cracking. Bachmann offers a brass replacement gear and axle combination for $10, which is a worthwhile investment. You needn't replace the axle until the gear breaks, but know that there's a high likelihood that the gear will break and this way you have a good replacement ready to go. Mine is a workhorse, and runs very smoothly. The newer 2-8-0 came out around 2 years ago, and is a model of a D&RGW C-19, an "inside frame" 2-8-0. Here's a photo of mine (again, with minor cosmetic changes): This one goes for $750 - $900. It's easily in the top 10% of locomotives on the market. Good, strong motor and gears (all metal gearbox), and detailed to the hilt. You'll not go wrong with either one. Later, K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jime Posted January 1, 2015 Author Share Posted January 1, 2015 Hopefully I will find out tomorrow if we can work out a time to meet. Thank You Kevin, now I have some thing to go by when I see it. I will post some pictures after I see it. Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jime Posted January 4, 2015 Author Share Posted January 4, 2015 Well here is what we bought for under $600. 1 - Aristo Craft #11200 RH Manual Switch Track in box. 1 - Bachmann #92502 side dump car in box. 1 - AMS #8268 box car in box. 1 -Spectrum 0-4- 0 Side Porter #82597 Midwest Mining Co. in box 1 - Baldwin Industrial 2-6-0 Mogul #91552 Midwest Quarry & Mining Co. #3 in box (never been on a track till tonight) 1 - 2-8-0 Narrow Gauge Consolidation #81299 Painted, Unlettered in box (the drive gear is striped) OUTSIDE FRAME And a bunch of track connectors and other items he had left. Well how did I do for my first deal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayman4449 Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 I would say you did pretty good, congrats on the new acquisition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry B44 Posted January 4, 2015 Share Posted January 4, 2015 You can get the new gear, so then it would be an even better deal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jime Posted January 5, 2015 Author Share Posted January 5, 2015 I will be calling them tomorrow. Now I have to design our lay out for out side and get started on it when it warms up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.a4fb2273837361b3bbaa7a1d8a4c8996.png){kind=logo}
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.