 |
 | Home | Contact Us | FAQ | Search & Site Map | Link to Us |
 | Sign In | Join | Other 45 Sites in Network |
| HomeDiscussion Groups General ModelsRailroadsRocketsRadio Controlled Air ModelsHelicoptersLand ModelsWater ModelsModelGeeks.com Contact UsLink To UsSearch & Site Map |
Model Forum / General / Railroads / November 2007Bachmann vs Hornby
Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the brand of choice? scoot Why choose? > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot Bachmann. But that opinion may change over the next year or so, as Hornby does seem to be trying to upgrade its offerings. > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot The one that produced the model I wanted. If they had the same model, the cheapest, unless the differences in running quality were really apparent. I'm not too bothered about exact prototypical fidelity as I want to run my trains not look at them under a microscope. It would have to be more than a slightly odd curve in the roof or a misplaced rivet to make me buy on appearance. Andrew >> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the >> brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > Andrew Same for me. as I model lms with some early BR and a strong liking of pacifics that means 80:20 towards Hornby. Have found the hornby distribution and customer support setup to be superior to that of bachmann, but am testing out a different supplier next year. cheers, Simon >>> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be >>> the [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > cheers, > Simon This year I haven't bought any Bachmann locos and doubt very much I will buy anything next year. So this year it is Hornby 3 Bachmann 0. Kevin > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? In my case it's something like a 80/20 split in favour of Bachmann - mainly because I like small diesels and small steam locos and Hornby hardly produce any quality models of either. Hornby-wise I prefer their 08 diesel shunter to the Bachmann model, but apart from that I've only got a couple of Hornby's diesel units (both ex-Lima) in classes 101 & 121. Too many of Hornby's recent models are susceptible to handling damage - parts are often too flimsy and easily break or fall off. John. > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot My recent acquisitions have included Hornby Castle , West Country, County and Grange. All of these exhibit better traction than Bachmann but as John noted the motion gear is frail. Others like the 51XX class are equally smooth as Bachmann but with better traction. The 2-6-4 Tank locos (Fowler & Fairchild) are about equal . My Bachmann Jubilees/ Patriot/Scot are smooth and effective. The Bachmann Manor, Hall and 43xx's are all too light but reasonable when ballasted. The 45xx's and both Pannier Tank versions are superb as are the Ivatt Cl2 Tanks. Hope this helps. Regards > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be > the brand of choice? Bachmann. (kim) > > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be > > the brand of choice? > > Bachmann. > > (kim) I would say Bachmann for their more recent releases. A lot of the older split frame locos with plastic axles suffer from splitting of those axles over time. Colin > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot What about Silver Fox? I bought a 10000 last year and the Lima-based engine was really really terribly noisy, so I had to re-engine it. And how about Heljan? I've ordered a Falcon, but nothing arrived as yet - I don't know if my order was actually accepted on their website. > Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the > brand of choice? > scoot The feeling i get from reading the replies to my post is that there isnt a lot of difference in quality between the two manufacturers, and people are choosing one or the other by the models available. Am I right in assuming this? John mentioned the fragile bits on Hornby that fall off - is this a problem across the board? Which is the more robust? scoot >> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would be the >> brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >problem across the board? Which is the more robust? >scoot All of the "new" generation Hornby models suffer frailty of motion gear and do not like it being handled. Bachmann is definitely more robust but about half the tender locos suffer lack of adhesion. Only the rebuilt Scots / Patriots have models in both camps and would provide a good comparison. To be fair, I have yet to buy a new RTR of either marque without having to adjust or modify it to run normally. Regards Peter A Montarlot > Only the rebuilt Scots / Patriots have models in both camps and would > provide a good comparison. Not quite true Peter; both camps also have classes 08, 20, 25, 37, 47, 55 & 66 diesels, along with Jinty 0-6-0T and 9F 2-10-0 steamers, but it would be unfair to compare any apart from the 08, as all others from one manufacturer (or the other) is an old model. John. >> Only the rebuilt Scots / Patriots have models in both camps and would >> provide a good comparison. [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > >John. Very true John, the Diesels exist -- I never liked them in real life and get no pleasure from them in my mini railway world. But as you say, there is no comparison because the similar models are in some cases decades apart. You could have added the LMR 2-6-4T range as both are current but otherwise direct competition is largely absent. Hornby have at least 4 different chassis types in production against Bachmanns 2. On the whole, I am pleased with both manufacturers products if not the prices.(RRP) Regards Peter A Montarlot >> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would >> be the brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > and people are choosing one or the other by the models available. Am > I right in assuming this? I've yet to see a steam engine from Hornby that looked anything like I might have seen in real life in terms of paint finish or loco-tender distance. Also while Hornby is still struggling with the concept of ready fitted DCC, Bachmann has already moved onto digital sound. (kim) >>> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would >>> be the brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > (kim) And Bachmann of course aren't exactly at the fore front of didgital sound. Kevin >>>> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would >>>> be the brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > And Bachmann of course aren't exactly at the fore front of didgital > sound. By UK standards they are. Most new models have a 21-pin socket to accept the sound decoders developed in association with South West Digital Ltd. (kim) >>>>> Assuming that these were the only two makes available, which would >>>>> be the brand of choice? [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > > (kim) By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th century and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. Kevin > By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th century > and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. The numbers queueing up to purchase Bachmann sound-equipped diesels might suggest otherwise, but I accept their sound chips are hardly state-of-the-art compared with some of the stuff being produced (at a price) for the USA market. It's a pit they will not work on analogue systems, but I guess that might come eventually. At least they're way ahead of Hornby in this application, but who knows what 2008 will bring from the Margate warehouse? John. >> By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th >> century and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > state-of-the-art compared with some of the stuff being produced (at a > price) for the USA market. > It's a pit they will not work on > analogue > systems, but I guess that might come eventually. Highly unlikely. The mass production model market is going digital, and the transformation being seen is similar to that from Clockwork to Electric, or three-rail to two rail. Those who stay with analogue won't get the new bells and whistles on their RTR models (literally in this case). - Nigel  SignatureNigel Cliffe, Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/ > >> By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th > >> century and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > three-rail to two rail. Those who stay with analogue won't get the new > bells and whistles on their RTR models (literally in this case). Why not? A $25 dongle gives analogue control for (DCC) sound decoders available in the US market. There's very little extra decoder firmware effort involved in detecting a control signal overlaid on analogue power (Ultimately that's all DCC is!). MBQ >>>> By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th >>>> century and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > involved in detecting a control signal overlaid on analogue power > (Ultimately that's all DCC is!). I carefully put the phrase "RTR" in my reply. I don't think the RTR market will support analogue directly. Aftermarket, there may be various devices which make DCC sound systems work. - Nigel SignatureNigel Cliffe, Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/ >I carefully put the phrase "RTR" in my reply. I don't think the RTR market >will support analogue directly. > >Aftermarket, there may be various devices which make DCC sound systems work. > >- Nigel Personally I prefer to be one of the "Wooley Mammoth" type modellers. Micro chip technology both ran my life and at the same time made me obsolete! I have found that the DCC fitted RTR's which I have purchased are not good performers on my preferred Analogue DC system and I have de - chipped them with excellent results. The technology for sound effects with my system is simple -- they call it : Tape Recorder. What will the rivet counters want next? People walking up and down the platform? ( I did have such a thing in 1944 but it was a tinplate model of Buckminster Abbey with two Guardsmen marching up and down , no doubt it could be modernised (electrified) with sound effects. Regards Peter A Montarlot Home of Hands On Model Railways. > >> By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th > >> century and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] > > - Nigel That's not entirely true - one big US firm offers their sound equipped (DCC) models for DC operation. The process is simple enough; make a DCC function encoder (CU) that imposes the DCC function commands over analogue traction current. You can have your bells and whistles with analogue control. Greg.P. >> By world standards both Hornby and Bachmann are still in the 20th century >> and I certainly don't think that Bachmann deserve any medals. [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > > John. So this is the wonderful company that just two years ago when I asked the question at a Bachmann dcc demo why they dony prefit chips said "why should we". In other words they had no interest in supplying prefitted dcc.How the mighty have changed their attitude now. They have stolen a very slight advance on Hornby and anybody would think that they were world leaders in dcc technology. I have yet to actually see a sound chipped Bachmann loco for sale but on the otherhand I bought my first sound chipped BLI about 4 years ago. I think that you hit the nail on the head, the numbers queuing up to purchase sound equipped locos. I fear a lack of supply and a queue is all that it will be. Kevin > I think that you hit the nail on the head, the numbers queuing up to > purchase sound equipped locos. I fear a lack of supply and a queue is all > that it will be. > > Kevin Personally am totally anti sound decoders, wont be able to hear self going chuff, chuff.... Cheers, Simon >> I think that you hit the nail on the head, the numbers queuing up to >> purchase sound equipped locos. I fear a lack of supply and a queue [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > Personally am totally anti sound decoders, wont be able to hear self > going chuff, chuff.... Give it a year or two, and you'll be able to put your own sounds onto the chips. The average modeller's sound effects after a few beers will be heard on every exhibition layout ! - Nigel SignatureNigel Cliffe, Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/ >>> I think that you hit the nail on the head, the numbers queuing up to >>> purchase sound equipped locos. I fear a lack of supply and a queue [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > Give it a year or two, and you'll be able to put your own sounds onto the > chips. Can be done already. > The average modeller's sound effects after a few beers will be heard on > every exhibition layout ! > > - Nigel You don't need a sound chip for that.... >>> I think that you hit the nail on the head, the numbers queuing up to >>> purchase sound equipped locos. I fear a lack of supply and a queue [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > - Nigel Karaoke layouts ? But its the actions as well as sounds that make it a complete experience. Cheers, Simon > Give it a year or two, and you'll be able to put your own sounds onto the > chips. You already can! John. > So this is the wonderful company that just two years ago when I asked the > question at a Bachmann dcc demo why they dony prefit chips said "why > should we". In other words they had no interest in supplying prefitted > dcc. Any sensible manufacturer attempts to respond to market demands, and that's all Bachmann have done. I'm still not convinced that pre-fitted decoders is the way forward, preferring myself to fit high quality chips which give superior control and functionality. If I have to buy a loco already fitted with a chip, the chances are it will not meet my requirements and so will have to be replaced. This inevitably increases the cost of the model. Personally I much prefer the 'DCC-ready' option, but others will disagree. John. >> So this is the wonderful company that just two years ago when I asked the >> question at a Bachmann dcc demo why they dony prefit chips said "why [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > John. If they can make it easy to fit without breaking the detail I would agree. Chris l. >> Personally I much prefer the 'DCC-ready' option, but others will disagree. >> [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > >Chris Both manufacturers have the problem that the chassis units are to maximum size to gain sufficient adhesion. I assume that they are cast from aluminium based alloy in order to be magnetically neutral. If a ferrous casting was used and space found for all the little gizmos then the motors would also have to become live field and subsequently much larger. Also the induced stray fields could have some strange effects on the chips - I am very surprised that this is not already a problem from sparking etc. As the chips will always have to handle real current through real wires there is little scope for size reduction. Any affordable alternatives will lead to imbedded systems which are "throwaway" repair type and be inflexible in terms of DC/DCC. My solution would be to remove control systems to the tender or side tanks and split the ballast between the chassis and body components. A beefed up connector plug/skt would ensure good electrical continuity. I reckon that all requirements could be met that way. Regards > l. >>> Personally I much prefer the 'DCC-ready' option, but others will disagree. [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > > Regards My point was that it can be difficult to dismantle a loco to install a decoder with out damaging the detail of the locos. Chris >> l. >>>> Personally I much prefer the 'DCC-ready' option, but others will disagree. [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > >Chris To be fair, I am amazed at the tolerance to mishandling the main body parts have. The "add on" bits like vacuum pipes and screw couplers really are only for show and prove to be rather inconvenient in normal use. If you dismantle a loco using a foam support cradle (easily made with a Stanley knife) there is no real need to damage anything. Some of the electrical lash-ups encountered to date do not , however , demonstrate a very high level of excellence on the manufacturers' part. Regards |
Reply to this Message |
 Sign In
 Join
 My Latest Posts My Monitored Threads My Blog My Photo Gallery My Profile My Homepage Start New Thread Enable EMail Alerts Rate this Thread
|
©2008 Advenet LLC Privacy Policy - Terms of Use
This website includes both content owned or controlled by Advenet as well as content owned or controlled by third parties.