Model Railroading > HO F40PH: Walthers VS. Bachmann

Hey Guys,

Which of these two is the better unit? What are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks

The Walthers is definitely the better unit of the two. (I own 2 Walthers ones myself.) The Walthers is accurately scaled, runs surprisingly smooth, and pulls like an ox. It also lacks molded on detail, making it easy to super-detail even a decorated unit for those who choose to. The only drawbacks I see are the fans seem a little too short, and the paint is just a bit on the thick side, at least on Amtrak units.

The Bachmann unit (I used to own one), sits too low on the frame, and growls quite a bit while running. While it did have seperate metal grab irons, etc., they were too small and would need to be replaced. Paint was also too thick. It did pull pretty good from what I remember.

-drgwlou

walters are ok i own one they dont have the strobes or anything tho bachamann has strobes a crew grab irions theres air horses and mucable plugs molded on itthey look good it pulls 6 of my superliner cars on good track all weighted to nmra standerds

Walthers wins hands down. The Bachmann units don't really run worth spit, the grab irons look like coathangers, the molded on MU hoses and cables look cheezy, the 'strobes' are WAY oversized, not to mention that most F40s have had the strobes deactivated long ago in favor of ditch lights. The Walthers unit has decent shell features, drill dimples for grab irons and MU hoses (available from Details Associates), and much better overall running qualities.

travis mason-bushman
owensrwy@aol.com

For once, everyone seems to agree!!!
I've sold them both and the Walthers unit, while not perfect, will run miles longer than the Botchman. Even after new motors are sent from Botchman (6 month wait) they only last a few months!
It's too bad Athearn, Atlas, or Proto can't do a nice one!
gtirr

I have both the Walthers and Spectrum versions and I like them both. I wish the Walthers versions had the strobes on them but aside from that I haven't had any problems with mine and I've had them for a while. My fleet is made up of both Walthers and Spectrum F40s.

Terry
Berkeley,CA.

Yes, the Walthers hand down (is there an echo in here? no, Aimee isn't here...) but anyway, don't forget to get the S&S grills for the F-40. A 100% increase in the looks department, guaranteed.

Havent been able to run a Walthers one but I do have two from Bachman. One of them got cut up to become an NPCU which eliminates all of the poor detail on the roof and grills. Detail wise the unit is no where near perfect ......... or to the level of the Walthers F40 for that matter. I figure its good for a first attempt at the NPCU but eventually it will be redone using the Walthers F40.

Just my 2 cents.

-Mike

I have 2 Walthers F40 in Amtrak Phase III paint and yes,the paint,especially the stripes,are a bit thick, but detailing
is easy done and they run great.
My pull a Superliner with 12 cars 2% grades down and up with no problem.Only the wheels go quick dirty so I try to change em to nickelsilver wheels next time.

BNATSFMarkus

um, the f40's on the boston-new haven run have strobes still functioning in addition to ditch lights