Almost Free Bachmann SP Alco S4

[Nato]

                   One of my two Bachmann Rio Grande SD45's developed either decoder issues, drive train issues or both. It would operate correctly going forward making sound in DC and DCC, but it would not backup or would go very slow with lots of gear train noise. I sent it back to Bachmann Service Department with my by now usual letter please repair or replace. My E Mail back from James Pero in the Service Department explained that my locomotive could not be fixed, that no replacement SD45's in any road names were currently available, was I interested in another locomotive so I selected a Southern Pacific DCC Alco S4 which is in stock and being sent to me ASP. Meanwhile, maybe against my better judgment I have ordered a replacement SD45  from BLW which lists them as in stock. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake , Utah. 

[peteski]

How is the S4 almost free?  Not only it cost whatever you paid for the 2nd SD45, but also the cost of postage. 

[tehachapifan]

Well, while it doesn't have sound, I think you will be happy with the S4. I really like mine and have had nothing but flawless running so far.

[arbomambo]

How is the S4 almost free?  Not only it cost whatever you paid for the 2nd SD45, but also the cost of postage. 

I agree...
cost you the cost of the original SD-45
BUT....you'll enjoy the S4 CONSIDERABLY more than the SD45...
for some reason, Bachmann, (lately!!!) seems to be excelingl at the smaller switcher items compared to their larger items (of course there are exceptions to this statement-some of their larger offerings are pretty decent).
Bruce

[coosvalley]

If you think this is a good deal, then I have some good deals for you too!

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I really don't understand how anyone can dig those SD45s to me. They just look so wonky to me. Nate, were you planning on major upgrades to it?

[mcjaco]

I really don't understand how anyone can dig those SD45s to me. They just look so wonky to me. Nate, were you planning on major upgrades to it?

Same.  The radiator flares are just all wrong.

[wcfn100]

You know what they say, the problem with buying a Bachmann product, is that you get a Bachmann product.  Or maybe I just say that.   

The S4 has its own radiator issues, so let's not open this discussion again.

Jason

[peteski]

If you think this is a good deal, then I have some good deals for you too!

Looking at BLW site, price of the S4 is $94 (and with non-sound decoder).  The F45 (with a sound decoder) is $150.  So, no including the shipping cost, Nate already lost $56!  And the S4 has a really basic DCC decoder instead of a fairly decent Tsunami decoder in the F45. 

[Rich_S]

                   One of my two Bachmann Rio Grande SD45's developed either decoder issues, drive train issues or both. It would operate correctly going forward making sound in DC and DCC, but it would not backup or would go very slow with lots of gear train noise. I sent it back to Bachmann Service Department with my by now usual letter please repair or replace. My E Mail back from James Pero in the Service Department explained that my locomotive could not be fixed, that no replacement SD45's in any road names were currently available, was I interested in another locomotive so I selected a Southern Pacific DCC Alco S4 which is in stock and being sent to me ASP. Meanwhile, maybe against my better judgment I have ordered a replacement SD45  from BLW which lists them as in stock. Nate Goodman (Nato). Salt Lake , Utah. 

Several months ago when I had problems with one of my Bachmann K4's, I sent it in for repair. They did not have any K4's in stock and wanted to send me a Berk. If I had wanted a Berk, I would have purchased a Berk. That is when I called Richard Whalen at 1-800-356-3910 ext.232, he assured me customers would also be told if another run was in progress. That way you could make the decision on weather to wait for another shipment or trade in for another locomotive. I also questioned why they showed parts on their web site, but they were unable to repair my locomotive. He did not have an answer to that question. I've come to the conclusion that Bachmann's current business model is, just throw away broken locomotives and replace them with slow movers sitting on the shelf. I've now decided the only way I'll ever send another locomotive back to Bachmann is if it has melted into a giant puddle of plastic, other wise I'll try to repair the locomotive myself.

In my opinion Nate, you were taken to the bank.
The MSRP of your SD45 is $249,
The MSRP of the Alco S4 is $149,

They cheated you out of $100.  Now if they would have sent you two Alco S4's, then I'd say you got a deal.   

[Nato]

             First of all I have to agree the Bachmann SD 45's are kind of Wonkey, I have two custom Rio Grande painted Kato SD 45's and the shells on these are being replaced by Shapeways  KM body shells that fit that mech. I do not know if the Kato shells will even fit on the Bachmann drive train. Yes the S4's are wonderful models, I already own two a UP and a PLE, great slow speed fairly good detailing etc. Nate Goodman (Nato). 

[arbomambo]

You know what they say, the problem with buying a Bachmann product, is that you get a Bachmann product.  Or maybe I just say that.   

The S4 has its own radiator issues, so let's not open this discussion again.

Jason

I gotta say that the SD45 radiator is really funky on the Bachmann, but I'm pretty darned satisfied with the S4...the top deflector is pretty fine considering its plastic.

[wcfn100]

I gotta say that the SD45 radiator is really funky on the Bachmann, but I'm pretty darned satisfied with the S4...the top deflector is pretty fine considering its plastic.

I think they did a pretty good job on the shutters, it's the top of the hood I'm referring to where the walkway is.  It looks like a bunch of 2x4s on their sides. 


Jason

[SkipGear]

The only thing wrong with the Bachman SD45 is the heavy paint job they put on it, the missing blower duct, and the goofy fuel tank. It's a proper scale width unlike the Kato and the mold details are actually better under all the heavy paint that was slopped on them. It isn't fair for me to comment on the radiator grilles because I cut them out and replaced them with wire mesh. The side handrails are brass but the front and rear are stock Bachmann plastic.