New Bachmann 4-6-0 (19th century version) info?

[Sokramiketes]

While the model  looks pretty darn good I would a add to Ed's thoughts and ask: why not ditch the "boxing glove" size coupler for something more N scale?  Yeah, I know it is a big ask, but since this abominations is used in many Bachmann models, why not retool it to a more realistic size? Heck, maybe even clone the MTL coupler like other companies have done it.  Except for not having the reverse-draft-angle molding, some of those clones are actually pretty darn close to the old reliable MTL coupler.

There are manufacturability and ease of assembly items at play here as well.  The MTL design is not that friendly.  Further, no one has nailed the spring dynamics needed to be as good as MTL.

How will you know?  Watch to see if Atlas, who now owns the genuine article, decides to use it or not over the easier to assemble Accumates...

[Chris333]

MSRP $499.99 

[sizemore]

That pre-production sample looks great! Since its clear you can make mechanisms that small when are you going to revisit the Russian Decapod

Inquiring minds want to know!

The S.

[Maletrain]

Putting any sort of magnetic coupler on the pilot doesn't really seem useful, because any similar coupler on another car, when coupled to the pilot coupler, would have its trip pin stuck into the pilot tubes unless the loco coupler was ridiculously far forward.

That is why I suggested a dummy scale knuckle coupler for the modernized version.  That is a part that Bachmann already makes, so it would look good, but just not be functional.  If we aftermarket hackers can fit an Npossible coupler in there somehow, that could be functional as well as good looking.

It is probably not out of the question to hack an opening in the current pilot design, but the deck height might not be feasible for an Npossible.

DaveV's photo shows a pilot that does not stick out as far as the Bachmann model.  So, if Backmann does decide to make a separate piece, making it with a shorter cow catcher seems rational. 

[Missaberoad]

A more modern pilot with footboards and a coupler for the modernized version would make it a true winner.

[squirrelhunter]

I'm sure it's too late to do this now, but if the front of the smokebox was extended the electoral headlight could be mounted to the top of it. Just a thought to consider for a future modernized version, it would go well with a footboard pilot with a working front coupler. Sometimes tiny 4-6-0's like this lasted into the 50' as class 1 switchers or on shorelines.

[nkalanaga]

I suspect that most modelers who need a working pilot coupler probably don't use magnetic uncoupling.  If that's the case, just cut the trip pins off.

[peteski]

It's definitely a big ask, we would have to invest in the new tooling plus ensure there are no compatibility issues with all the models currently in our line. Plus ensuring operation is as reliable as it is right now- the E-Z Mate may be a bit oversized, but it's proven to be very reliable for us.

To say that E-Z Mate is a bit oversized is like saying (fill in the blank). I'm also surprised by your comment "ensure there are no compatibility issues with all the models currently in our line."  I thought that the EZ-Mate was supposed to be compatible with the other brands of N scale knuckle couplers, not just with other Bachmann models. That  reason doesn't seem to make sense to me. However, I do understand that tooling a new coupler is not a trivial or inexpensive  task. I just felt that this was a good place to mention the size of Bachmann couplers.

Thank you for addressing my coupler question.

[pmpexpress]

Thanks for all the feedback and enthusiasm- I'll respond to as many questions as I can.

The first release will be just DCC Sound but we can look into DCC Ready for a future release.

Just a thought...

Given the fact that all of the major N-Scale locomotive manufacturer's/importers offer both DCC ready and factory installed DCC decoder equipped products in order to accommodate after market decoder installations, analog DC only operations, and/or a moderate reduction in the MSRP of the non-decoder fitted models, it might be wise to initially offer both variations.

[Pencil]

I wish there was a way to not have the rear coupler box stick out so far.

You might be able to extend the tender deck over the coupler box and add a toolbox, like on the 4-4-0's?

Those samples look great - I'm looking forward to seeing these in the wild!

[Chris333]

Might need to draw this body up:

https://www.caboosefalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/ple-52.jpg


lol I was joking about the $499 price, but just saw this
https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=265_372_1295&products_id=9425

And going back through the thread this is not my first comment about the MSRP... 

[ATSF_Ron]

Oh yeah, the CP version will definitely get a spot in my roundhouse!

[ATSF_Ron]

Just checked Trainworld's website preorder price.  It seems to have dropped significantly from earlier this year.  They have all versions listed at $279.99!

[robertjohndavis]

Just checked Trainworld's website preorder price.  It seems to have dropped significantly from earlier this year.  They have all versions listed at $279.99!

That right in the wheelhouse for tariff-era steam. Not saying I like it; but it is what it is.

[track1]

Just a thought...

Given the fact that all of the major N-Scale locomotive manufacturer's/importers offer both DCC ready and factory installed DCC decoder equipped products in order to accommodate after market decoder installations, analog DC only operations, and/or a moderate reduction in the MSRP of the non-decoder fitted models, it might be wise to initially offer both variations.

I understand- that decision was not up to me. Management decided they wanted to offer a DCC Sound model since we didn't have a 19th century locomotive with those features initially, and that they only wanted to spend the money to order the DCC Sound version, and not DCC Ready at the same time. It's something we may be able to offer after the DCC Sound versions have been available for a while.