The locomotive is modeled from a GE center-cab prototype, introduced in 1939, that evolved through several body styles. This model represents one of the late “Phase IV” units built from 1958 on. The prototypes have a single traction motor in each truck with distinctive siderods and outside counter- weights connecting the two axles.
Like Bachmann’s other 1:20.3 scale locomotives, this model is built to the proposed National Model Railroad Association Fn3 standard of 15mm=1 foot scale. It operates on No. 1 gauge (45mm) track. The switcher’s proportions and major dimensions fall within GE’s 45-ton specifications for a 3-foot narrow gauge locomotive. It’s a scale 27′-0″ long (16″), 12′-3″ tall (7¼”), and 9′-6″ wide (55/8″). A 24-page booklet explains the prototype history and the model’s features, lubrication, and operation. Five pages of exploded isometric drawings and electrical diagrams show how the model is assembled and wired. One wiring diagram shows how to wire in a heavy-duty Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder (not included).
Construction
The 45-ton diesel has a plastic body with many separately added details. Its handrails and siderods are a hard zinc alloy. This combination produces a good looking and durable model. A removable panel on top of the hood (at the bell end) provides access to the switches that control the smoke units and that change the locomotive’s direction response to match either NMRA or large scale DC standards. The locomotive rides on a pair of trucks built around cast zinc-alloy gearboxes which enclose the can motors. The axles have ball-bearings, and each wheelset is insulated and correctly gauged. Plunger contacts ride against the backs of the wheels so they all pick up current. Both trucks rotate freely and have a little rocking movement from side to side so all of the wheels make even contact with the rails for maximum traction. The motors are electrically isolated, and both are wired into a printed circuit board with connections for a DCC decoder. There’s plenty of room inside to hide a heavy-duty decoder. Bachmann knuckle couplers are mounted in the pilots using a clever reversible bracket. The bracket comes in the low position that matches Bachmann’s rolling stock, but it (and the coupler) can be easily rotated 180 degrees to match the NMRA’s standard height of 17/16″ (railhead to vertical center of the coupler) for large scale trains.
The Bachmann 45-tonner started moving and ran smoothly at just over two volts. Its performance was excellent in the low speed ranges commonly used by industrial prototypes. Its drawbar pull was a pleasant surprise and is equivalent to 30 free-rolling cars on straight and level track.
This good-looking switcher can easily negotiate the sharp curves commonly found on industrial railroads. Better still, its well-designed two-motor mechanism smoothly handles an impressive load.
Price: $399.95
Manufacturer:
Bachmann Industries
1400 E. Erie Avenue
Philadelphia, Pa. 19124
Telephone 215-533-1600
Fax 215-744-4699
Description:
Ready-to-run plastic and metal
diesel locomotive
Features:
DCC terminals on PC board
Detailed, lighted cab interior
Directional constant headlights
Drawbar pull: 30.2 ounces
Dual can motors
Engine weight: 5.9 pounds
Minimum radius: 24″
Two-position knuckle couplers
Two smoke generators
Road names:
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Midwest Quarry & Mining Co.; unlettered red body with yellow stripes or yellow
with black stripes.
