A Bachmann HO scale J-3A Hudson steam locomotive visited our Wisconsin & Southern staff layout to lead an employee special. Model Railroader editor Eric White and senior editor Cody Grivno talk about the features on the New York Central prototype, demonstrate some of the sound and light functions, and run the train between Troy and East Troy.
The Bachmann HO scale J-3A Hudson is decorated for New York Central in the as-delivered scheme with Roman lettering and with Gothic lettering. Both schemes are offered in two road numbers each.
Features on the HO scale 4-6-4 include die-cast metal and plastic construction; blackened metal side rods; and an operating, directional headlight and reverse light. The J-3A has a dual-mode TCS WOWSound decoder with various sound effects, including a bell, user-selectable whistle options, blowdown, water fill, coupler close and release, grade crossing quill, station announcements, and more. In addition, the Hudson has a Keep-Alive capacitor, voice-guided Audio Assist program, and load-based chuff intensity with Chuffinity technology. The steam locomotive operates best on 22” or greater radius curves.
The Bachmann HO scale J-3A Hudson steam locomotive is priced at $479. You can find the model at your favorite Bachmann retailer or you can order it direct from the manufacturer’s website.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cgrivno@kalmbach.com for more information.
