firstly the 78XX 'Manor' Class:
picture:
(picture taken from windmilljunction.co.uk)
detail: 9/10
running: 9/10
prototypical accuracy: 10/10
DCC: 2/10
overall: 7.5/10
review:
The manor class has some very very nice detailing, the only big thing i can find wrong is the lack of some detail in the cab, which bachmann has taken interest in on some of its newer models, also the small hand railings on the sides are somewhat loose and are easy to break off. As a runner it is very quiet and can pull quite a bit cars on a level surface (about 7 or
, I've had some problems with the loco on point work but other than that runs without flaw, though I have discovered that at times the motor may become disengaged from the brushings that conduct the electricity to the motor, causing it to stop (the repair involves taking the body off and simply pushing the motor back in place). The locomotive is accurate to the extreme, the dimensions are correct and the liveries are as well, the nameplate and cabside number appear to be etched brass in the picture, but on the model they are just painted plastic. The only point this loco drops the ball is in the DCC area, it is almost incompatible with DCC. Since it has a split frame chassis the installation is hard and a long process, but is worthwhile in the end. Overall the loco is an amazing model compared to its older bachmann/mainline predecessor. Well done bachmann! second the prairie or 45XX class (DCC ON BOARD):
picture:
(picture taken from windmilljunction.co.uk)
detail: 9/10
running: 8/10
prototypical accuracy: 10/10
DCC: 10/10
overall: 9.25/10
review:
Bachmann's 45XX prairie tank is another fine example of what bachmann can produce. The detailing is accurate and good (though i couldnt see into the cab area to see the detailing there), the livery is correct (I tested the BR late crest one, so its not the one in the picture
) I find that when running mine it is a bit jerky and has somewhat of a waddle, where the rods and running gear have an audible problem going 'round (i can hear the rods stalling for a split second) In the DCC area this model is pre fitted out of the box, mine is addressed as '03' and shouldnt be too hard to change (i've only run it on DCC once) some of the jerky qualities went away on DCC as well. Again bachmann has upped the ante and has produced a model worthy of recognition. cheers!
-Jeremy
(I expect to be reviewing the Bachmann N class in the next week as well so look out for that review!)
