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Reviews (3)
Oct 16, 2019
Solid, Affordable power for N and HO trains.
Dirt simple DC power for model trains. The controller has an excellent range, and lets trains creep or fly. AC accessory power also available. For the price, the Bachmann Spectrum Magnum power pack is an excellent value. While it tends to overload on larger scales, it's outstanding for N and HO trains.
Feb 19, 2020
Nice looking, good drive, out of date tech.
The Life Like "lead sled" mechanics are similar to many of their earlier drives, with a really good 5 pole motor, a really interesting "spring" worm gear (not exactly a flywheel, but it does in a pinch) and of course, giant lead weights that make these models extraordinary pullers.
The shell is really done well, with the exception of the primitive open pilots that accommodate truck mounted Rapido couplers, and there's only one incandescent bulb that lights the short hood headlight and number boards.
The acchilles heel of this design is always the wires that are soldered to the wheel wipers and extend up to the motor contacts. On the one hand, it's really easy to splice in a DCC decoder if you so desire. The downside, is the wires are under constant duress, especially if you have a small layout with tight curves (like I do). The constant flexing of the wires as it circles around makes the solder joint at the truck weak, and eventually snap.
It's not impossible to repair, but it's a pain the drain and hard to repair properly to try to prevent it from happening again.
Overall it gets a B+ from me. Looks reasonably good, it's major shortcoming being the open pilots, and it runs great, until it doesn't. I'd pay about $25-$30 for one in reasonably good condition, far less if it's listed as not running. The motors are great to harvest for other repower projects, and the shells seem to sell well in the after market.
Oct 16, 2019
Classic N Scale Rolling Stock, Good Buy
For an early N scale model, this one is nicely done. The paint is smooth, the printing is crisp. The old Rapido style couplers and wheels work great with the rest of my retro fleet. Well worth the modest price I paid!