Bachmann's Very Strange Electric Train | Accumulator Railcar Pack | Unboxing & Review

A full review of Bachmann's Lilput German ETA 178 Accumulator Railcar train pack - and it's very unusual indeed!

Thanks for watching!

0:00 Intro
3:26 Unboxing
9:40 Prototype Info
11:02 Assembly
12:27 Detail
19:03 Mechanism
23:44 Performance
34:44 Ratings
39:47 Final Thoughts

[epicmoon]

14:47 its upside down because its a sign that was able to be removed and turned around, it says Duisburg Hbf (Duisburg Mainstation) whixh is the destination so if the train would head back it would be Tagen of turnen around and u could read Duisburg -> Wedan

[JerseyBill-xr]

I'm originally from Wildwood New Jersey here in the States and they have a tram that uses a battery-operated locomotive from the early 1900s along with about 8 open passenger cars all on pneumatic wheels. They still run to this day on the boardwalk on Wildwood's 3-mile stretch of the boardwalk although the batteries have been replaced numerous times. They have a fleet of about 4 with a schedule. Anyway, I find the Accumulator Railcar as fascinating as you do and love oddities like this. Great review and video, Jersey Bill

[xinlu]

I have never clicked so fast on a Sams Trains video. I love when you look at german stuff, especially when its really weird german stuff

[BoaFilmsPlc]

Hi Sam
The "wing mirrors" are in fact holders for a tail board/end of train indicator. Most older German coaching stock, before being fitted with in built tail lamps used them. They were a rectangular boards with a red & white checker pattern on them. On certain Narrow gauge lines in Saxony they are still used daily.
The model was created by the Lilliput Company (before being bought out by Bachmann) as a 2 car set. The one to get was in the Epoch 1 livery.
Great review.
Boa

[stormbowman]

Traction tires is not only about pulling wagons, it is also about pulling itself up potential steep inclines on home layouts. Lots of people have layouts with 4 deg inclines into shadow stations etc.

[paullangford]

The upside-down writing is for the removable signboard. It is turned over to show the reverse route at the end of the journey. For a different route, the board is replaced.

[sharkymcsharknose]

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA, or as we locals call it, The T) is planning to buy a fleet of battery-electric commuter EMUs which can recharge from overhead lines. It's interesting to see a distant ancestor in model form. This accumulator EMU is a neat-looking set!

[SueBobChicVid]

I appreciate that you got this to show us. I really enjoy the unusual. Thanks, Sam!

[S.L.F-G]

its such a unique looking train. german engineering really is amazing!

[JohnJesson]

A few points. This model was originally manufactured by Liliput of Vienna, which is now Bachmann-Liliput. This original model has been upgraded, although it was always good. The drive is on one of the 2-axle bogies because most of this type of battery railcar did not have a centre vehicle, and the original Liliput model was of the 2-car version. On the prototype, the powered axles were the single axle of both vehicles on the 2-car units, but on both axles of the centre vehicle on those sets so built. Additional vehicles were frequently added, but not usually freight vehicles (passenger, parcels or mail vehicles). Also, they often ran with more than one unit, not necessarily of the same type. So having the ability to fit end couplings is a plus.
As a modeller of European HO scale, I confirm that traction tyres are normal, also that prices are higher than UK modellers would expect to pay. However, as Bachmann inherited the model from Liliput-Vienna, I think the Bachmann list price is too high. At various times, the model has been offered in its 2-car variant, as well as in both Prussian and pre-war Reichsbahn liveries.

[brandondecker]

You should review more models from other European manufacturers like Roco, Trix, Piko i think you would like a lot of them

[tomscameras]

A beautiful model. Works perfectly on small layouts! Over here in Germany, sprung buffers are super rare in H0 and not a lot of modelers ask for them ... so it makes some sense that this model doesn't have them. On the other hand, Liliput/Vienna was one of the very very few companies who DID use sprung buffers quite often.

[YsanneOshea]

What an amazing beast! Cunningly resprayed into GWR livery or something else obscurely pre-grouping, I can see its potential! Colonel Stevens would have been fascinated!

[jackstrains]

I don't know if it's just me, but it looks slightly like the German crocodile locomotive due to its nose shape! Extortionate price, but the detail and mechanism seems pretty good! Awesome video as always sam, an unusual "loco"!

[nikothetrainguy]

When I saw the thumbnail, I was like: Hey! I know that one!
But I didn't even know my country has the only surviving example!
Amazing video as always and an amazingly odd train too!

[bahnspotterEU]

In general for continental H0 models, do not expect sprung buffers. They are a feature basically exclusive to UK manufacturers except maybe for the Belgian manufacturer L.S. Models.

[skrattedieratte]

Some of the white plagues are upside down because they are destination boards and would be removed, turned the other way around, and then fitted again. And the top little plastic brackets are for end of train signs, when the train is dragged because of dead batteries or is transfered between depots.

[roberthuron]

New York City had both Manhattan traction companies using battery streetcars! Also the Long Island used Edison cars, for branch services! Lots of mixed history in a small compass! Interesting piece of equipment, and by definition, rare! Thank you, Sam, many kudos, for getting a rather obscure operating railcar, recognized! Thank you 😇 😊!

[jamesgilbart]

A battery electric train in 1906 was certainly ahead of its time. Such technology is experimental in the UK 118 years later! Curious looking beast - like two American school bases coupled back-to-back either side of a caravan.

[DennisLora]

Fantastic ratings Sam and great review video ❤❤ 35:18