Spectrum 2-8-0: The Model, The Myth, The Legend

It's about time I got one of these... again.

[SouRwyProductions]

I actually have two of those Spectrum 2-8-0s, lettered as Southern Railway locomotives 630 and 722 respectively. My 630 is a newer one that I got with DCC, and my 722 is an older one that I bought dcc ready and custom fitted a dcc decoder into. They run adequately, but are prone to jerky running due to their belt drives.

[averagebritishrailwaysappr]

I picked one up for $45 at a train fair, not expecting all that much. Was pleasently blown away and am now kitbashing it to be a DM & IR loco! Much better than buying brass which can be finnicky!

[e.n.]

Please tell me more about Ten-Wheeler #13, with the Vanderbilt tender. I like the looks of that.

[BMMEC]

Model Railroading’s “Knight in Shining Armor”

[katies]

Michael, you mentioned not being able to find pictures of UP #721. I think she’s at the northwest railroad museum in Washington state.

[bluepoppy]

Definitely one of Bachmanns best. The bachmann models is based off of a Illinois Central Railroad 900 class 2-8-0. These were built by Baldwin between 1909 and 1911. Several were rebuilt in 1943 and that is what the bachmann model closely matches to. However to allow the model to be painted for different railroads they changed and moved some details around such as moving the air pump on the side, changing the sand dome and using their usra medium tender.

I wish they would make a smaller 2-8-0 model such as Sierra Railroad #28 or New Hope and Ivyland #40 which would work better as a purpose 1920s built short line 2-8-0 as the Bachmann 2-8-0 is a bit too big in my opinion for a 2-8-0 built for a small short line. The 4-6-0 is still my favorite model though. I had a spectrum one a long time back and currently have one of the newer ones and I guess I got a good one as I haven't had any issues apart from not being quite as quite as the old one.

[thomasbeutel]

It’s still one of my favorite engines in my fleet. I installed a Soundtraxx LC-B280 sound decoder and it’s still running strong after all these years. The only thing I had to repair was the connector between the loco and tender. The wires tend to separate from the connector after a lot of use.

[clipperdc]

Great Review + Great Music Score + Awsome Layout !!! Congrats !

[SouthDown]

This was absolutely exquisite to watch.

[Shadow_Architect]

I know this video is about the loco but DAMN that is a nice layout, not too large but just big and detailed enough to get some good running shots, definitely what I aspire to have one day.

[mattsmocs]

This engine is a enigma thats for sure. I had a few which i modified for people so they could have a accurate Illinois Central 790, i also had one i was gonna placed a new shell custom done for a D&H super 1100, the driver size and loco length are perfect for that specific loco.

[Dronesword]

I have several of their older spectrum engines. They are all nice runners and I’ve had zero issues so far with them. I’ve got the E33 electric, a K4 and the USRA Light 2-10-2. All of these engines have been upgraded with added dcc and I had a friend install Loksound in the k4. The detail and running performance on the engines is quite nice overall.

[LMR]

One beautiful locomotive. I just got one two weeks ago. Heavily used, but she’s still going strong. One of the best Bachmann locomotives,

[therailfanman]

Funny enough, my first ever steam locomotive and sound locomotive was a bachmann spectrum K4. I still have it, but unfortunately, it's not in Great condition. It always had running issues, but I suspect it was because it didn't get enough traction. I miss spectrum

[tomryan]

I have a New York Central ho scale model. The only steam engine I ever purchased! It's still running, but it seems the price has more than doubled!! Good luck with your website!

[inderbuenrostro]

Jesus Christ man your cinematography is outstanding!!! ❤

[Lucat_Here]

I can say this is a great model, I got the NYC one for last year for Christmas and it’s run smoothly and can pull all of my rolling stock with some wheel slip, my first one did break Because the left cylinder broke and be bent down causing the valve gear to jam, don’t know why it did that but I got a new as a refund so I’m not that mad. Any way glad you got another 2-8-0 for your collection, it might outlast all your current WP&SC Engines who knows.

[carmillakarnstein]

I have one! It´s a superb and amazing model! This is the best locomotive of Spectrum Line.

[thecnwmondovilinepaulscota]

I have a pair of these 2-8-0 in undec that I used for my old freelanced line. Now that I am modeling a prototype (C&NW) I may use them again eventually... I also have a CNW/Omaha Road 4-6-0 that runs well still.

[nssrrailfan]

I got one of these a few days ago as a graduation gift. It is PERFECT!