[nrscroller]

Hi
I would like to add a couple new diesels to my switching layout. I am running DCC and I don't want sound. I like the sw's or s's smaller size. Is it better to go with Athearn and add a decoder or are the Bachmann diesels ok, suggestions?
Thanks
Bill

 

[deedub35]

I have some Athearn and Bachmann GP15's, GP35's, and GP38-2's. All have Digitrax decoders in them. They all run great.

I had a couple with the factory Bachmann decoders and they were crap so I switched them out with Digitrax decoders.

 

[Fire21]

Bachmann locos are very good these days, their quality has greatly improved. I've heard that their decoders aren't very good, although I have a 4-6-0 and an RS-3 that run very well with the Bachmann decoder they came with. The RS-3 creeps at an amazingly slow pace, never seen one better.

 

[MatroxD]

I have found for HO athearn runs very, very good. You.i just have to decide a decoder brand. Bachmann's are ok, and I have my share, but I honestly prefer the athearn genesis. I haven't tried intermountain, scale trains, or bli. But those are other higher ended brands I have seen.

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[deedub35]

I had two Bachmann DCC on board locos. Both were very whiney and buzzy. Super annoying. I stripped those out and replaced them with Digitrax DH126 decoders. Once I had CV’s dialled in they crawl fantastic and are smooth. All my other Bachmanns and Athearns have the DH126 decoders as well and all are great runners.

 

[MacDaddy55]

Bachmann locos are very good these days, their quality has greatly improved. I've heard that their decoders aren't very good, although I have a 4-6-0 and an RS-3 that run very well with the Bachmann decoder they came with. The RS-3 creeps at an amazingly slow pace, never seen one better.

Good point Fire21, I have added a Bachmann RS-3 to my Switching Fleet and they are greatly improved, plus that RS-3 stands out as lots of folks use SW's and GP'sin their switching operations. So good luck...either choice is good but again I vote RS-3:laugh::laugh::laugh::thumbsup:

 

[DonR]

The Bachmann S4 is a very smooth and powerful
switcher. I also used 2 Bachmann 70 ton switchers in a
nose to nose consist. Ideal for switching. The two
together can handle a long train. I did add some
weight to them tho.

Don

 

[LateStarter]

Although they're no longer produced, the BLI SW1500 is probably (ounce-for-ounce) the most powerful diesel on the market.
It'll almost equal the pulling power of a BLI E7, and they're brutes.
If you can find one without sound, a good DCC runner can be found for around $90.