The Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel locomotive is the subject of our latest product review video. Join Model Railroader Senior Editor Cody Grivno as he shares a brief history of the switcher and Baltimore & Ohio No. 8301; points out the various detail parts on the model; and demonstrates the sound and light functions on our sample, which is equipped with a SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder. Then see the locomotive in action as it switches cars on our Winston-Salem Southbound Tar Branch layout.
In addition to Baltimore & Ohio, the Bachmann HO GE 44-ton diesel is decorated for Amtrak (silver and blue with Travelmark heralds); Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (silver and black); Strasburg Rail Road (red, black, and yellow); and Union Pacific (Armour Yellow and Harbor Mist Gray with “Serves All The West” slogan). Bachmann also offers the switcher painted black but unlettered.
The Bachmann model features an injection-molded plastic shell, die-cast metal chassis, and body-mounted E-Z Mate Mark II plastic couplers. Freestanding parts on the locomotive include formed wire uncoupling levers, plastic handrails and stanchions, a single-chime air horn, plastic windshield wipers, and train line air hoses. The GE 44-ton diesel also includes a factory-painted and installed engineer figure.
Features on the SoundTraxx Tsunami2 sound decoder include a choice of 12 diesel engines; more than 40 air horns; 14 bells; and numerous other effects, including Rule 17 headlight dimming, fuel loading sounds, and a grade crossing horn sequence.
The Bachmann HO scale GE 44-ton diesel has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399. The switcher performs best on 18” radius curves or greater.
Trains.com Product Review videos showcase the latest new items from manufacturers of products in Z, N, HO, S, O, and large scales. In the videos, you can watch locomotives in action, take a close-up look at details on freight cars, see kit components, and much more.
If you are a manufacturer and have products you would like reviewed, please email Senior Editor Cody Grivno at cody.grivno@firecrown.com for more information.
