Manufacturer
Bachmann Trains
1400 E. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmanntrains.com
Era: 1980s to present
Comments: This HO scale hi-rail truck from Bachmann Trains features a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) decoder that operates on both direct-current (DC) and DCC layouts.
The truck’s plastic body shell doesn’t represent a specific prototype. The body is scale 25 feet long.
The paint scheme on our review sample is similar to prototype Union Pacific hi-rail trucks. Conrail, Norfolk Southern, and white (unlettered) paint schemes are also available.
The molded detail on the truck bed includes tools and propane tanks. The boom swivels, raises, and lowers.
The model’s highway wheels are flanged metal wheels that are detailed to look like rubber tires from the side. However, the narrow shiny metal wheel treads are visible from the front.
The truck’s two axles are connected via gearboxes to the can motor, and all the larger highway wheels pick up track power. The smaller guide wheels roll freely and don’t pick up track power. The model has a die-cast metal chassis and weighs 2.7 ounces.
The truck moved jerkily on DC and DCC tracks at slow speeds, but smoothed out above 20 scale mph. The top speed is 60 scale mph.
In DC the model started moving after I applied 4 volts to the track. In DCC I set the starting voltage (CV2) to 31, and the model started moving in speed step 1.
The clear headlights and red taillights are illuminated. In DCC the lights can be turned on and off.
The Bachmann hi-rail truck would make an interesting addition to a modern-era layout.
I am very pleased with my Hi-rail. It runs very well on our club layout.
I am wondering if they will make a CSX Version of this truck. I know they make Conrail, Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, and Undecorated version of these trucks. I am hoping they will add more road names in the months and weeks to come.
N Scale anyone? What great addition to my layout if in N!