Price: $79
Manufacturer
Bachmann Trains
1400 E. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmanntrains.com
Era: 1930s to 1980
Comments: Looking to add a night train to your N scale passenger fleet? Bachmann Trains has released a ready-to-run N scale heavyweight coach with factory-installed overhead interior lighting.
The model is an N scale version of the HO model reviewed in the August 2015 issue. Like the HO version, the N scale coach is an accurately detailed model of a Pennsylvania RR P70 coach as it appeared after updating in the 1930s. The exterior of the car has finely molded rivet seams and other details that match prototype builder’s diagrams and photos. Although the car is labeled a 72-foot coach, it actually measures a scale 80′-33⁄4″ from end to end. This dimension as well as the 70 scale foot passenger compartment are correct for the P70 prototype.
Our review sample is decorated for New York Central in the road’s 1940s paint scheme. The NYC had similar four-axle heavyweight coaches, but they were longer with an additional set of paired windows on each side. Bachmann is also offering the coach decorated for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe; Baltimore & Ohio; Pennsylvania RR; and Union Pacific. Only the Pennsy is prototypical for a P70 coach, but the model makes a credible stand-in for the others.
Removing the press-fit body shell revealed the one-piece black plastic interior. The placement of the seats matches prototype interior diagrams.
Six screws hold the interior to the plastic chassis. A metal weight sandwiched between the interior and the chassis helps the car weigh in at 1.5 ounces, which is .1 ounce heavier than National Model Railroad Association Recommended Practice 20.1.
All the metal wheels pick up track power. The wheels are pressed into plastic axles to avoid short circuits. Metal strips from the truck sideframes touch contacts on the roof-mounted lighting board when the body is installed. The five surface-mounted light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) provide overhead lighting. A capacitor on the lighting board keeps the light constant during momentary power losses.
The coupler height and the wheel gauge are both within NMRA standards. I appreciated that the car has factory-installed body-mounted knuckle couplers for a prototypical appearance. A pair of user-installed Rapido-style couplers is included for those who prefer that option.
During testing I confirmed the car will easily run through an 111⁄4″ radius, but it looks more realistic on curves of 15″ or broader.
Especially for PRR fans, this Bachmann heavyweight would make a useful addition to an N scale passenger or commuter fleet.
These cars have exceptionally free-rolling trucks, especially for cars with track pickup of lighting current.