Introduced: 1998
This is probably the best of the early (pre-2000) Bachmann "Spectrum" locomotives, at least in terms of its looks and overall performance (not to mention the novelty factor). Unfortunately, I had to buy (and return) like 4-5 of these things before I finally got one that ran worth a darn. That's 1990's Bachmann quality control for ya.
The frame is all metal (albeit fairly minimalistic). Most of the actual weight is concentrated in the forward (non-passenger) section of the chassis. The motor is a small, open-sided, skew-wound 5-poler. A single flywheel is attached to the forward driveshaft (the rear driveshaft is connected to bloody nothing). Only the forward truck is powered, although both trucks provide pickup. All gearing is plastic. Six of the eight wheels gather current (two of the wheels on the forward truck being equipped with traction tires). A PC board atop the forward section of the chassis provides directional control for the headlight as well as constant lighting for the coach interior. The pilot coupler is a dummy knuckle fixed to the shell. The rear coupler (a Rapido) is kind of interesting. It's mounted to some sort of gee-whiz rotating assembly on the chassis, and actually pivots in concert with the rear truck. And no, these models do not come with passengers (I added those myself).
Despite the minimalistic pickup / propulsion scheme, performance is surprisingly good. Throttle response is smooth, pickup is fine (probably because the trucks are so far apart), and slow speed creep is excellent. Unfortunately, these things make a lot of noise (no doubt exacerbated by all that open space inside the shell).
According to Bachmann, this model was dropped shortly after its first production run (circa 2000). A bit of a shame that - it's not like there are a whole lot of other gas-electric options out there.
Slots in the window inserts hold the shell to tabs on the chassis. To remove the shell, use four toothpicks (or whatever) to separate the shell/window assembly from the chassis (just inward from each truck). It should come off at that point (although it does take a bit of finagling).
Grade: B (if you can find one that was assembled correctly)
Reviewed: 12/98 Railroad Model Craftsman, 8/98 Model Railroader ("The newest addition to Bachmann's N scale Spectrum line is a nicely detailed and smooth-running model of a typical gas-electric car, more commonly known as a "doodlebug"... Bachmann's model is an N scale version of its HO gas-electric car introduced last year. Like its larger counterpart, the N scale model is not a model of a specific prototype, but with its boxy construction and flat nose resembles many of the more than 400 motor cars built in the 1920s and '30s by Electro-Motive Corp.
"Bachmann's model has a die-cast chassis with an injection-molded styrene shell. The five-pole skew-wound motor powers the front-truck only. The rear half of the model includes an injection-molded coach seat interior and a light bulb for the interior lighting. The front headlight is a yellow LED wired to the front circuit board. Lighting is directional and not constant. The model measures 10'-0" wide, 71'-0" long and 12'-0" tall to the top of the roof. These measurements are typical of prototype doodlebugs, which were usually between 65 and 75 feet long. The body molding is nicely done, but I found the rivets to be a bit too heavy, especially along the belt rail. The molded-on grabs are nicely proportioned. The assortment of underbody and roof details are nice additions to the model and reflect typical prototype practice...
"The model ran well, although there was quite a bit of gear noise. I followed Bachmann's lubricating instructions, which reduced the gear noise. Although only the front truck is powered, both trucks pick up electricity... The doodlebug has enough power to pull more than 20 cars, far more than its prototype. All the wheels on our sample were in gauge, and the coupler was the correct height... The rear coupler features a lever that makes it pivot with the rear truck... Modelers of the 1920s through the '60s can't go wrong with this model for branchline passenger service. Undec, UP, B&O, PRR, AT&SF, GN. Price: $49.95")