Large Scale 2-8-0

Barry's Big Trains, long known for his Bachmann 4-6-0 drive train replacement now has a 2-8-0 mechanism as well. In a word, it is awesome.

As background, Bachmann Industries produces a Large Scale 4-6-0 that is not a bad looking locomotive and is a good start for a 1:20.3 scale or 1:22.5 scale locomotive (depending on which prototype you use). The problem has always been that the drive train in the locomotive is not all that great. But for the cost ($100-$150 in a starter set), it can not be beat.

To solve this problem Barry's Big Trains developed an after market replacement drive, the BBT460. This drive mechanism consists of a replacement aluminum frame, large Pittman motor, and new gears. The wheels and side rods are taken from the original locomotive, but even here Barry has gone to the trouble of turning the wheels on a lathe to remove the wobble and the wheels have been properly quartered. Detailed instructions are provided to insert this new drive mechanism into the shell of the Bachmann locomotive. Add up to 5 lbs. of weight and you have a superb locomotive. At a cost of $179 US this is truly a bargain.

The latest entry from Barry is his long awaited 2-8-0 drive train, the BBT280.

This is a much more complicated conversion and Barry only currently sells it as a completely assembled lower unit. At $355 US it is still a bargain. Unlike the 4-6-0 which uses the old Bachmann drivers, the new 2-8-0 has an entirely new set of drivers. The outside two drivers are flanged while the inner two drivers are blind. These drivers have been slightly rounded to that the locomotive can go around even the tightest Large Scale curves.

To complete the unit you only need to install the superstructure and pistons salvaged from the old Bachmann and you have a great freight locomotive ready to tackle the grades.

And to answer the $64 dollar question, how does it run? In an simple answer superb. Add a back emf DCC decoder and you can measure the speed in ties per second. With the standard 3 ½ lb. Of weight, the locomotive develops 1 ¼ lb. of thrust on a level surface. Once the snow melts our SJR&P garden railway has a new high quality locomotive that is expected to see plenty of operation.

A tttrains four star thumbs up to Barry's Big Trains.

Barry's Big Trains
P.O. Box 93934
Las Vegas, NV 89193-3934
Phone/Fax (702)-260-9111

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