
( Brand: Bachmann ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 0686 ), ( Power Supply: Dc ), ( Type: Diesel Locomotive ), ( Control: Analog ), ( Color: Chrome Red ), ( Year: 1978 ), ( Material: Plastic ), ( Gauge: Ho ), ( Features: Kadee Couplers ), ( Grading: C-7 Excellent ), ( State Of Assembly: Ready To Go/pre-built ), ( Vintage: Y/n ), ( Train Operating Company: Santa Fe ), ( Replica Of: Emd Ft A )
The Bachmann HO Scale FT F7 A1A-A1A Diesel Locomotive Set with Kadee Couplers (model numbers 0686 for the A-Unit and 0696 for the B-Unit) delivers an authentic and exceptional experience for railway enthusiasts. This breathtaking pair of diesel locomotives evokes the iconic styling and powerful presence of the famous FT F7 locomotives that revolutionized freight train operations.
0686 A-Unit:The A-Unit, with its model number 0686, boasts an impressive array of features that draw you into the world of 1950s-era diesel motive power. Its streamlined body and impeccably detailed shell faithfully replicate the look and feel of the original FT F7, making it a valuable addition to any HO scale layout.
Inside the locomotive, a powerful 5-pole skew-wound-motor works in conjunction with precision-molded handrails, snap-on coupler pockets, and prototypically accurate fuel and water tanks to create an authentic and captivating model. Furthermore, the A-Unit comes equipped with a directional light, retrograde headlamp, and illuminated numberboards enhancing its realism and adding lucid functionality to your layout's glowing underbelly.
0696 B-Unit:The counterpart in this pair, the B-Unit, model number 0696, is equally detailed and adorned with accurate features. The entire power packaging has been merged seamlessly into the body design of the locomotive, giving it a monocoque appearance that enhances its streamlined look inspired by the prototype.
Matched with the A-unit, this B-Unit shares the same powerful 5-pole skew-wound motor and attention-grabbing features, albeit arranged in a different yet complementing manner. The B-Unit displays deadman's handle, scenario-specific scaling, and even an analog speed control that emulates the foot pedal found in real-life FT units.
Kadee Couplers:One of the prominent features that set this diesel locomotive set apart is the inclusion of knuckle Kadee Couplers. The correctively designed couplers help maintain a constant and realistic coupling between adjacent cars on your HO scale railway. This enhances the smoothness of train operations and improves the overall aesthetic look of your model railway layout.
Investing in the Bachmann HO Scale FT F7 A1A-A1A Diesel Locomotive Set with Kadee Couplers (0686 A-Unit and 0696 B-Unit) is an investment in authenticity, detail, functionality, and an unforgettable experience for any HO scale railfan or railway enthusiast.
The Bachmann HO Scale FT FE Power Dummy Locomotive Set, model numbers Kadees 0686 and 0696, is an attractive addition for model railroad enthusiasts who enjoy freight trains. These power dummy locomotives utilize Kadee couplers for easier connection to trains. Here are some pros and cons of investing in this set.
Pros:1. Authentic Appearance: These power dummy locomotives have a detailed and authentic appearance, making them perfect additions to freight trains in HO scale layouts. Their design accurately replicates the real-life prototypes, ensuring realism and aesthetic appeal.
2. Easy Coupling: The locomotives are equipped with Kadee #58 couplers, which is a standard and widely used coupling system in the model railroad community. The Kadee couplers make it simpler to connect the dummy locomotives to freight trains and switch cars, enhancing flexibility and functionality.
3. Flexible Use: Power dummy locomotives do not have a live current pickup or an integrated motor, so they do not draw power from the rails. The Bachmann set allows for the easy attachment and detachment of the 'dead' locomotives, providing greater convenience when building trains or making major layout adjustments.
4. Cost-Effective: Since the power dummy locomotives do not require the added expense of a motor or pickup to operate, this set can be considered a more cost-effective option compared to being identical locomotives powered.
5. Better Train Appearance: The dead locomotives in a train appear more realistic, as their trucks do not move, making them more pleasing to the eye compared to a constantly moving powered locomotive leading a string of stationary freight cars.
Cons:1. Electrically Inert: Power dummy locomotives cannot move on their own, requiring physical force to push or pull them, which can be a limitation for some. Manually moving the dummy locos, especially long freight trains, can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
2. Limited Functionality: Since these locomotives do not have motors or pickups, they do not offer any functional capabilities other than being pulled or pushed, restrained only to their cosmetic nature and representation of reality.
3. Incompatible with Automated Operations: Power dummy locomotives, being inert, cannot be controlled or handled by command control systems, RR-Circuit ElectroCouplers, or turnouts. Incorporating these devices into your layout with the dummy locomotives may not be possible, requiring manual control as a workaround.
4. Potential Calibration Issues: The movement of the truss rods connecting the front and rear trucks could rub against Kadee couplers at high speeds. This could potentially damage the coupler s silver or black precision points, affecting the electrical coupling performance. Ensuring proper alignment of the truss rods or switching to a different type of couplers could mitigate this issue.
Conclusion:The Bachmann HO Scale FT FE Power Dummy Locomotive Set (Kadees 0686 and 0696) is an excellent option for modelers who want to enhance the appearance and greater realism to their freight trains by adding authentic dead locomotives equipped with Kadee couplers. The set offers several advantages, including ease of use, lower cost, and improved train aesthetics, while its limitations lie in reduced functionality, manual handling, and the risk of potential calibration issues. If you are looking to diversify your freight trains or purely add to their physical appearance on your model railway layout, this set could be a valuable addition. However, knowing the inherent advantages and limitations will help you determine if the investment is the right fit for your specific needs.
Actual performance results will depend on the electrical quality and construction of your layout these are vintage, discontinued, out-of-production items, sold as-is, no warranty. I have tested both individually, and in pairs on a 3 ft.
Straight test track only. The use of a quality multi-unit hobby transformer is highly recommended if you wish to have smooth, trouble-free operation these vintage dc locomotives.