Bachmann Davenport

[Martino]

I acquired a Bachmann Davenport back in the summer, and also snagged one of the last Backwoods Miniatures conversion kits.  I did quite a lot of the work, and then after much discussion with Axel at Train-Li-USA, sent it off to him for fitting of a Zimo DCC and sound system.  He did a great job, and as soon as I remember how to do a video (!) I`ll post one of it in action.
Anyway, I`ve pretty much finished the job and due to the awful weather outside, just dumped it on a length of track in the workshop and took some photos.

It`s had some light weathering, but can`t make up my mind if I`ll go for the full `Dirty Diesel` look.

 

[trammayo]

It looks a nice job - and it has plenty of character! Certainly transformed it.

 

[chris m01]

Nice job. Makes a huge difference to this loco

 

[playmofire]

Looks very good as it stands.

 

[garrymartin]

She's a beauty , a superb transformation ! I would leave her in ex works condition

 

[simon@mgr]

I like these locos, I have  two of them which I use on a very small display layout.
Over  a 3 day exhibition they will cover nearly 30 kilometres on a 3 metre track.

 

[dunnyrail]

Martino, lovely job did you spray it? There is no doubt that a quality paint job is what is needed to lift a locomotive from the pack. This you have definately done. I rather like the side skirts whch disguise but will not totally hide the rods thrashing up and down. Star subtle with the weathering, you can always build it up if you want to make it look like some of the fferings that we see in the Short Line Gazette.

Just out of interest I googled this to see what the Euro one looked loke. I found that G Scale Online are offering a reduced price from £178.20 to £999.99. I kid you not, at this price I am so glad that have none in stock. Though maybee by their 999 days wait in stock that will be the expected price. Obviously a FPF finger typo, but hey what fun.

Actually joking aside, there appear to be some good mark downs on their site.

http://www.gscaleonline.co.uk/epages/es116894.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/es116894_shop/Categories/%22DIESEL%20LOCOMOTIVES%20%26%20OTHER%20MOTIVE%20POWER%22

JonD

 

[ntpntpntp]

Must admit I did consider the detailing kit when it was first released, but it seemed a bit pricey. Does look good though. Don't think Backwoods Miniatures are selling the kit any more?

 

[Martino]

Thanks all. And happy new year, by the way!

Jon, no, it's brush painted. I haven't got round to learning the spray painting technique, or buying a spray gun.

The cost of the Bachmann Davenport here was about $72.00 I think! I'll have to look at the price of the body kit, about the same in pounds if I remember. Nick, when I bought mine in September, Backwoods said they had two left and I got one of them. I have to say I think the kit was was good value as it's very comprehensive and well put together.

Chopper couplings are adapted Brandbright, as are the vacuum pipes, which do actually connect to similar pipes on the rolling stock. Various other bits were in my bits box.

My big expense was the DCC and sound fit. I was going to do it myself but after a great deal of discussion with Axel at Train Li USA, decided to let him do it. Just as well, as he had to rip out the existing board to shoehorn in the speaker, board and sound buffer. It does sound excellent though and I'll post a video of it at some stage.

It did require the fitting of some shims behind the pick up contacts to ensure that it picks up power ALL the time, but that I think is a well known fix. So far the only problem I have is negotiating Train Line R7 points/turnouts at low speed. The wheelbase appears to fit perfectly on the insulated bits! I have plans to build a GW style shunter's truck to extend the contacts which should fix that.

 

[Beddhist]

Just a heads-up for those who bought one new recently, like I did. US$ 100 from Trainworld. It has run only once at a club meet for about 15 mins. I noticed that the front coupler didn`t sit right. When I turned it over:



One screw missing, the other loose. I was in luck, though: found the screw in the bottom of the box! Naturally, I checked all the other screws at the bottom and found one on the other coupler box also very loose, plus a few around the chassis that I could tighten easily.

Looks like Chinese lack of QC has struck again.

Next, I will have to check my rail truck for the known gear box problem and any possible loose screws.

Cheers,
Peter.

 

[Madman]

They are great little locos, and will pull a fair load. The only glitch with them is the surging on down grades. Still, I like using mine for switching duties, as the slow speed is very good.

 

[stockers]

One screw missing, the other loose. I was in luck, though: found the screw in the bottom of the box! Naturally, I checked all the other screws at the bottom and found one on the other coupler box also very loose, plus a few around the chassis that I could tighten easily.

Looks like Chinese lack of QC has struck again.

I have seen this sort of thing before (I used to import toys). A lazy operative does not even try to put the screw in place but by throwing it in the box hopes to use the excuse it fell out if he/she should be challenged. On some production lines the finished pack is weighed and so the operative hopes to keep the weight right by adding the screw to the pack. Not sure if weighing would be accurate on something the size of a loco though.

 

[Beddhist]

I had the loco upside down at some stage and there was nothing missing, so it definitely fell out before or after the short running session. I will also have to fix the gear box on my new rail truck, a known problem... If they sold these here in NZ or in Europe they would have lots of returns. Oh well, it only cost 20% of RRP.