LGB DRGW #50 compared to Bachmann Spectrum line

jamestrain

jamestrain

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Members,

I've recently become the proud owner of the LGB Davenport lettered for DRGW #50. I've always had an appreciation for this locomotive, both the model and the prototype. However I'm a big fan of the Bachmann Spectrum Line, or at least their locomotives. Sadly, I'm not a fan of their prices but that's a different topic completely and one I do not wish to indulge on too much.

Anyways the question I want to ask, for those that own both the LGB model of the davenport and Bachmann locomotives, how does the LGB compare size wise? I know LGB is roughly 1:22.5 and the Bachmann Spectrum is supposed to be 1:20.3, but the numbers don't seem too different. I already own a Bachmann Porter from their spectrum line and both the porter and the LGB davenport look good on the track together, but what about the Bachmann 2-6-0? Or how about the 2-4-2 and their C-19?

The Davenport prototype was a small locomotive, so I know it shouldn't be standing out much, if at all. But is the davenport dwarfed by some of Bachmann's mid-sized locos?

Finally, Does anyone think that 1:20.3 figures look out of place near the Davenport.

I would normally make the judgement on my own, but I do not have access to any of these items since they are in storage, and I have yet to take a picture of the LGB locomotive so I can't compare via my computer.

So any thoughts?

Thank you!

--James :D
 
Bachmann's 2-4-2 would be a good match up to the Davenport and Porter. As would the "mining" Mogul if you want a nice compact tender loco to go well with the others. Thought about the RGS Goose #1 inspired rail-truck ? Trainworld are doing them sub $80 right now. Again sizewise a good match up.

Bachmann's C-19 is a big loco, similar length to 3 truck Shay and Connie. As is their Fourney in comparision with the above mentioned, even if it is based on a 2ft gauged prototype. It depends on the effect you want to achieve. If bigger locos are your thing take a look at US trader ana.kramer on Ebay - Fourneys, 2-6-6-2 Malletts, 3 truck Shays (w&w/out sound) and even K-27's at very good prices. Just a happy UK based customer.

Figures ? Woodland Scenics 1:20.3 figures seem to look good with everything. "Just Plain Folk" seem scaled smaller at 1:22.5. Both are US subject theamed.
Lets face it Bachmann's standard driver looks to have had a somewhat malnourished upbringing compared to his fireman.

Max.
 
If you are referring to LGB's #50 D&RG diesel, I believe it is a Caterpillar Locomotive. While the Bachmann is a genuine Davenport. The LGB loco is huge compared to the Bachmann. I like the two Bachmann Davenports I own. I use them for shunting duties. Out on the main line, pulling a train, they tend to surge on the down grades.

The LGB loco is a fantastic puller and runs smooth as silk on all grades.

As for 1:20.3 scale people, I have the Bachmann G men piloting my Davenports. Since the loco is so diminutive in the real world, I felt the look was spot on.

I hope I have shed some light on your questions.
 
I just bought a Davenport and a Goose from Trainworld, $180 for both. The Davenport is not a Spectrum model, it's a Big Hauler, but the rail truck is Spectrum.

I found this page: http://www.northeast.railfan.net/diesel97.html, listing various different Davenport models. The size of them seems to vary a lot, from tiny to full-size. On the bottom left of the page is one in front of a box car and the cab's profile is about the same as the box car. None of the pictured locos looks like a prototype for Bachmann's model, so I'm wondering whether they just made one to "look like it".

I expected a tiny loco, a bit like the German Köf, but next to my Bachmann tanker it looks quite big.

Regards,
Peter.
 
I remember reading that both the LGB porter and 2063 davenport (FYI Caterpillar was in Davenport, Iowa, USA) scale to 1:20, (not the typical LGB 1:22.5) in some model reviews when they were originally released. I believe this in fact correct, as they look huge next to some of the other 4 wheel LGB locos, yet more or less match the rolling stock, which is why LGB played with the size/scale.

That LGB 2063 Davenport is a superb loco. Do you have the original with faded orange and silver counter weights or the newer bright bold orange and black counter weights? Both are correct because both were copied from the Colorado RR museum , one long ago (faded) and one a more recent refurbishment. If you're eagle eyed, you will notice too, that the newer/last LGB version included a seam on the hood that didn't appear in the first version. The older version has gold handrails , the newer black if you're not sure which that you have.Only LGB would retroactively improve a mold like that. As a caution, be mindful of those drive rods, as they will break if anything as small as a tiny twig gets in the wrong way, and they are very hard to find.
 
You learn something every day. Here, I thought that Caterpillar was the maker of small diesel locos. So what you are saying is that the Caterpillar locos were made by Davenport?
 
#50 is Davenport switcher manufactured by davenport locomotive works , with a Caterpillar engine. The engine was also made in davenport iowa.at the Caterpillar plant there.

sorry for my clear as mud earlier comment
 
Thanks Steve. Those who understood the least, usually had it explained to them. ???
 
If you see the Accucraft version next to the Bachmann Davenport you will see the true difference in size of prototypes as every dimension is about twice as long.
 
As said the LGB loco is fantastic, probably the most underrated in their stable, I would buy another in a heartbeat ( assuming I had the readies available lol )
 
garrymartin said:
As said the LGB loco is fantastic, probably the most underrated in their stable, I would buy another in a heartbeat ( assuming I had the readies available lol )
Click to expand...

Agreed. They are powerful locos. And smooth runners.
 
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