Manufacturer: Bachmann Trains
Road numbers: (all Union Pacific) No. 6915, 6927, 6932, 6943
Bachmann’s N scale Union Pacific DDA40X shares many features with its larger cousin. The model’s dimensions are correct, the plastic body is nicely molded, and the paint job is sharp. Twin can motors with flywheels power all eight axles. The model has enough drawbar pull to haul a good-sized train.
But there are differences that add up to make the N scale version a better model. The mid-body gap in the shell is blocked with a black panel, a better compromise than the HO unit’s exposed flywheel. There are 12 shorter doors on each side of the long hood, matching prototype photos. And the frame doesn’t intrude into the cab.
Under the hood. Nestled in the model’s split frame are two can motors. The motor-only DCC decoder rests in a notch in the center of the frame, just above the flywheels. The fuel tank is designed to accommodate a speaker.
rather noisy. It also took some tweaking of the decoder’s configuration variables (CVs) to smooth out its low-speed performance.
The model weighs 61/2 ounces, giving it a hefty 1.6 ounces of drawbar pull. This is enough to pull 38 freight cars on straight and level track. Because of its long wheelbase, this model performs best on 11″ radius or broader curves.
