Hornby or Bachmann Class 08?

[Ben04uk]

I'm looking to get a Class 08 shunter in BR Blue but can't decide whether to get the Bachmann or Hornby offering. I've heard from a few sources that the chassis on the old Bachmann Class 08 is poor compared to the Hornby R2591 and R2418 models as there is little compensation on the centre axle and this impares the running. Does anyone know if the the new Bachmann 32-115 model addresses this issue or can anyone else offer any other opinions or experience of which Class 08 model is better?

[dave_long]

This one really is personal choice I'm afraid.

 

I think you might find that the Bachman model has a more springy centre axle than the fixed Hornby version. It is true the Hornby model does have slightly crisper detailing in places. They are both quite difficult to get hold of these days in good nick which shows just how good a model they both are. The Bachman does suffer from poor pickups but that can easily be sorted either through heavy cleaning or changing of the pick ups.

 

You'll have no problems running either.? 

 

 

[RANGERS]

I have both and both run well. Given the choice, I'd say the Hornby is a shade ahead both on detailing and running. The later Bachmann is better than the early version which really needs something done with the con-rods for it to lookright to my eye.

[llamafish]

I would also go for Hornby, as, from my experience their newer locos seem to last longer than Bachmann's, but as previously said, it is personal preference, I think both are great at low-speed shunting.

[Guest 838rapid]

I have gone from Bachmann 08's to the Hornby 08'sas they are easier to sound fit.

 

Actual models wise i find them simular in all over ways - opening cab doors dont really do it for me.

 

I guess you pays your money,you take your choice.

[The Fatadder]

Hornby has a more accurate cab roof profile, and much finer detail on the chassis, I'd say that the Bachmann chassis (once they sorted out the pickups) is a better design from a running point of view (given that it has a sprung centre axle) while the Hornby chassis is completely solid (though in OO this shouldnt make any issue, and even in P4 I've found my 08s run pretty well despite some poor track.)

 

In the end I sold all my Bachmann models and replaced with Hornby given the improved detail. Given money wise they are about the same price, I'd recomend going for the Hornby model

[Sam Moss]

I would personally go for the Hornby one. They can both pull about the same. I do think the chassis is a better design on Hornby, each axle has its own bearings whereas the Bachmann one just runs in the channels of the chassis block. Other types from Bachmann that use this method are prone to wear.

 

It all depends on what you really need it for. If its for occasional shunting them a Bachmann would do, if you were planning to send it mainline on a trip working from time to time then I would go for the Hornby, a good chassis and a very detailed body.

[SRman]

Echoing the others here: both are excellent models with quiet and slow-running mechanisms. Hornby have the edge in detailing; full details inside the cab, separate radiator slats at the front, opening cab doors with two different styles available (perfect for posing a shunter or pilot standing in the open doorway) and, on the 09 and at least one of the 08 models (Cotswold Rail), high level pipes for SR use. Bachmann ones tend to cost a little less though.? 

 

 

 

 

Early Bachmann issues were not DCC-ready and had a few problems with their pickups. Later ones don't have these "problems".

 

 

[Pannier Tank]

When choosing your Class 08 you need to make sure the the 'number carried' is correct for the type of Bonnet & Cab Doors, this is particulary so with the Bachmann Models which carry numbers lower than D3872 / 08705 with Metal Cab Doors. Although there are a few exceptions (due to accident damage etc) locos built after D3872 / 08705 had metal cab doors and those built before had wooden doors.
 

Class 08 Shunter variations.

Bonnet Access Doors

Long Hinges were fitted up to 08266 (D3336) & 08369 (D3454) to 08387 (D3472).
Short Vertical Handles were fitted to 08177 (D3245) onwards.

Cab Doors

Wooden Cab Doors were fitted up to 08704 (D3871).
Steel Cab Doors were fitted from 08705 (D3872) onwards.

Cab Droplights

Wooden Droplights were fitted up to
08101 (D3136) & 08149 (D3217) to 08156 (D3224)

Steel Droplights were fitted to: -
08102 (D3137) to 08148 (D3216) & 08157 (D3225) to 08958 (D4192)

Cabinets

All Locomotives fitted from new with Vacuum Exhauster Cabinet on LHS.
The following Locomotives also had an identical Cabinet on RHS: -

08001 (D3004) to 08176 (D3244
08545 (D3709) to 08560 (D3727)
08571 (D3738) to 08595 (D3762)
08606 (D3773) to 08639 (D3806)
08656 (D3823) to 08958 (D4192)

The following Locomotives were built without the RHS Cabinet although
some may have had them fitted when later Dual / Air Braked: -

08177 (D3245) to 08544 (D3708)
08561 (D3728) to 08570 (D3737)
08596 (D3763) to 08605 (D3772)
08640 (D3807) to 08655 (D3822)

Air / Dual Braking

Locomotives with Air / Dual Brakes had an additional box for an Air Compressor fitted
between the Cab and the Battery Box on the LHS only.

Running Plate

Up to 08698 (D3865) the running plate had a lip at the top and a fillet that projects downwards at the rear end of the running plate to the
buffer beam, 08699 (D3866) onwards did not have either feature, the running plates were plain and had no fillet to the rear buffer beam.