I have just purchased the Central Trains version for my son. My first impression on taking it out of the box, apart from it's good looks, were that the wheels on both driving ends do not spin freely because of the lighting pick-ups on each axle. This will obviously mean that the motor is working harder to move the whole unit. Also, one of the end cars squeaks occassionally - very prototypical! But I guess I need to find the fault and lubricate it.
Initially, it only started quite suddenly with a decent amount of power, but this has improved after a couple of hours running. I am quite sure that, once chipped, slow speed control will be just fine.
It does make a noise, but this seems almost realistic. A different noise to my Class 37, which again seems to make a noise closer to the prototype. Have Bachmann developed the technique of tuning their motors to give an appropriate sound?!
Despite my fears about the lack of free running of the driving trailer wheels, the model runs superbly. It is rock solid on all point formations (Peco 100 only at this stage), has a good top speed, although the directional lights are only visible at higher speeds on DC control.
The model certainly runs well and looks good. Will benefit from weathering (my son was torn between the brilliant look of the 2-car weathered version, or the longer 3-car set. The latter won out, on the basis that my soon-to-be purchased airbrush, and hopefully quickly-acquired spraying skills, will create the desired effect!
We're delighted with our model, and hope other users are as well
Graham