Williams By Bachmann F7 locomotive review

Although the WBB F7 would most likely pull your aluminum cars, it just looks odd IMO. I would look for a good pair of PW F3's. 

 

They pull better, look better and they are post war. 

I have the F7 set in GN livery. Power should be no problem IMO. My layout is small so I actually changed the parallel motor wiring to series (easy to do) to slow things down. Sound is ok, but unimpressive vs. an MTH PS2 or 3. Agree with David on the appearance. I like it but it's very basic. Shop around if you want to buy a set. You shouldn't have to pay more than half of the $389 MSRP.

 

P.S. Maybe it's just my layout but the shell on the powered unit gives a little rattle as it goes around 036 curves. Other than that, very smooth and quiet. I will probably purchase another set soon.

I don't have the F7s but I do have a set of E8s a GP9 and a Rectifier all by Williams and if it's like any of those you can easily pull those cars and then some. I do agree with David that they look odd, kinda bucktoothed looking with a rounded pilot and a blunt front end, an issue the Williams F3s don't share. But that is only a minor thing, if you're looking for a well built machine that will last you can't go wrong with Williams.

 

Jerry

David, Scott and Baltimore Train Works.  Thank you all for your input.  I decided to purchase the WBB because I will be getting it at a very good price.  PW would have been nicer but I needed to go with the lower price point. The fact that it will pull the six aluminum cars without any problems only makes the decision easier.

I have these in New Haven. I really like them very strong pullers and that paint any problems can be easily overlooked. I think the molds are the old Kusan molds so they date to the postwar period or that is my understanding. Good engines worth getting.

I would go with the WBB F-3s if you can get them at a good price.  They are copies of Lionel PW, look nice and are great pullers - probably more than a 2 motor PW engine.