Spectrum GP30 Review
Bachmann
Spectrum GP30...
Bachmann had a huge reputation for producing low quality
crap. To solve this image problem they have released the Spectrum
line. This high-end line produces some very nice kits. The
GP30 is one of them. I got mine on eBay for around $25-30.
It is a good buy. Cheaper than a Proto 2000 and Atlas, but a little
more than an Athearn. Quality wise it is comparable to a Proto 2000.
I would recommend this kit. It is a good purchase, and you get good
quality for the price.
This kit comes with individual grab irons, uncoupling
levers, etc. already attached. There were only two pieces to glue
on the shell. Basically you are ready to paint it once it comes out
of the box. It is almost 100% accurate right out of the box for the
C&O units #3002-3047. My only complaint is it comes with the
old horn and hook couplers. I need to find long Kaydee type to replace
the ones that come in the kit.
I do not know if Bachmann offers this kit in any B&O,
C&O, or Chessie schemes. I got mine as an undecorated kit and
made it a C&O GP30. The car body is a phase II car body, accurate
for C&O units #3002-3047. C&O #3000-3001 and all B&O
GP30's are phase I car bodies. Proto 2000 is the only one making
the phase I car body.
Below is a real pic of a C&O GP30.
George Elwood photo
Below are some pics of my Spectum GP30. To see a
complete "how to" article check out my Spectrum
GP30 tips page. For even more on GP30's look on my 3002c&o
or 3022cs-c&o
pages.
