Is the Bachmann Spectrum GP35 a reasonable facisimile of a Frisco GP35? I recognize that it is not a "torpedo boat". Any comments, positive or negative?
I think the Bachmann GP35 your referring to is only in there standard line, and standard line with DCC. I have one from a few years ago and it's crap. Yet 2 years ago I bought an SD40-2 from Bachmann and it was really good. As far as feasible I'm not sure.
If the Spectrum GP35 sounds like the Spectrum GP30 I used to own (sounded like a coffee grinder), they can have it. I'm more than happy with my Athearn RTR and RPP/Athearn kitbashed GP35...............
My suggestion is to get one (or more) of the Kato GP35s. Decent shell, great drive and availability should be good. I will have to check it to see what phase it is. I have converted three of these units into Frisco units, two were torpedo boats. I may have blown it but these units were bashed and painted about 15 years ago. One of the nice things about the Kato drive/chassis is that it will accept GE sideframes from Stewart so you can simulate the trade-in trucks for the last order (I think) by simply snapping them into place.
Pass the ketchup.....looks like I'll be munching on headgear. I'm getting a custom-painted Spectrum GP35 (in Frisco), so I guess I'll give it a road test & see how it sounds.