HO Used Bachmann 63210 DCC Sound Value Union Pacific Alco S4 Switcher Diesel Engine Locomotive #1167

Description

Used HO scale Bachmann 63210 DCC Sound Value Union Pacific Alco S4 Diesel Engine Locomotive UP #1167

Manufacturer: Bachmann
MFG’s Item #: 63210
Original Retail Price (MSRP):  $239.99
Roadname: Union Pacific
Actual Condition: GOOD: Used, Repaired (Glued broken handrails, resoldered 3 power-pickup wires to swipers), Stored in a substitute Tailormade box.
Extra Info: Sound Equipped (with SoundTraxx Dual-Mode Decoder), mLFW (Metal Low Flange Wheels), Bachmann E-Z Mate Knuckle Couplers.  Slogan: Dependable Transportation.

The Bachmann 63210 Sound Value Union Pacific Alco S4 Switcher Diesel Engine Locomotive #1167 is a handsome looking HO scale model.  The original manufacturer’s suggested retail price for it is $239.99.  This one is used and on consignment via ShowMyHobby.  As of 01/26/2026, Bachmann no longer has this model available for sale on their website.

While the complete history of this model is unknown to me, it was received with a few issues:  Broken handrails, sporadic running behavior with frequent stops and restarts.  It is unknown if this model has a built-in keep alive.  Quick visual inspection of the DCC sound chip made for Bachmann by SoundTraxx shows 2 capacitors on it.  But during testing, these capacitors do not appear to provide more than a possible split second of backup runtime.  In my opinion, they may only be to help keep the sounds playing without interruption on dirty tracks or due to dirty wheels.  In my opinion, if there is backup running power it is inadequate to sufficiently allow this locomotive to consistently cross over some turnouts without interruption.  Additionally, the handrails are very delicate on this model.

Repairs and modifications:  While examining and test running this Bachmann Union Pacific Alco S-4 Diesel Locomotive, the issues mentioned above were noticed and repairs were made:  3 of the 4 swipers had their wires resoldered to allow for power to be acquired successfully and consistently from the wheels.  All 4 swipers were cleaned at the tips and spread out a little wider to ensure the swipers touch the rear of each wheel.  Kapton tape was applied to the frame just above both trucks to ensure that the wheels do not cause shorts should they bump against the frame.  As the locomotive was consigned its original box or with adequate individual storage protection, a substitute box was tailormade to store the locomotive.

Currently, this Union Pacific Alco S4 Switcher Diesel Engine Locomotive has an overall GOOD condition.  It still looks very handsome with a nice, crisply applied Armour Yellow and Gray with Red lettering traditional Union Pacific paint job.  It features the slogan “Dependable Transportation” written on the sides of the cab.  A few paint splotches can be seen, mostly where glue applied several times affected the paint.  Look at the photos and videos closely to identify any mentioned issues and to confirm functioning operation of this model locomotive.  The locomotive is programmed to DCC #1167.

This DCC sound-equipped Alco S4 Diesel locomotive is equipped with Bachmann’s Sound Value SoundTraxx diesel sound package with polyphonic 16-bit sounds for prototypical prime mover, 3 air horns, and bells plus DCC dual mode control of speed, direction, and lighting.  This locomotive operates on both DC and DCC model railroad layouts.  It has the following features as well:

• Soundtraxx Sound Value DCC & Sound
• Bright front and rear LED White Headlights (Non-directional)
• Prototypical Union Pacific Armour Yellow & Gray with Red lettering paint scheme
• All-wheel power-pickup and All-wheel drive
• Flywheel-equipped motor
• Bachmann Plastic Sprung E-Z Mate Mark II Knuckle Couplers
• Performs best on 18″ radius curves or greater
  
  Prototype Information provided by Google AI:

The Union Pacific Alco S4 was a 1000-horsepower diesel-electric switch produced between 1949 and 1957, featuring a turbocharged 6-cylinder 539 engine, AAR-type A trucks, and distinctive styling designed by Ray Patten. UP operated a fleet of 99 Alco S-2s and S-4s, with S-4 units delivered between June 1955 and March 1956 for heavy yard switching duties.

• Key Aspects of the Union Pacific Alco S4:

• Role & Performance: These locomotives were essential for yard service, assembling trains, and industrial switching. They produced 1,000 horsepower and 57,500 lbs. of tractive effort.
• Design Features: The S4 is distinguished from its predecessor (S2) primarily by the use of AAR-type A switcher trucks. They feature a large radiator shutter area and a large exhaust stack due to the turbocharged 6-cylinder 539 diesel engine.
• Union Pacific Fleet: While EMD dominated UP’s diesel switcher fleet with 171 units (NW2s, SW7s, SW9s), Alco was a strong second, with UP operating 99 S-series switchers in total, acquired between 1943 and 1956.
• Production & Legacy: The S4 was a popular model in the ALCO S-Series, with over 1,500 units produced across all railroads. They were critical during the transition from steam to diesel.

The S4 units were known for their ruggedness and ability to handle heavy work, often serving for decades in both industrial and Class I railroad capacities.

About the Photos:

The first 4 pictures were taken with the flash turned off. I made them after the majority of the other photos were taken. The reason is that when the flash was on, the resulting pictures appear to be dull in color and they show the Yellow to a brighter yellow than it appears via my eyes. The first 4 pictures, although a lot darker than the other photos, show a better representation of how the orangey “Armour Yellow” that I see.

The video was recorded early morning on 01/26/2026.  At one point I mention that I set the speed to 1/3rd the possible speed when I put it on 7 speed steps.  This is because by the time the speed is set to 21 speed steps, the locomotive is already moving as fast as it runs.  This doesn’t appear to be much a speed increase after speed-step 21 of 28.  This is probably due to whatever speed-curve values are programmed into the decoder by default.

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