Dear Bach Man
The new catalogue shows no brand new items for ON30, not really a surprise as the toy fair/catalogue announcements are, for ON30, generally confined to train sets and new liveries on existing items. Those ON30 items shown in the catalogue as "new", which means since the last catalogue whether or not previously announced elsewhere, are the previously announced revised Porters, two train sets both using the 2-6-0, and a couple of re-liveries i.e. the 2-6-0 in D&RGW green and black livery (before any-one asks this appears to be the existing 2-6-0 with a new livery and not upgraded in any way) and a black unlettered flat car. This means that Bachmann have not announced any brand new ON30 item since the NMRA convention in 2009.
As well as the lack of brand new Bachmann items a worrying sign for the future of ON30 is that some retailers seem to be pulling out of ON30. On the other hand a positive note is the introduction by Bachmann of new train sets - train sets attract new modellers to the scale/gauge combination, and I was concerned by the lack of any new train sets last year.
So I ask, does Bachmann remain committed to expanding the ON30 line? If so, when can we expect announcements of brand new items? (I am not asking what they might be.)
Awaiting your answer
Hamish
I don't think they would have put the work and effort into the 'new' DCC and sound Porters if they were not planning to keep On30 going. I still hope, beyond hope, that we might see an H....... someday.
Without going into a long commentary on the future of the hobby in general, I think most of the issue has been the state of the economy over the past 2 or 3 years. R&D and product development take time and money, and if folks aren't buying trains, then the $$$ may not be there, or the development time gets stretched out. One would like to hope that there may be some really new stuff announced either at the NMRA convention or maybe the narrow gauge convention later this year.
Dear All,
We are absolutely committed to On30, and there will be announcements at NMRA this summer.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Hoooooray!!!!!!!! ;D
Royce
That´s something to look forward to....
Praise the Lord!
Cheers, Tom :) :) :)
Retailers are likely pulling out because they can't compete with The Favorite Spot and other sellers that dump these pieces on eBay with no reserve. Those auctions show in most cases what an actual market price should be for these products; people are unwilling to pay full retail, in some cases they're even unwilling to pay 50% of retail - I picked up some Stock Cars to resell and have sold a whopping 2 of them, I may end up parting them out for other projects instead. It's not worth my selling them much cheaper than I've been trying to now.
I Buy from the Favorite Spot because my LHS doesn't carry a large selection of on30 and as you mentioned the prices are low from them, if I have to order something and wait, I might as well cut out the middleman and save some dollars
I would also say the favorite spot has likely been a large factor in Bachmann keeping up the ON30 line, I say this because on30 is a line mostly enjoyed by RR hobbyist, I would guess not many people buy them for their kids. I know theres the Hawthorne Village factor as well, but you wont see many geared loco's running around Xmas villages.
NM
I'd buy from a lhs, but mine is a chain store. Carries woodland scenics and paints. What equipment they do carry is so far off a realistic price, I wont pay those prices. I don't mind a little higher, but 3 times
An Internet price? not from my wallet
Do some of you folks recall how the prices were falling when the On30 BLI Goose was out?
First: 299 Bucks, at the end the price was down to 49$ without, 79$ with sound...
Ok-could be that this RGS model did not find a wide-spread range of interested modellers...
I have found that the Favorite Spot is cheap and reliable, while it´s hard to find another dealer who carries the whole spectrum of Bachmann´s On30 models... By heart, I can only tell good things about the Favorite Spot. But it´s correct that this brings even a bigger chance that some day we must drive a long way until we may find a well-stocked LHS. That´s the truth. :(
Cheers, Tom
You should try here in Australia, where NO-ONE carries Bachmann or On30 stuff! :'(
My LHS (as you call them) went broke in 2004, and there went the convenience of just nipping down, and paying slightly higher than internet prices, but having a good selection of the stock readily available. (Especially scratch-building parts like styrene sheets, profiles, and adhesives, etc.)
Since then, nothing, Nil. Zip. ???
The only online stores that are any good to deal with are USA based, and then one has to pay exorbitant premiums for mail delivery charges, and having to wait up to six weeks for an order from US is not unheard of. >:(
Even the possibility of returning a faulty Bachmann locomotive for repair is simply out of the question........
As I may have mentioned before, I really envy you modellers who are lucky enough to live Stateside, with all the next-day-delivery and free-delivery options that you have. Not to mention the super-cheap deals that you get from competition among your hundreds of hobby shops.
Maybe I should move to California. Or New York. Or somewhere in between.... ;D
:)
I dont recommend california.
Quote from: Tomcat on March 05, 2011, 03:55:27 AM
Do some of you folks recall how the prices were falling when the On30 BLI Goose was out?
First: 299 Bucks, at the end the price was down to 49$ without, 79$ with sound...
Ok-could be that this RGS model did not find a wide-spread range of interested modellers...
I have found that the Favorite Spot is cheap and reliable, while it´s hard to find another dealer who carries the whole spectrum of Bachmann´s On30 models... By heart, I can only tell good things about the Favorite Spot. But it´s correct that this brings even a bigger chance that some day we must drive a long way until we may find a well-stocked LHS. That´s the truth. :(
Cheers, Tom
The same thing happened to the BLI C-16. The last two I bought was $49.99 with the sound. True, they have the Blueline sound and not the QSI boards found in the first release, but $49 is still a hell of a buy just the same. The Blueline units require the purchase of a separate decoder for DCC operation which adds $25 to the price. and the Blueline board makes the loco a PITA to program. I like the QSI Sound board in my first units much better, especially after I added the QSI upgrade chips.
Also, speaking of prices, has anyone checked out the current ones from Micro Mark? They used to rival the prices at The Favorite Spot, especially if you let MM choose the roadname, but no more! Their prices have gone way up! Some are even higher than the LHS. I know Bachmann has always played games with their prices (and dealer costs), and their prices always go up around the first of the year. This year, considering the current state of the economy, they are really pushing the envelope. Lets hope they don't kill the Golden Goose.
Regards,
Bill
I Do recommend California Just stay away from major cities like Los Angeles San Francisco and Sacramento.
I drove to a hobby shop picked up some track and enjoyed the rest of the day in 77 degree weather with clear sky's
NM
Sorry just rubbing it in... Had too.
Hey All,
I feel the economy in a slump for 3 years, the rapidly rising prices of this line of product, and the lack of new introductions to the line, have all been factors in the decline of sales. The last real push was when the 4-4-0 (both versions) and the 2-6-6-2 came out right after the 2-8-0 & Rail-truck. since that time (about 2 years ago) not much has been happening. We all know keeping things fresh and up to date is key to staying in the eye of public consumer.
I also see declines in the christmas village producers as they have extreme price increases and even walmart, shopko and some Sears stores no longer carry these items. This could hurt village type train sales
I think the decision makers are stuck trying to figure out if they are going to put DCC in all locos or none or how to avoid confusion by consumers if they darest do both, OH Yes that sound decision also HMMM. maybe they should offer all locos with all 3 versions-what a sales nightmare that would be.
I am sure Bachmann is doing their best to figure it all out ( I am glad it's not my nightmare) and the most we can do is patiently wait for the chips to falll where they may.
Enjoy,
Barry
So, any guesses what the announcement will be this July?
A perfect July for me would be a much needed H****, and an update to the 2-6-0 (Updated wiring like a DCC plug in tender or DCC and Sound installed).
Greg
I am still hesitant to buy more Bachmann until they fully step up to the gear problems. I understand the Shay has a fix, so I have taken mine off the shelf along with my Climax and run it quite a bit to see if I have the failure while the gears are still available. I know I am risking that the Climax will join my railtruck for display only but so far so good for both geared locos. Is there such a thing as a "good" shay (i.e. tolerances happen to line up not to split or allow the gear to spin) or is it a matter of time? I had contemplated buying new ones with sound or adding it, but hate to put more money into them, especially where there is no fix on the Climax.
From previous post I understand that Bachmann will not replace or fix the rail truck, just trade for a rail bus that I don't want - anyone had a different experience?
Sherwood,
I too have a Climax, so far no problems (Probably around 30 hours of run time). There are gears available for the On30 Shay from Bachmann and OSO/NWSL. I would imagine replacement Climax gears from Bachmann are the thicker updated type, maybe the Bach'man can let us know. I would guess OSO/NWSL can't be too far from releasing their gears too.
I would rather run my locos till they break on my shelf layout, than have them sitting in a box. You can now get a DCC ready Shay from Favorite spot for $60-70, add the $27 for NSWL gears and you are still around $120 if you factor in shipping. StAubinOn30 sells the Climax for $99, just keep your receipt and keep those gears lightly lubed with plastic compatible grease.
If I have to deal with bad bevel gears in the future, so be it. It is still much better than paying $600+ for a brass geared locomotive. Without Bachmann On30 I'd still be in HO :o
G
Quote from: Greg F on May 02, 2011, 08:04:56 PM
So, any guesses what the announcement will be this July?
A perfect July for me would be a much needed H****, and an update to the 2-6-0 (Updated wiring like a DCC plug in tender or DCC and Sound installed).
Greg
Just a guess here, but maybe the Mogul will return with DCC, maybe Soundtraxx?
It's a beautiful loco.
Quote from: Greg F on May 02, 2011, 08:04:56 PM
So, any guesses what the announcement will be this July?
A perfect July for me would be a much needed H****, and an update to the 2-6-0 (Updated wiring like a DCC plug in tender or DCC and Sound installed).
Greg
Hi Greg,
While I also would love to see an updated 2-6-0 with additional tender pickup, DCC and optional factory installed sound, I think that wishing for any new Bachmann On30 is pretty pointless, given that they still have yet to ship last year's promises.
The release of replacement gears for the Shay are a step in the right direction, but what about all the split gear problems on their other locos, especially the Climaxes (both HO & On30), the On30 Railtruck, and even the Davenport siderod switcher? Until they address these factory defects, or at least acknowledge that there is a problem and say that they will work on it, I'm somewhat leery of ANY new Bachmann locos in any scale.
Regards,
Bill in FL
Its worrrying to read of these gear problems with Bachmann Locos, having just returned to 0n30 modelling after a short break I have just purchased a Climax, a mallet and a 2-8-0!
Any way to get to the point of this thread............... one thing I would like to see in the 0n30 range is a LARGE diesel loco! This may not be to everyones liking, but I feel it may do something to expand the buyer base and this help the overall continuance of the sector.
I think there was some discussion about large Narrow Gauge diesels a year or so back??
Steve ( Wales UK)
I sell alot of On30 models on Ebay,I no longer list in O or On3 only On30,the interest in the scale is high,not just in the US but all over the world.The scale now is too strong to let die.Our economy has hurt us all,their is no longer extra money for trains,guys just dont have the cash especially for brass.Although alot of us want DCC and sound their are many who dont or cant afford it,Bachman needs to pay attention to the little guy because their prices are creeping up to brass prices.Id like to see a company like MMI or BL come out with a GOOD Shay that dosent have gear problems,thats rare on brass locos.It would do Bachman good to have some compition in the marketplace,right now they have very little so we must put up with no so great locos.
Quote from: Stevelewis on May 13, 2011, 09:01:51 AM
Its worrrying to read of these gear problems with Bachmann Locos, having just returned to 0n30 modelling after a short break I have just purchased a Climax, a mallet and a 2-8-0!
Steve ( Wales UK)
Steve,
At least 2 of your 3 new locos don't yet have a reputation for having cracked gears. I also have a Bachmann 2-8-0 and a Mallet and am fond of both. Good luck with your Climax, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones that won't have a gear problem.
Regards,
Bill in FL
I have a Bachmann 2-6-0 that was one of the original runs that I have and it is still running strong!
I have back dated it and now contemplating adding DCC and sound. Of course if you add up all the PSC brass parts added then the cost is up there with the newer engines.
Royce
It seems to me that the rod engines are not having the problems that the geared engines are having. I now have four of the ten wheelers,I model the ET&WNC (Tweetsie) in the late thirties.All of these have sound and some have run for a very long time now with no problem at all. They run as good as any engine I have seen in brass and also with me ,If I add up all the extra detail parts added to these engines, They are approaching Brass prices!! Dwayne
To me, the future of 0n30 looks rosy and bright and would continue to do so even if B-mann dropped out of the market (which I hope they never do.) Reason? There are huge numbers of H0 mechanisms just waiting to be bashed into 0n30 locomotives. And scratch building cars is a lot of fun if you can resist all those beautiful R-T-R cars ( I can't.) The ready availability of H0 equipment is what convinced me to go with 0n30 instead of 0n3 when I decided to try a narrow gauge layout.
Jim
Jim,
well said. On30 and thanks: Bachmann did get me started into O-scale at all. A O-Std Gauge 2-Rail layout followed... And my first engine was the C&S No.21 Mogul. This little gem is worth to be re-introduced with DCC and preferably sound one day.
On30´s future looks bright and clear to me. Scratchbuilding rolling stock is fun, you´re right Jim. And I pray and hope that Bachmann will keep going in On30, even when we may need to adjust the speed a bit, the financial crisis will take its toll, but keep an eye on this forum: there are masses of On30 people out there begging for another masterpiece from Bachmann´s workbenches...
No in fact there´s light at the end of the tunnel, or - if we are going through a tunnel anyway, rather a high trestle to our Logging emporiumsm eh....?
Cheers, Tom ;) ;) ;)
For all those of you with gear problems, I am sure Bachmann is listening. That is what will keep them in business. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade( new gears,NWSL) Tear that sucker apart!! You may find it is alot of fun fixing something that is broke. Kinda like an old hot rod. Once you are done, you will enjoy what you have finished! ;) Dwayne Calloway
Quote from: S. Calloway on October 25, 2011, 08:47:08 PM
For all those of you with gear problems, I am sure Bachmann is listening. That is what will keep them in business. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade( new gears,NWSL) Tear that sucker apart!! You may find it is alot of fun fixing something that is broke. Kinda like an old hot rod. Once you are done, you will enjoy what you have finished! ;) Dwayne Calloway
I wish you were right, but I feel these complaints have been coming in for too many years now for this too be true. All you have to do is look at the street prices for these products to see what the educated modelers think they are worth, Rail trucks at about $40, Rail buses, Shays & Climaxes at $100 or less. These are truly beautiful models that would probably bring similar prices as static models, and with splitting gears, that's really about all they are,
Static Models.
Bill in FL
Hello Railtwister,Well I just got chewed out by a fellow because Im bashing Bachman about gear problems and thats fine.It just seems to me theirs way too many shelf queens and static models than we need,why bother putting a motor in!
Improved replacement gears for Climax locomotives in HO and On30 are available through the Bachmann service department.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13307.0.html
In regard to some of the existing products such as the Railtruck, Bachmann will absolutely address any production issues in future production runs. Until then Bachmann will be happy to issue a replacement for a defective product.
Thank you yardmaster,I think your service dept will be pretty busy,but it is good news!
Quote from: Yardmaster on October 27, 2011, 02:57:47 PM
Improved replacement gears for Climax locomotives in HO and On30 are available through the Bachmann service department.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13307.0.html
In regard to some of the existing products such as the Railtruck, Bachmann will absolutely address any production issues in future production runs. Until then Bachmann will be happy to issue a replacement for a defective product.
Mr. Yardmaster,
Thanks for responding to this issue. Can you tell us whether the drive train in the upcoming Heisler was designed with these problems in mind in an effort to prevent them from occurring in a new release, or will we have to wait and see if the problem persists, and then wait for a fix after the fact?
Thanks,
Bill in FL
I'm not sure of the future of On30. The one thing the other scales (HO, O, N, G...) have that
On30 doesnt is a consistant prototype. There is no B&O or PRR type prototypes that were organized, big-name railroads that had 30 inch gauge rails. There are not a lot of models to make because there is such a limited selection that you can make. Most of the On30 trains I see are made of modifyed or patch locomotives with O scale parts.
As for what I would like to see in On30... I'm not sure. "Wild" locomotives (like a 4-8-4) would be nice to see down the line. A little imagination with a prototypical influence would make On30 train from you guys (Bachmann) a lot more appealing. To be honest, I love the current selection of stock (not locomotives) because of their simplicity and wider (by comparison) selection.
For the locomotives, a On30 4-8-4 would be nice or a 2-8-4, 4-8-2, what ever. Something with imagination. Even a GE wide-cab GP60 in On30 would be cool.
I hope you take this seriously. Us On30 fans get models primarily from two (2) places, 1. scratch built models we make, or 2. You. I would love to see more locomotives.
Fred
Fredlove2laugh,
Don't forget not everyone in this hobby takes the same enjoyment from it, I'm into high detail scenery more then the locomotives and my Railroad is fictitious. I modify loco's and HO cars to use on my line and never give a second thought to whether there is a prototype that even remotely resembles it.
The biggest reason I do on30 is the amount of room I have and the desire for something bigger then HO, I have read many post and talked with many people who like the on30 because they can see it better.
I think on30 will be around for many many years and continue to grow.
Just my .02
NM-Jeff
With On30 it's the "neat" factor. The stuff was unique and not "run of the mill'.
There was so much innovation and "back yard mechanicing(sp)" in creating and adapting equipment to fit a company's individual railroading needs.
I see what you mean. But I am the 'prototype' guy. I like that stuff that makes a railroad diffrernt.
Fred
The wonder of the hobby allows each of us to follow our own path,we can veer right or left as we create our world,not being a rivet counter I seem to veer alot.Although their are many photos and books covering railroading they didnt get it all.I always say 100yrs ago these fellows didnt worry about taking pics of their creations so 100yrs later nuts like us could build models of it!We have no idea what they built and even in todays world contraptions are sitting in garages being built for a certain job.Narrow gauge allows me to dream,to create GOOFY things that MIGHT have been.Im almost making a living doing it on ebay,ALMOST!We model as we want yet all share our love of trains,to each their own!
In the book "Locomotivas Articuladas" from Brazil are a few protoype kitbashs<G> of interest.
take 2 0-4-0Ts add lead / trailing trucks and you end up with a Garratt 2-4-0+0-4-2T
take 2 80Ton SHAYS add tenders and convert them to 4-6-2s Pacific's
lastly a 80 Ton SHAY converted to a Kitson-Meyer style 2-6-0+0-6-2T
All used on Meter Gauge lines in Brazil.
When you look at some protoype kitbashs, there are lot's of kitbash's waiting to be done<G>.
Ken
GWN
On30 saved me from the prototype 'nitpicking madness' ;) Now at last I am free to place any rivets where-ever I want! :D Actually, I think that's why On30 has that rising popularity worldwide. Once you know everything about the prototype some (many) of us will feel the urge to create even the prototype, through freelancing. And narrow-gauge would be the most prototype-accurate place to go with this urge! ;D
As I wrote earlier, I´m very thankful to the Bachmann folks since On30 got me started into O-Scale after beeing a HO guy with a European Prototype RR. This in fact opened a whole new world to me!
No doubt, never, that Bachmann does stand to On30 and pleae keep in mind folks, that the geared engines did not all have those drive train issues. My oldest Shays seem to run forever with no issues at all and my older Climax too. My Railtruck? Nope.
And: As Dwayne said, even when things get rough there will be someone on the aftermarket who will sort out problems. This time Bachmann has done that their own way, my 2nd Climax with gear problems does just run fine with replaced drive train.
To me, the future of On30 is bright and Bachmann is going to be a important part of it.
Cheers, Tom ;) ;) ;)
Quote from: fredlove2laugh on November 17, 2011, 09:02:48 PM
I'm not sure of the future of On30. The one thing the other scales (HO, O, N, G...) have that
On30 doesnt is a consistant prototype. There is no B&O or PRR type prototypes that were organized, big-name railroads that had 30 inch gauge rails. There are not a lot of models to make because there is such a limited selection that you can make. Most of the On30 trains I see are made of modifyed or patch locomotives with O scale parts.
As for what I would like to see in On30... I'm not sure. "Wild" locomotives (like a 4-8-4) would be nice to see down the line. A little imagination with a prototypical influence would make On30 train from you guys (Bachmann) a lot more appealing. To be honest, I love the current selection of stock (not locomotives) because of their simplicity and wider (by comparison) selection.
For the locomotives, a On30 4-8-4 would be nice or a 2-8-4, 4-8-2, what ever. Something with imagination. Even a GE wide-cab GP60 in On30 would be cool.
I hope you take this seriously. Us On30 fans get models primarily from two (2) places, 1. scratch built models we make, or 2. You. I would love to see more locomotives.
Fred
a 4-8-4 in On30 is not wholly far-fetched. The 3' gauge Londonderry & Lough Swilly Rly in Ireland had 2 4-8-4 tanks and 2 very handsome 4-8-0 tender versions.
But I suspect most of us would prefer locos based on prototypes, even if we then customise them a bit.
The FCA&B (Chile) operated OF 2-8-4T's while still 2"6" gauge
The Rio Turbo (Argentina) has rebuilt a couple of their IF 2-10-2s for tourist service
The Patagonian National (aka Esquel in Argentina) operates IF & OF 2-8-2's
2&1/2FT gauge Articulated Locomotives 2-6-0+0-6-2T
2-6-6-2
2-6-0+0-6-4T
2-6-2+2-6-2T
Lots of larger locomotive's to choose from.
Ken Clark
Good thread. I love On30 specifically because I can imagineer it any way I want. I like to think of it as an opportunity to project the "history" of narrow gauge into modern times. I'm another who would really, really (repeat as necessary) love to see some non-critter diesels, nice production models of equivalents of the SW's and RS's. Likewise a wider variety of cars representing service in a wider variety of industries. I'm fortunate to be here in Seattle, so I'll be at the narrow gauge convention in Sept, looking hard for new On30 possibilities.
Dick Wightman
Ballard Southern
Quote from: Ken Clark on July 20, 2012, 04:14:39 PM
The FCA&B (Chile) operated OF 2-8-4T's while still 2"6" gauge
The Rio Turbo (Argentina) has rebuilt a couple of their IF 2-10-2s for tourist service
The Patagonian National (aka Esquel in Argentina) operates IF & OF 2-8-2's
2&1/2FT gauge Articulated Locomotives 2-6-0+0-6-2T
2-6-6-2
2-6-0+0-6-4T
2-6-2+2-6-2T
Lots of larger locomotive's to choose from.
Ken Clark
Sierra Leone had 4-8-2+2-8-4 Garratt locomotives on the 30 inch gauge to add to the list of large 30 inch gauge locomotives.
On30 has always consisted of a diverse range of meodellers, including, in no particular order
For some reason my computer decided to send my message while I was in the middle of composing it - as I was trying say, On30 has always consisted of a large variety of modellers, including, in no particular order,
Those using it as a convenient way to model 3 foot (or 2 foot) gauge prototypes
Freelance modellers using it to model narrow gauge of no particular gauge,
Industrial modellers such as mining, logging, sugar cane etc.
Kit-bashers who love modifying HO gauge equipment to On30
Those modelling actual 30 inch gauge lines, often from overseas, but sometimes US lines
Many other variations exist. Bachmann has tried to provide models to suit most of the above, and I expect them to continue to do so, as no one segment of the On30 market is probably big enough by itself to justify a whole large range.
Hamish
those
Hamish
Forgot also the Five Sierra Leone BG, IF 2-6-2+2-6-2T that were converted to IF 2-8-0+0-8-2T.
Ken Clark
GWN
Hey All,
I am so glad to see that even a post started a year and a half ago can be resurrected a few times. This is proof enough this On30 thing is here to stay. Thank-you Bachmann for your dedication to this Scale/Guage.
I also want to thank-you for the opportunity to let us share our thoughts on train related conversations.
My personal opinion is On30 is going to stay around for a long time. My bet for next Loco would be on a 2-6-2 Prairie type and even more desired (from others) would be a 2-6-2T. I would prefer the Tender behind. I feel the size would be right between the 2-6-0 Mogul and the much larger 2-8-0. I would purchase at least 1 to go with the bakers dozen Moguls and the couple 4-4-0's I run. I would like to see this as well as a "Gandy Dancer" MOW car in a couple different lines like the inevitable Christmas - Santa Claus 1.
Bachmann could just add one more wheel to the IF 4-4-0 and make a nice small porter mogul.
Royce Wilson
Nice idea, Royce!!! ;D ;D
John
:)
If bachmann were to consider making a large American built narrow gauge steam locomotive, the largest would be a 2-10-4 that ran on the Teresa Cristina in Brazil
Tons of videos on YouTube of them, surprised nobody has modelled them, they're truly magnificent monsters
http://youtube.com/watch?v=drquakTIPNw
If bachmann did these or DRGW K-36's or K-37's I may take a dive into the On30 market
a 2-10-4 in On30....
trouble is, you just know what everyone's first question's gonna be
what radius will it go round ::)
A thought, but I fear those Brazilian Texans would never, ever make their way around the 24 inch radius curves used on several Texas and Florida modular groups.
In an ideal world, tight curves would be on sports cars and pretty young girls. Alas, we have to make certain compromises in real life. I don't think a 2-10-4 would clear club curves.
Quote from: ryeguyisme on July 29, 2012, 06:17:56 AM
If bachmann were to consider making a large American built narrow gauge steam locomotive, the largest would be a 2-10-4 that ran on the Teresa Cristina in Brazil
Tons of videos on YouTube of them, surprised nobody has modelled them, they're truly magnificent monsters
http://youtube.com/watch?v=drquakTIPNw
If bachmann did these or DRGW K-36's or K-37's I may take a dive into the On30 market
I would like to see a Brazillian Texan made. As I don't need to worry about tight curves, the size is not a problem for me. As a matter of fact, the bigger the better, as long as it is narrow gauge.
Bruce
I'm sure it would take bigger curves than most of us build, but if someone offers it, I'm sure the curves will come. My layout is small, but I still built to 26" curves... just because they look better and my friend goes for steam. I kind of wonder what curves it could actually be built to take, even though I'm not a steam fan.
One of the things I like about On30 is that is a railroad home for imagination. I like to imagine that narrow gauge continued in big way right into modern times. I liked the idea of a modern national narrow gauge network presented in the last On30 pub. This is why I keep campaigning for modern diesels. We can't move into modern times if we don't get some real diesels. They don't have to be exact copies of standard gauge ones, but appropriate size and scale for serious 30" narrow gauge railroading. On30 SW's and RS's would get us started off right!
I'll bet Bachmann could get a 2-10-4 down to 24 inch radius.
I believe the MMI Hybrid On30 K-27's could negotiate 24 or 26 inch radius curves, much tighter than the On3 versions of the same locomotive.
The Argentinian 2-10-2s on the Rio Turbio would also make a great model. These little monsters have blind center drives and rods designed to allow the locomotive to go around tighter curves than would normally be expected for locomotives of the Santa Fe type.
Big power for narrow gauge!
I would also like to see a big diesel and some steel box cars.
If Bachmann built another diesel(critter) then how about the OX that was used on the Bellview & Cascade(CMStP&P) a narrow gauge brach of a class one railroad in Iowa.
Royce
Assuming 2-10-2s and 2-10-4s are unlikely to materialise I'd like to nominate another equally unlikely machine for consideration. Admittedly, it's not 30" gauge, or even 36", but 42"! but it is American built and very much still with us.
1929, General Electric box-cab of the Ferrocarril de Tocopilla
http://www.flickr.com/photos/38114434@N02/5649537859
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/306703/
nice. :-*
and it will take those curves with ease!
I like that Box Cab Electric.
It doesn't look to be too taxing to 'bash it up from an HO diesel mech and an O scale reefer, plus some other bits and pieces.;D
John
:)
True in every way, except for the pantographs. HO would be too small and O a tad large. And I really wouldn't want to have to make my own :-[ There are a number of diesel box cab kits to do exactly as you suggest but the crazy knitting (catenary)on that Chilean line is part of it's charm.
I doubt that you will see a large steam locomotive as the radius issue was used in not making a Baldwid 8-18A 4-4-0.
The arguments were that Bachmann would have to modify the engine making it not a accurate model.
Royce 8)
I heard that story too, but I suspect that wasn't the primary consideration...especially given the outside frame 4-4-0's fairly similar wheelbase to an 8-18A
it is probably just my cynicism coloring my POV, but if there were more 8-18A's that were found east of the Mississippi or south of the Rio Grande we may have seen a Bachmann On30 model of one........
As for the suggestion to offer narrow gauge diesels based on existing HO RS and SW frames, I think that there are already quite some very nice kits on the aftermarket from Boulder Valley, Backwoods Miniatures etc. Locomotives like the Twin Schnosser, the Double-Plymouth and the Boxcab are great models and certainly not TOO difficult to build.
I started this thread about 16 months ago at a time when there had been few new On30 announcements from Bachmann and there were rumours about Bachmann dropping the line. Since then Bachmann have announced the Heisler, log skidder, some new liveries for freight cars such as the billboard reefers and now the 2-4-4-2 and the 18 foot freight cars. It seems clear that Bachmann intend to continue to support On30 into the future, the introduction of a whole new line of freight cars would not be done if they were not confident of the future of On30. Thank you Bachmann.
It does seem, at least for the moment, that Bachmann are concentrating on the smaller end of On30 products, catering for those modelling logging, mining and other smalliish narrow gauge lines (whether freelance or prototype) rather than the those modelling the larger equipment used by some 3 foot gauge lines. This suits me well, but will not please all. I suspect that more On30 modellers are at the smaller end as space and already having layouts with tight curves precludes larger equipment for many of us. (No, I d' not have room for 24 or 26 inch radius curves so don't tell me I should use them.) Also some us like narrow gauge locos and rolling stock to be small and funky, not looking as though they could be standard gauge. However the question is, can On30 thrive if only one end of the market is catered for? I doubt that On30 could survive if only larger 3 foot gauge prototypes were made, but can Bachmann afford to ignore them altogether?
I am suggesting that, to ensure On30s future, Bachmann should try to cater for the widest possible range of On30 modellers although personally I will stick to the smaller prototypes only.
Hamish
Hamish,
I think you may be right. I wish they would consider a steel outside brace box car to go with that 18' freight line.
Royce
Quote from: Royce Wilson on August 03, 2012, 08:57:49 PM
Hamish,
I think you may be right. I wish they would consider a steel outside brace box car to go with that 18' freight line.
Royce
Hi Royce,
Dallas M. at Boulder Valley Models <http://bouldervalleymodels.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_32 (http://bouldervalleymodels.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_32)> has some nice resin kits for just that in 20 foot length, and his prices are better, even more so since they are on sale right now!
Bill in FL
Hi there folks,
as Hamish said, it comes clear again and again that Bachmann does feel to be very comitted to On30. And we are grateful for that, Bachmann folks! Ok, some new items from you do just fit the ideas some of us have, some don´t. That´s life and that´s fine.
But as Hamish said too, bringing some more "chunky" On30 stuff forward, if one asks me, Rio Grande and EBT stuff would just perfectly add some cool items some of us (me too...) like. This could even reduce the risks in this market, even yet at this stage of high going waves on the finance markets...
We know that MMI is not likely to go on with their diecast/brass models of D&RGW engines. While the Bachmann Consolidations are some of the most loved On30 engines, I did make conversions following my dear friend Bill Iwan´s recommendations in the On30 annuals. Out of the shop: Both C-21´s (360,361) and the C-25 (375), later I did plough my own way from a Bachmann Tweetsie Engine into a RGS No.20 and later another one, the RGS No.22. Bachmann, you can do that too... It´s that easy.... But please, pease,please bring the Heisler forward now...=)
Tom ;) ;) ;)
My layout uses 36" radius curves on the main line to allow me to operate the MMI K Series locos that both my son and I own. Personally, I think locops of this size are outside Bachmann's Business Plan. Their direction seems to be "small end of town" locos and rolling stock and I think that is a good thing. We have at least two of everything that Bachmann have produced.
I think that with the Centenary of the War to End all Wars - World War I - coming up in a couple of years now would be the ideal for the Bachmann to be planning a range of trench locos based around the 2 ft gauge locos used in France on the Western Front. Baldwin 4-6-0T, Baldwin and Alco 2-6-2T and dare I say it a Hunslet 4-6-0T (though being an English prototype it might not be as popular with the wider market). Suitable military narrow gauge rolling stock could also be produced. What a great commemoration for such an event
I too would like to see WW1 trench locos made, as well as commemorating WW!, these locos were used in many parts of the world after the war, including the USA. A few run on preserved lines in Europe to-day. The 2-6-2t design, first made by ALCO for the UK Army was adopted, in a slightly modified form, by the US when the US entered the war. The US Army locos were made by several makers. This would seem an obvious choice, although any would be welcome. As I am in Australia the Hunslet would appeal is the was the most common WW1 trench loco to reach Australia, but I suspect Bachmann would keep to an American design.
As I have posted before I am a small loco man, however I think On30 needs to continue to appeal to a broad ranger of people to keep a critical mass for the scale. So, while I want more small equipment, I would not object to some new items for those people who use On30 to model the larger US 3 foot gauge lines, although I am not among them.
Hamish
These small trench engines would make great industrial and logging engines and that what makes up the largest part of On30.
Royce
The difficulty with the WW1 locos would be scale. Many of them worked in Europe after the war, with over a dozen in the UK alone. Problem is European O scale is 1:43 while US O scale is 1:48.
Hello,
There are two different scales for O gauge in Europe:
In Continental Europe (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and so on......) the scale is 1:45.
The calculation is there 1435 mm Normal Gauge : 32 mm O gauge = 44,8.
In Great Britain scale is 1:43,5.
The calculation is there 1´(foot) : 7mm = 43,5.
In USA scale is 1:48.
The calculation is there 1´(foot) : 1/4" (inch) = 48
railexpert
I had a feeling that was so. There would be an awful lot of >:( faces in the UK if Bachmann brought out a Baldwin 4-6-0, as owned by 4 UK narrow gauge lines post WW1, in 1:48 scale and a lot of ??? faces in the US if it was any other scale.
Hello,
I have once made a calculation for the difference in % of the scales around scale O, because there are vehicles in other scales.
Scale 1: 43 43,5 45 48 50 55
43 0% -1% -4% -10% -14% -22%
43,5 +1% 0% -3% -9% -13% -21%
45 +5% +3% 0% -6% -10% -18%
48 +12% +10% +7% 0% -4% -13%
50 +16% +15% +11% +4% 0% -9%
55 +28% +26% +22% +15% +10% 0%
Example for scale 1:48: A model in scale 1:45 is 7% bigger then in Scale 1:48
A model in scale 1:50 is 4% smaller then in Scale 1:48
railexpert ;)
Beware: Not sure if this is the right spot but from my point of view Bachmann On30 does not look good. Bought a new Cliamax about a mont ago. When I got around to it tried to run it. It would run backwards great would only run about an inch or two forward before it would stop.
Sent it back to Bachmann, I have had good luck with their warranty work in the past and had quick turn around. Well after a little more than 6 weeks I get a call from Bachmann. Apparantly they are unable to repair or do not have parts they were not clear on that point.
In any case they did not have any to send out a replacement either. Ended up having to accept a On30 ( I hope) Porter 0-4-2T as a replacement engine.
By the way no Shays either. So they are batting "O" on the On30 .
Quote from: rallinen on August 16, 2012, 07:12:11 PM
Beware: Not sure if this is the right spot but from my point of view Bachmann On30 does not look good. Bought a new Cliamax about a mont ago. When I got around to it tried to run it. It would run backwards great would only run about an inch or two forward before it would stop.
Sent it back to Bachmann, I have had good luck with their warranty work in the past and had quick turn around. Well after a little more than 6 weeks I get a call from Bachmann. Apparantly they are unable to repair or do not have parts they were not clear on that point.
In any case they did not have any to send out a replacement either. Ended up having to accept a On30 ( I hope) Porter 0-4-2T as a replacement engine.
By the way no Shays either. So they are batting "O" on the On30 .
No way is that an equivalent exchange, it's sort of like buying a Lincoln, and them giving you a Ford instead. What happened to the new replacement gears that they supposedly had made up to address the problems with the Climax? What about all those folks who bought Shays and Climaxes that came with a "Lifetime warranty"? If this is their idea of customer service, why would anyone even consider spending their hard-earned $$$ for the new 2-4-4-2 or the long promised Stearns Heisler (if it ever shows up)? There is now a long string of Bachmann On30 products that have been produced with defective drivetrains; the Shay, Climax, Railtruck, Railbus, and some Gas Mechanical switchers, to say nothing of the HO product line, which has a similar number of pieces. Very disappointing...
Bill in FtL
Quote from: railtwister on September 12, 2012, 09:41:58 AM
Quote from: rallinen on August 16, 2012, 07:12:11 PM
Beware: Not sure if this is the right spot but from my point of view Bachmann On30 does not look good. Bought a new Cliamax about a mont ago. When I got around to it tried to run it. It would run backwards great would only run about an inch or two forward before it would stop.
Sent it back to Bachmann, I have had good luck with their warranty work in the past and had quick turn around. Well after a little more than 6 weeks I get a call from Bachmann. Apparantly they are unable to repair or do not have parts they were not clear on that point.
In any case they did not have any to send out a replacement either. Ended up having to accept a On30 ( I hope) Porter 0-4-2T as a replacement engine.
By the way no Shays either. So they are batting "O" on the On30 .
No way is that an equivalent exchange, it's sort of like buying a Lincoln, and them giving you a Ford instead. What happened to the new replacement gears that they supposedly had made up to address the problems with the Climax? What about all those folks who bought Shays and Climaxes that came with a "Lifetime warranty"? If this is their idea of customer service, why would anyone even consider spending their hard-earned $$$ for the new 2-4-4-2 or the long promised Stearns Heisler (if it ever shows up)? There is now a long string of Bachmann On30 products that have been produced with defective drivetrains; the Shay, Climax, Railtruck, Railbus, and some Gas Mechanical switchers, to say nothing of the HO product line, which has a similar number of pieces. Very disappointing...
Bill in FtL
I doubt this will make anyone feel any better, but I had a similar experience with my Williams by Bachmann O-gauge ten-wheeler--or, at least, I consider it similar. I bought the 4-6-0 in AT&SF lettering because the engine was all black and appeared to be an easy candidate to reletter for the Virginia & Truckee because the engine looks a lot like the Baldwin ten-wheelers the V&T bought shortly after 1900. Anyway, the engine was defective, and Bachmann couldn't repair it or replace it with another AT&SF engine. I had to accept a gray Union Pacific engine.
Maybe it's just the time of year.
(Unfortunately I didn't think of what someone else later suggested: Why couldn't they swap shells so I could have my AT&SF engine and tender shells on a working mechanism? My stupidity. :P )