Narrow Gauge Modeling Thread

[Chaz]

Peco couplers can be ordered here.

https://store.katousa.com/product/009-peco-couplers-009-narrow-gauge/

In addition, couplers for Skarloey, Rheneas, and Rusty are in Bachmann's parts store.  You'll need to buy both the couplers and coupler mounts which are sold separately.

[Coaltronn]

Chaz, grandpuff, and anyone else that has scratch built/modeled custom rolling stock/engines. what coupling do you use and where do you buy them from? really appreciate any feedback.

[Chaz]

The Peco ones are the ones I've used in the past.  Either/or should work for what you're looking for.

On a side note, Bill (grandpuff) passed away about three years ago and his thread confirming his passing was deleted once the forum server was down and was one of many threads lost during the shutdown.

[Coaltronn]

AWW,  that's horrible. he had great work! thanks for the response! time to see how these will work

[Chaz]

I've been a little bit behind on my posts on the forum and I apologize. Work and life have sort of taken a toll and getting ready for the holidays has been pretty stressful. But nonetheless, I wanted to do a post on Talyllyn and I wanted to do a review on it and while we are at it I figured since it's been almost a decade since his release, we can revisit Skarloey too and see how well it holds up.


2015 was a landmark year for Bachmann as well as the brand being the 70th anniversary of Thomas & Friends. Bachmann really went out with a bang that year by announcing the highly requested HO model of Oliver and revolutionized the hobby with the launch of Skarloey in OO9 scale. At the time, OO9 was a lot more of a niche market, with limited ready-to-run options, but Skarloey's release helped popularize it. The model sold out rapidly, with many waiting over a year after its first release to get one. Skarloey not only exceeded expectations but also opened the door for more enthusiasts to explore narrow-gauge modeling. Nearly a decade later, it still holds up remarkably well.


Skarloey captured the CGI series' dark red livery and detailed rivet patterns matching its real-life inspiration, Talyllyn. While some fans prefer the classic series' brighter red, the model remains universally appreciated. The face perfectly reflects the CGI design, adding to its charm. However, the lack of a separate handrail on the smokebox and the non-existent detail inside the cab make Skarloey seem a lot more plain compared to most of the engines that came after.  These flaws, however I think can be overlooked since it was Bachmann's first OO9 model in the range, and if Rheneas is anything to go off of, they improved on this rather drastically in comparison. Talyllyn also improved on adding more life to the cab interior that Skarloey started with, which we will talk about more in a minute. 


Performance-wise, Skarloey runs smoothly with excellent weight and traction on flat surfaces. It handles switches well, though it struggles on gradients with heavier loads. Adding powered rear wheels in future models like Peter Sam and their upcoming Sir Handel was a good call, so it's easy to give Bachmann the benefit of the doubt here too since this was their first attempt at a model like this. 


Overall, Skarloey remains one of Bachmann's standout products, and second best narrow gauge engine behind Peter Sam. While Sir Handel may surpass both of them, Skarloey's legacy as a game-changer for the Thomas range and OO9 modeling is undeniable and pretty incredible.


Now for Talyllyn:



The Talyllyn model shares many strengths with Skarloey but has notable differences. The front lamp and smokebox are standout improvements, with the red livery being applied beautifully on the model, particularly on the wheels. I also really like some of the additional painted details such as the gold on the wheels and even the black roof.

I want to make a quick edit. I need to apologize and thank a friend for pointing this out. Earlier, I mistakenly said that Skarloey's front windows were open while Talyllyn's were blocked. It turns out I was wrong—Skarloey's front windows have always been blocked and never opened. I initially thought mine were open, but after double-checking my model and seeing photos of others, I realized I was mistaken. Again, I apologize for any misinformation I may have shared earlier and will move forward from this.



Looking at Talyllyn's cab with a more correct perspective, the painted interior is a welcome addition and a genuine improvement over the original Skarloey model. It features more realistic cab colors, similar to those on the Rheneas model giving the model that extra little bit of life. These small details truly highlight how far Bachmann has come since the initial release nearly a decade ago.


Performance wise, it mirrors that of Skarloey to a t.  It runs very smoothly, can haul a decent amount of rolling stock and looks incredible running on any OO9 layout.  It is honestly so incredible to see a ready-to-run model of Talyllyn being available after seeing Skarloey released after so many years.  Many fans are happy with Talyllyn, and rightfully so. Whether you model the Talyllyn Railway, Skarloey Railway, or narrow gauge in general, this model is a welcome addition to any collection.


Thank you, Bachmann, for continuing to expand the narrow gauge line and introducing OO9 models beyond Thomas & Friends. While I appreciate this model on its own, I'm curious to see if Bachmann will explore other Talyllyn Railway repaints down the road. I could see Sir Haydn coming next if the Sir Handel engineering sample is anything to go off of.

As for me, my next review will be an exciting one: N scale Gordon. I can't wait to share my thoughts on that one soon. After that, I'll review Henrietta once Hannah comes out, STH's car when the figures come out, and hopefully N scale Emily and her coaches—though those may come later due to budget constraints, as N scale isn't my primary focus.

Have any of you picked up Talyllyn? What are your thoughts on the model? Does Skarloey still hold up after all these years? Let me know! In the meantime, I'll prepare for my next review of a certain big (and small) express engine that's almost as special to me as Skarloey.

[JacobSK]

Great review as always, Chaz! Always enjoy seeing your pictures as well.

I still feel...and cannot believe we're almost ten years out, Skarloey still holds up. I got mine in 2021, and I'll never get over how great and surreal is to have him. He paved the way for OO9 modeling and for the better. Each model, I feel, got better following him...with the exception of Rusty, but that's just me. Took something good and made it better.

Onto Talyllyn. I have no immediate plans to pick the model up at this time. Your review definitely help get my expectations in check. As far as the front portals go, it is disappointing, but if one is handy with customizing, I'm sure they could open them up and bring some life to the model. From what I've been told, apparently waves of Skarloey following Peter Sam had the back trailing wheels powered. Does your Talyllyn model have powered trailing wheels?

Either way, your review was indeed informative and will hopefully help board members decide if they want to add this model to their collections. I know it's been selling out fast here and in the UK and rightfully so. Seems like a fun model indeed.

Can't wait for your review on N Gordon, either. I got my package from TrainWorld, but am waiting to...erm...christen it at Christmas.

[Chaz]

The trailing wheels on Talyllyn are not powered just like Skarloey.

[Chaz]

Sorry for the double post but I want to thank a friend for pointing this out. Earlier, I mistakenly said that Skarloey's front windows were open while Talyllyn's were blocked. It turns out I was wrong—Skarloey's front windows have always been blocked since it's initial release and remained that way since and the Talyllyn model offered a visual improvement over this area over the Skarloey model as I noted in my review. Again, I apologize for any misinformation I may have shared earlier and I'll take the L on that one. The review has been updated with more factually correct information.

[Chaz]

Time for another review - so soon after the figure pack reviews too? I'm as shocked as you all are.


Thankfully, I was able to get a lot of fun pieces of rolling stock recently, and I figured now was as good a time as any to bring them up in the narrow gauge thread. Especially now that the project log for narrow gauge is empty (a first for Bachmann!). I imagine we'll probably see some new narrow gauge announcements this weekend at NMRA, so we'll see.

I'll start with the stock that was announced the earliest and then move on to the more recent additions.

High Side Wagons:


The high side wagons have a very vibrant look to them. They feel very colorful and look the part for the wagons used at the Blue Mountain Quarry. I really love the attention to detail on these, especially the BMQ plates on both sides of each wagon.


The metal wheels, as always, look great and help with performance on layouts. It really makes me glad that Bachmann has moved away from Peco repaints for good, as those never performed well on switches, especially on my club layout.


While I feel these may not be favorites for everyone, especially those looking for something with a bit more of an industrial vibe, I think they do justice for anyone looking to create a Blue Mountain Quarry-themed setup.

Gondolas:


Now these really took me by surprise. Unlike the high side wagons, these have a much more industrial feel to them.


I love the livery applications on all of them. I especially appreciate how Bachmann took the time to add different shades of gray, something they've never done before. The closest comparison I can think of is when they introduced HO wagons in different shades of blue and green. Going for a less colorful contrast is something I fully welcome. Even the oxide red works really well.

These could definitely work as solid wagons for carrying general goods, not just mining or slate traffic for the Blue Mountain Quarry.



And probably the best for last: the gunpowder vans.


But first, I do need to address the elephant in the room. Yes, a D. Fusit gunpowder van from Bachmann. I never saw this coming before the announcement. The fact that they even bothered with gunpowder vans, let alone something as niche as one used in Season 4, is wholeheartedly welcome. I love the effort put into the decal work for both layers of text. This looks like the Season 4 prop brought right into OO9 scale.


I loved receiving this one so much that I had to get myself a second, simply because I have very fond memories of using the ERTL toys when I was a kid, as they were available in two-packs.


The gray and tan gunpowder vans also look very nice. Again, I love how Bachmann went with liveries that aren't overly colorful or bright. Both of these make for excellent set dressing in goods yards or, at the very least, rolling stock that could be seen in the background of episodes or fan-made remakes.


Overall, I really do love all of these new additions to Bachmann's narrow gauge range. It's nice seeing Bachmann expand the rolling stock variety by exploring different types of wagons, or, in the most recent case, something as niche as the diffuse gunpowder van.

So now that the backlog for narrow gauge is empty... what could be next for Bachmann?  I figured now is as good of a time as any other to talk about narrow gauge predictions on here because of the empty backlog.


For one thing, I definitely think more rolling stock is the most likely option, since we're still unsure of Duncan's status. Personally, I'd really like to see them introduce the three-plank wagons used in both the model and CGI series.


But if they want to go with something a bit more CGI-exclusive, I feel like tippers would be a pretty safe option as well.


More than anything else, though, we definitely need a tan brake van for goods trains. Bachmann revisiting the brake van with a tan livery would be a very welcome addition, and I hope it's something they can announce sooner rather than later.



A close second for me in terms of narrow gauge rolling stock repaints would have to be the narrow gauge coaches with faces. I feel like these would be a very welcome addition for both Thomas fans and OO9 modelers alike, and the expressive faces really seal the deal. They'd not only be fun display pieces but also practical additions to the range, making them something I hope Bachmann seriously considers for the future.

As for the next engine, well... I think it's anyone's guess at this point. It seems pretty clear that it'll be either Luke, Millie, or Victor.



Personally, if I had to choose between the three, Luke is the only one I'd be genuinely excited for. I don't really feel one way or the other about the other two. Luke, on the other hand, feels like a much more natural addition to the range and would probably be the best received of the three.

Either way, I think it's pretty clear that Bachmann is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon with all these new product releases coming so quickly—and with more on the way.

[JacobSK]

As always, enjoy your thorough and fair reviews, Chaz! I may end up getting the Ffestinog Railway variants of the high side wagons for the very reasons you mentioned. The bright colors aren't for me. Much like you, the gondolas surprised me. And don't get me started on D Fusit. Funny enough, I've always associated that piece of rolling stock with Duke. Since Bachmann are making the gondolas and gunpowder wagons in muted colors, I agree that the tan brake van is long overdue.

I'm also in favor of the NG coaches with faces. Plus, we can have the red coach finally look like a TV variant. The red coach in the range now looks identical to the Tayllyln variant for my liking.

I personally would rather see the 4 plank wagons over the tippers, but that's just me, I guess.

As far as a new engine, I wouldn't mind Luke. My biggest issue is that he'll be too detailed to warrant a tooling. As we saw with Scotsman's announcement last year, anything is possible, though. You know what they say, "Never say never".

Thanks again for providing your thoughts. I, too, am anxious to see what Bachmann has in store!