Hey Mr. Bachmann, here is a suggestion: Why not make a "Big Hauler" 2-8-0 using the 4-6-0 boiler, cab, and tender as your starting point.  I know it's not 1:20.3 scale and it might not match any specific prototype, but it would fill the gap for an affordable 2-8-0 that many of us are looking for.  The only big change for Bachmann would be the frame and running gear.  The molds already exist for everything else.

As you well know, there is an aftermarket kit availble for converting the 4-6-0 into a 2-8-0, but it is expensive! I would much rather have from a whole new loco from Bachmann that's affordable than to spend big bucks on a mechanism to convert an existing loco.

Climber, NOT TWO POWER PACKS!  That could be very dangerous.  Use one, better grade of power supply such as the MRC which can handle the current requirements without overheating.  Connect it, the one power supply, to the track at two different locations, one close to the power suppy and one at the greatest distance from the power supply,  to help reduce voltage loss through the track.  Make sure you don't get your wires crossed or you will cause a dead short.  The outside rails must both be connected to the same terminal on the power supply and likewise, the inside rails will be connected to the other terminal.

Jerry

See pictures of the long caboose at 'One to Twenty point Me"
http://120pointme.blogspot.com/

I changed my mind - I agree with John Huey - Quasi-moto is a great name for the new engine.   

Malley

Nataraj, there might be guys/gals out there who would be willing to trade a regular pilot for your snowplow pilot.  Try some of the other bulletin boards like LSOL.com (Large Scale Online) or MyLargeScale.com.  I have seen many requests for the snow plow pilot.  You might even be able to get a premium out of it. Some desperate person might be willing to pay the postage, or more! Let the bidding for Nataraj's pilot begin!    Good luck, Nataraj.

Jerry

I think what Jim really means is that he wants some ventilated boxcars in Fn3   Me too!

Jim, you might want to post this on the Large Scale forum.  It will generate some more interesting comments

Jerry

Scatteredparts, I think RAM has it right.  The engine picks up power and the tender is just along for the ride.  From your first post, I suspected that the tender had been changed out.  Try running the engine by itself without the tender on the track.  If this works, then add the tender.  If the train stops when you add the tender, there must be a short in the tender wiring. It could be that one of ther tender trucks has been turned end for end or that one of the axles has been turned the wrong direction, allowing a short through the truck or the tender frame.  If you are able, send some pics of your disassembled tender.  That might help us identify the problem.

Jerry

Personally, I like the low-side gondolas.  They would look great behind the Indy or the Porter.  Remember the previous postings.  The Indy is not known as a great puller, but it should handle two or three of the low-side gons and a caboose.

Jerry

I'm still anticipating that ventilated boxcar in Fn3

Jerry

When did the Valley Line drop steam? According to Mason Cooper's book "Norfolk and Western's Shenandoah Valley Line" the last steam engines on the SV ran February 20, 1957.

Jerry

The last N&W steam engine in active service was class S1a 0-8-0 number 291 at Williamson, WV (not Roanoke, Va.) May 7, 1960.

N&W mine runs in 1957 would have been almost exclusively handled by class Y5, Y6, Y6a, & Y6b 2-8-8-2s and (ugh) diesels! The diesels began arriving in 1956 and all steam was gone by 1960.  Some of the class Z/Z1 2-6-6-2s were still around in 1957 but the older power like class G & class W 2-8-0s had been long gone and the class M/M2 4-8-0s were used in local freight and yard switching assignments.

Jerry

The H 16-44 is NOT a baby Trainmaster!  Baby Trainmasters rode on six-wheel trucks making them H 16-66.

The H 16-44 is simply one of FM's many road switcher models.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Fairbanks-Morse_locomotives


Jerry

What is a 90 minute IPA???