Quote from: R. J. Raleigh on November 18, 2017, 09:56:10 PM
[...]

Bachmann should start producing large scale European models to augment its current product line.

Imagine: a Zillertalbahn U-Series 0-6-2 made by Bachmann- LGB would be quaking in its boots. lol

Very unlikely, although not impossible. European (and primarily German) market is very demanding. It is also doing exceptionally well considering the circumstances (economical, political, etc). LGB recovered and is now almost as dynamic as in the good old days (fortunately not doing the mistakes the previous owners did, when they overheated the market). They have a new formula, which works. Other companies are capitalising on this revival, see the new rolling stock and locomotives by TrainLine and by Kiss. The diversity and number of new releases is perhaps even greater than what we have seen twenty years ago. In live steam, Roundhouse keeps bringing up more and more dream engines, Accucraft can hardly keep up with new developments for the UK market. IMHO, it is actually more likely that we will see something for the US market by LGB or a Baldwin or another export loco by Accucraft or Roundhouse - they already released WD Alco and Baldwin in 1:19 (for both 32mm and 45mm gauge). True, many manufacturers of the US stuff keeled over, but I would say that it is not a great loss. More interesting things are coming out, and the future is all about quality, very small production runs and diversity. Who can adapt, survives, dinos go extinct. This is how it works and whoever has been in the hobby for a couple of decades or more surely clearly have seen this pattern. Best wishes from Madras, Zubi

Quote from: jeff langmack on September 18, 2017, 08:30:28 PM
to the Bachmann  How about producing a G Scale model of the Western Maryland #6 three truck shay. I would give you a deposit on the spot if you were to do so.   Jeff Langmack                 

Jeff, Aster produced them in 1984 both in live steam and electric versions. You can buy a second hand one, that is your only option, other than scratch building one yourself... Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

I asked, and I am glad I did, because the correct steps for Spectrum cars are different!
Here is the link (please note that they come in three colours to choose from): http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_674_134&products_id=10640

Parts Team said that they are better quality.
With best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Dear Yardmaster,
I also have a Spectrum boxcar with broken stirrup steps.

I was planning to buy replacements but:

a) they are not cheap http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66_69_75&products_id=8860

b) I wonder if they are any stronger than those mounted on Murphy roof Spectrum boxcars, which do not bend but break like biscuits...

So my question is, before I buy these replacements, are they actually stronger or equally prone to breaking?
Many thanks and best wishes from Tokyo,
Zubi

Some of these models are real work of 'art' or 'love' or 'madness';-). Judge this for yourself, on these couple of examples (all in 1:25)
http://s227.photobucket.com/user/Precyzyjny/library/ty2?sort=3&page=1
http://s227.photobucket.com/user/Precyzyjny/library/Pu29?sort=2&page=1
http://www.konradus.com/forum/read.php?f=1&i=122183&t=122183&filtr=1&page=1
http://forum.modelarstwo.info/threads/precyzyjny-pu29-najwi%C4%99kszy-polski-parow%C3%B3z-metr-szcz%C4%99%C5%9Bcia.8175/
http://www.konradus.com/forum/read.php?f=1&i=178495&t=178495&filtr=0&page=5
Remember, this is all from paper, with perhaps a minor help of a piece of wire here and there.
Kind of Polish origami;-)...? In 1:25 mainly.
Best wises from Tokyo, Zubi

The Train Kid, as it happens, 1:25 is a popular scale among builders of narrow gauge locomotives and rolling stock from paper. The hobby is particularly popular in Poland although there may be paper modellers in Germany too. They are capable of doing pretty amazing models. Some 'kits' are listed here: http://www.mojehobby.pl/catalog/1-25-298185.html and http://sklep.gpm.pl/modele-kartonowe/kolejki/1/25

I could identify a narrow gauge Davenport with a tank car, if you are interested in US prototypes. http://www.mojehobby.pl/products/Amerykanska-waskotorowa-lokomotywa-spalinowa-Davenport-z-wagonem-cysterna.html  And the Jupiter 4-4-0 http://gpm.pl/galeria-uzytkownikow/lokomotywa-central-pacyfic-no-60-jupiter-w-skali-125

Majority of these models are of course of European prototypes. I am not aware of any producer of plastic or metal models in 1:25, but there were a few who made narrow gauge stuff in 1:24 These were produced in large quantities and are easy to come by secondhand (Delton, Aristocraft, etc).

Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Andrew, where did you find these metal replacement stirrup steps at $4.25? I cannot identify them in the on-line parts catalogue. I suppose these may be 'spectrum' stirrup steps. Many thanks and best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

  Hahaha Terry, how on earth did you manage to loose three air tanks?! Anyway, my advice is - forget it - I wasted too much time trying to get spares too. It is easier to get them hand made from brass or pvc, or perhaps 3D printed if you know someone with a professional 3D printer... similar reasoning applies to other parts. Ryan Bednarik in the US offers custom castings of very high quality, in bronze. That might work for some more complex parts, especially if they need to be strong. Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Mark, there are many reasons to like 1:22.5 Apart from the existing LGB cars, we almost had these released:
http://www.frolin.net/cwrr/pictures/20070128/index.html
http://www.frolin.net/cwrr/pictures/20070125/index.html
http://www.frolin.net/cwrr/pictures/20130600/page.html
Unfortunately, the company went belly up. But it is getting back in shape. Still no new US equipment, but I hope someone will take these magnificent models of Barry into production some day. Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

It is actually a good thing to see 1:22.5 coming back to favour. It is ever so strong in Europe with more and more manufacturers offering a growing range of locomotives and rolling stock. Long live 1:22.5! Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Wow. Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

You know Chris, there are a lot of old locomotives around. A few lucky ones end up on displays, but the vast majority on scrap yards... This happens in real life and in model life. Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Punkin, great to hear that you are happy with your caboose! I hope your locomotive problem will be sorted out soon. While you are waiting for it to be serviced, do yourself a favour and get a small reliable Porter or a diesel switcher - it is a shame to have track and a caboose that you cannot run! Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Punkin, sorry to hear about your loco. How is your caboose? Still OK? Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi

Punkin, great choice of a car! Use hook and loop couplers. They are reliable. Bachmann makes them too, you can fit them on your locomotive. Knuckle couplers mean trouble. If you insist on knuckles, LGB also makes them, but my advice is stick with hook and loop! Best wishes from Tokyo, Zubi