I have the Bachmann assembly & wiring connection diagrams for the No. 81697, Colorado Mining. I'm sure they would be the same for the No. 81699, Painted Unlettered. I'll be happy to e-mail them to you tomorrow as I don't have a scanner at home. Just lucky I guess.

Good Luck, GovB

Not sure. All I see is a small box with an X in it. Am I doing something wrong?

GovB

Check out what Bachmann is doing overseas. Bachmann already has a DCC starter set very similar to what we are talking about called the Bachmann Branch-line Junior (#30-041) with 2 locos, 3 wagons, oval track w/siding, transformer and DCC Command Digital Controller. £79.99 in the UK. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Change the skins and Sha-ZAM! Thomas & Emily.

http://www.bachmannjunior.co.uk/junior/pr.php4

What-cha say Govner (Bach-man)? 


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From a complexity-of-use standpoint of a large layout, I would agree. But consider this, the "Thomas' Fun with Freight" set costs $160 and the "Diesel Digital Commander" set costs $260. If you look at these two sets (- loco), they are almost alike. The cost difference between the two is oblivious but the WOW! factor of a DCC "Thomas' Fun with Freight" set (as an example) would be priceless. If Bachmann offered a Thomas DCC starter set for the same price I would be the first in line. My 7 yr old granddaughter is pretty good on the computer and the 4 yr old is close behind with educational programs. If these kids can figure out video games, the TV remote and the DVD player (not to mention how to manipulate their parents), I think they could figure out a DCC starter set as well. The idea of a layout populated with Thomas & all his Friends may not be one the average modeler would do but considering the attention span of the average first grader, it would hold their attention a lot longer. Isn't that what we want to do?

What do you think Bach-man?

GovB 

Dear Bach-man,

My grand kids love Thomas and his friends but wouldn't be great if they could all be together on the same layout in DCC ? It would be great if each engine could have it's own sounds and voices. You could even have Harold, Sir Hatt and other friends speak as they go by. I've seen sites that sell some items with DCC after market installed but I'm sure that couldn't match what the Bach-man could do. What a great way for a child to be introduced to model railroading. How about it Bach-man?

GovB 

Need a Recommendation Please,

Which ore car (side-dump, wood ore car, high-side or low-side gondola) would be best to run with my Colorado Mining 2-6-0 Indy and my 0-4-0 Side Tank Porter? Which would be best to represent the type of mining duty they would be used for? I'm torn between gold and coal. I have not found much on the web for reference.

GovB

Gunslinger87

Got one recently from The Train Stop (www.trainstop.com). Had been looking for one for some time. The box is labeled "1:20.3 Scale - Baldwin Industrial 2-6-0 Mogul - Item #81697 - Colorado Mining Co." with a mail-in form inside for a catalog dated 2002. If this is the vintage you're interested in they may have some left. But.......$$$$.

GovB 

Bob, Lawrie,

This is a great site for logging in the West & Northwest.

http://www.steaminthewoods.com/index.html

I found it very interesting. Lots of info and photos on logging and equipment. Also Heisler, Climax, Willamette and Shay. Check out the Russel Wheel & Foundry Co., Log Car Catalog on the Manufacturer's Catalog page. Their cars were available with air and hand breaks. Maybe the Bach Man will give us some modeled after these in Large and On30 scales. Especially for those long and heavy loads .

I hope you find it as interesting as I did.

GovB

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All this has been very helpful. But in following up on suggestions I have become somewhat confused. Some sites advertise their brand of On30 locos as "Compatible (W/) Tracks: Code 70, 83, 100 Rail". Does On30 have a "code"? Some sites are advertising Bachmann locos and rolling stock under "On2-1/2" and some as "On30". I've also seen HOn2, HOn2-1/2, HOn3, On2, On2-1/2 and On3 scales. One site even advertises 24 different scales. Of what I've seen I like the Bachmann On30 scale and is the best fit for me but what is all this? Is it similar or totally different? I haven't found a site that shows the physical difference in these scales. Just when I find something I like..... What does a budding rail tycoon do?

GovB 

I really like what I've read about the Bachmann EZ Track system but need more info. Local dealers are not very knowledgeable about the system. Are the Decoder-Equipped Turnouts for use only with the Dynamis Wireless Infrared DCC System or can they be operated with the Digital Command Control System? And, where can I find more info on the E-Z Command Dynamis Wireless Infrared DCC System? It really sounds great but there is very little info on this site. I plan to start small and build up to a more complex layout with multiple turnouts (TO's). How many TO's can be controlled and by which controller?  Or, is my thinking all wrong?

Thanks, GovB 

Has anyone tried Track-Bed? It's on page 10 of the 2008 Woodland Scenics' 2008 catalog. It "reads" like good stuff. Or something like it?

BovB 

This has all been great stuff. Being new at this I only have questions. Which brings me to layout design. Who has the best design software? I have downloaded one (free) from Atlas O. It may be me but its not very user friendly. Being an apartment dweller (who dreams in G scale), does anyone have ideas/plans for a moveable/storeable/hideable/On30 layout for the sake of space?

Thanks to all, GovB 

Thanks for all the great info. But..... I forgot to ask about figures, people, animals, even cars and trucks. What scale and where should I look?

thanks again, GovB 

I'm new to the On30 world and would like to know if O scale structures really do look good with On30 equipment. Which manufactures (Plasticville, Atlas O, etc.) would I be the happiest with? And, any other tips would also be welcomed.

Thanks, GovB