Hi Guys,

I just got a Soundtraxx Bachmann Consolidation from Tony's.  It is great.  Question:  I cannot tell if the installed Tsunami is a "full Tsunami" or a modified version like in my HO 2-8-0s.  Does anyone Know?

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Guys,

My thanks all who responded to my query on On30 locos.  You confirmed my thoughts that I wanted a 2-8-0.  I ordered one with factory sound from Tony's and look forward to receiving it and trying it out.  I will have to set-up a test track as there is very little trackage on my HO Ma & Pa with adequate clearenes.  Thanks again,

Bill

Hi Guys,

I have been an HO modeler for over fifty years, the last twenty-five modeling the Ma & Pa.  I have a 12' x 40' NCE powered layout in my finished attic.  Because of their dependibility, I have essentially standardized on Bachmann locos (2-8-0, 4-6-0 and 4-4-0), religating my prototypically correct brass locos to the display case.  I have always been interested in On30, but certainly didn't consider giving up the HO Ma & Pa.  Now the James River Division (NMRA) is exploring the establishment of a divison modular group incluing On30.  I am considering this in addition to the Ma & Pa as its predecessor roads were three foot narrow gauge till just prior to consolidation into the Ma & Pa in 1901.

Having said all of that, I need to select a Bachmann locomotive for my module (s).  I have seen the Forney and it looks and sounds great.  While the predcessor roads didn't have any Forneys, one did have a Mason-Bogie which is visually similar to the Forney but mechanically different.  So that is a possibility. 

However, as I really like Consolidations (the Ma & Pa has seven) that is likely my first choice.  I haven't read a full review of this model so I ask for your opinions on it.  Also, since I must have sound, has any one any knowledge of the Bachmann 2-8-0 with Soundtraxx factory installed sound as advertized by Tony's?  On the other hand is the modeler installation of a Tsunami in the tender an easily doable thing? I have installed decoders in some of the brass locos and a couple of the Bachmann HO Consolidations, but I am getting pretty old and become all thumbs at times.

While the Mogul is a very nice looking loco, I believe that technologically, it is not up with the Consolidation.  Does it have a DCC eight pin plug?

I have asked several questions which may sound like I am looking for confirmation that the Consolidation is the way to go.  I will appreciate any and all comments and recommendations  Thanks,

Bill.

Mike,

I agree that TCS decoders are very good.  I have used the MC-2 with a 1" harness (also from TCS) in a Ma & Pa 4-6-0 with the smallet tender.  The harness plugs into the 8 pin plug on the Bachmann board and the decoder sits right on top.  Plenty of room.  A really easy conversion.

Bill