Hi, Bachmann.

The 19th century N scale 4-6-0 announcement caught my eye and while I don't model N scale I hope that this model may find its way into HO scale in the near future. I feel especially that with some additional details and swapping some parts a modeler could make a very nice modernized ten wheeler. Again would love to see this loco come to HO scale.

As a quick question, while I understand it may be in it's very early stages, is there a specific one of the prototypes mentioned that the model will be based off of?

Just my two cents. Love that you are helping keep small steam going.

Hi Bachmann, just my humble suggestion for new models. While we have 2-8-0 and 2-8-2 models that look at home on mailine rails or on a branch of a larger railroad company we are lacking in ready to run 1920s to 1930s new built shortline steam locomotives for lighter shortlines in these wheel arrangements.

Possible prtotypes which are along the lines of what I would love to see for 2-8-0s if sticking with Baldwin are Sierra Railway #28, Huntingdon & Broad Top Mountain Railroad, now Everett Railroad, #38, Rahway Valley Railroad #15, Washigton and Linconton Railroad #203, New Hope and Ivyland #40 and Louisiana and Pacific Railway #252, now Virginia and Truckee #29. If we go to ALCO then Perhaps Valley Railroad #97, Arcade and Attica #18 or Lowville and Beaver River #1923.

As for 2-8-2 prototypes for Baldwin I would suggest Sierra Railway #34,Santa Maria Valley Railroad #21, Mcloud River Railroads #18 or #19 in their later upgraded appearance, California Western #45, or for that matter a generic Baldwin logging 70 or 90 ton tender 2-8-2, or Hattisburg and Southern #300 or Tedmont and Gulf #30 with a more generic tender. For ALCOs how about Valley Railroad #40,

These are just a few ideas for what I would love to see. While Big Boys and Northern's are impressive I hope that we can see some more focus go to us shortline modelers in the near future just as you have given us in the past.