I was very happy with the announcement of the new Berkshire.  Particularly since it will have DCC and  built in sound.
But since there are still many who don't have DCC or want DCC. Will the basic sounds (Chuff, bell, and whistle) be accessible
in conventional analog too?

I realize the people who would think the Pennsylvania K-4s Pacific obscure are ignorant of American Railroad history. The PRR owned more than 400 of them. It's been the state Steam locomotive of Pennsylvania since 1987. In model form, it has been widely produced in many scales and gauges. Both toy and scale. The K4s is hardly obscure for the market a new N scale model would be focused to.

Inkaneer, you're not alone with the need of the PRR K-4. It's long over due. It's a shame that many Iconic Locomotives are over looked while expensive tooling is produced for more obscure prototypes. I'm sure the K-4 would be a big seller. The NYC J3a  is another. While Con-Cor and Kato made example over several years and hard to find new. They're still not up to 21th century standards. The plastic valve and side rods look crude.
I've had good luck with my Model Power Locomotives. I think they were made by Korean Brass, but not sure. Most of them lacked traction tires so they did slip if over loaded and not particularly great on grades. Maybe some import will take on the line and upgrade the line or just keep 'em coming.

That's very sad news. I'm grateful for the MP locomotives I have.

I haven't heard of anyone either, but it's a great idea.

Can't say I'm fond of the green color. I have used Tamiya clear yellow on the interior lighting strips of my N scale Con-Cor Zephyr with good results. 2 coats toned down the blueness of the LED's nicely. Marklin uses yellow LED's for some of their interior lighting systems too.

A new steam loco? Ah yes the Berkshire with new modern technology. That would be nice and would be well received. However Hell has frozen over twice since Minitrix introduced their Pennsylvania K-4 4-6-2. I'd like to hope Bachmann might at least think about manufacturing it at some time. Plus, if manufacturing an HO version is a pre requisite. The Bachmann K-4 has been out a long while now, much longer than the Berkshire. However, I'm only one person in need of a loco. I have no Idea what Bachmann has planned this year, but I do know whatever it may be the planning and prototyping has probably been completed and I'll just have to wait till August. Happy to have my EM-1 at last.

I agree with gatrhumpy. I too doubt if Bachmann would try to compete with the Model Power Loco's. What amazes me is why Bachmann and other manufactures tend to produce locomotive types such as the 2-10-2 (No B&O S1a?) and the rather hybrid 4-6-0. when there seems to more desirable types. The K-4 and L-1's are highly desirable as well as NYC's 4-6-4 Hudson's. Bachmann's Graham Farish UK line has a few 4-6-2 available. As long as many of us have waited for midsized locos I would be happy with a Graham Farish A1 Peppercorn painted and lettered for Pennsylvania. Remove the buffers and smoke defectors, add a pilot and a headlight. Heck it has a Belpaire firebox. No it would be prototypical, but I think it might look darn nice pulling a string of passenger cars. I've stopped holding my breath a long time ago for the K-4. I feel quite fortunate to have lived long enough to see a B&O EM-1.

I model British N scale too. I have many Graham Farish and Dapol models in conventional and in DCC. You will have no problems.
I use Kato track and switches myself. I have also used Peco and Atlas track in the past with good success. I personally don't care for Bachmann track. You will have no trouble running any of your British loco's on any American layout.

The only locomotive I've had issues with is a Dapol A3 Flying Scotsman DCC equipted.  I haven't converted my layout to total DCC operation for many reasons. Most manufactures DCC equipted loco will run in conventional with no problems except for loco's with sound(Limited sounds in convention). Not so with the A3. It surges in conventional. I was so convinced the loco was defective I sent it back for repairs. They returned it so fast I didn't believe they did anything. The point is they quickly switched out the mechanism, but failed to test the loco for conventional operation. It still surges, but it runs like a fine watch in DCC. The problem may actually be a "stepping" issue? Which I'm not experienced enough with DCC to adjust.

I had a similar issue. While the valve gear didn't fall off, the locomotive would lock up when placed in reverse. The valve gear had slipped. I sent mine back to the Hobby shop I purchased it from and they repaired it quickly. (Since I had custom sound installed by the shop this voided my warranty.) My suggestion would be to send it back to Bachmann under warranty. They will either repair or replace your model. I would contact Bachmann first for return instructions. The weathering issue may not be a problem.

ftauss,
I would think they would be perfect for your use, but I'm wondering are the non-operating knuckle couplers still available? They seem to be or have been popular in the UK. I was on a Bristish site last week where this question came up. Maybe the Bach-mann can clarify they're availablity.

I use Dapol's NEMCOUP for my British passenger cars with NEM pockets for the same reason as yours. I don't switch out car sets often. They're a fraction of the cost of magnetics.

If the EZ Mate dummies are not availble you might try the T-shank dummy coupler form the "Red Caboose". They are availble in three lenghts.

Dave

From this discussion it seems like the answer to your question is: If you want to run more than 9 locomotives on DCC you will need to "Upgrade" to a more powerful system. Your existing e-z command won't handle your needs. Check out several systems before choosing one.

Quote from: SHABBONA_RR on September 09, 2013, 08:01:43 PM
You guys are worried about a caboose? How about an S scale old time 4-4-0, such as the Jupitor in HO?

SHABBONA, I think you need to press that request for an S gauge 4-4-0 to Lionel American Flyer, American Models, or MTH. You'll have a much better chance of getting your wish. They all manufacture "S".
I don't think your wish isn't unreasonable either.

Bachmann doesn't produce 3/16" Scale "S" gauge to my knowlege.

Thanks Skipgear, Your news made my day.

I've got my first EM-1 on order. So, how about a B&O caboose? The northeastern caboose will do nicely. Just
need it lettered Baltimore and Ohio with the Capitol Dome. I have the unlettered version and realize I could decal it. However, I thought it might be nice if Bachmann offered one lettered. Any chances?