Hey Guys

At one time, not that long ago, I was able to find a nice brass O scale bear trap spark arrester on line.  I thought it was made by Precision Scale Models but I am unable to find it now.
Anyone know where I can get one??
Let me know if you can help at
gdstuebing@gmail.com
Thanks

I for one can not agree with the idea that HO track looks "GOOD ENOUGH".  It is too far out of scale in tie spacing, tie length and overall dimentions.
Yes it will cost a little more but it's worth the money to be because balasting to the cover the ties looks worse.

vroc3349

Hi all.

A short while ago, I mentioned that I had picked up 3 Spectrum Moguls that were made for a Xmas Village collectables co.

FYI

Going through our clubs old issues oh the NG&SLG, I came across the May/June 1989 issue and it contained plans for the C & S #22 so I took it home for a few days to read.

Seemed like a great idea to get out the calipers, since the drawing was in 1/4" scale, and do a fast comparison.

I would almost be willing to bet money that the Bachman used these drawings for their production version of the Mogul.

Absolutely everything I checked was right on from wheel size to distance between the axles to overall height to placement of ALL windows to shape of and placement of the domes as well as the routing of all exterior piping.  The same holds true of the tender dimensions and details.

Since these models already come with the axillary air tank on top of the boiler, it's a couple of PS Bear trap stacks for me.  Once the added details on the tender are in place, I'm ready to repaint and decal.

I hope some one finds this info useful.

vroc3349

The ties provided by Fast Track are dfrom Mt Albert Scale Lumber and are 1.5" for regular and 3" for turnouts.

You can run all the equipment from Bachman on 18"adius BUT the bigger stuff does not look right on curves and the couplers will not function well at all.  22" best for the rod engines and the Shays and Climax will look great wherever you run them, because they are Shays and Climaxes, right??

vroc3349

Hi all
I attended a model and hobbie show in my area yesterday and it was mostly model railroading.
I made a really nice find.
Apparently, a maker of xmas type village buildings, Hawthorn Village Canada, got Bachman to make them some special collector sets that included one of the spectrum Mogul's, a Combine in mine as well as a power pack and an Easy Track loop.
If you look at the pics, I believe I can make a very nice representation of a C&S #21 by changing the headlight, stack and modifing handrails.  slight modifications to the tender.  Paint and decal it
This set might be foind on ebay or at a train show.
I think I stole the one I got (new) for $75 and a getting another set (mint) and a used engine for another $100.
Having trouble attaching pics so you can e-mail me at gdstuebing@gmail.com if you'd like to see them.
vroc3349

That is a great tip.
Here is one I got yesterday.
Get your self a crapped out cell phone that has a vibrating feature.
The vibrator is done with a mini can motor.  You need to break, buy carefully crushing, the cam that does the vibrating but you wind up with a clean shaft to work with.
Handle the voltage with a resistor and let your imagination work.

vroc3349

Another thing to keep in mind is that the NMRA has standards for On30 that are smaller than for O scale.  You could, therefore, build things like bridges slightly smaller as the clearances can be smaller .

vroc3349

I like this forum because we all experss our wants, desires and interests as well as offer help and suggestions to posed questions.  I believe that is what it is for.
A lot of us ask "THE BACH MAN" for very specific items like freight cars or specific locomotives.  I've done it myself.
I am coming to realize that this is not going to happen and you know what, maybe it shouldn't.
In my opinion, this company is offering wonderful products that are full of detail and optional parts to let you make the loco your own.  They are great starting points for experimenting with Kitbashing.
Case in point, for me that is, is the Mogel offered as C&S 21.
For me, this is one of the most beautiful loco's built.  I love the proportions and different looks C&S gave this series of locos from the air tank to the Bear Trap stack.  Character, character character.
The BACH MAN responded to one persons inquiry abdou a saddle tank version of the new 2-6-6-2 and te told them strait out that it wasn't going to happen from the company and further stated that it might be a good aftermarket item for some one else to come oput with.
Why not try to make some parts your self?
I've never done it but plan to try making a Bear trap stack for my mogel.  HOW CAN YOU GO WRONG?  Thet provide a stack base to start from and just go from there.  Wood, plastic brass, what ever strikes your fancy because you can always put it back the way it was.
Unless your a purist, and there is nothing wrong with that, take a chance.
TRY IT, I'M GOING TO.
BUT A DCC OPTION WOULD BE NICE WITH ALL LOCO'S.VR0C3349

If you want to see Shays running at close to top speed, there are plenty of film clips available on youtube.  15 MPH was close to top end.

vroc3349

You can always put DCC and sound in it.
I want the C&S look.
vroc3349

Actually, it's listed right on this site.
Click on the SPECTRUM link above, select On30, select steam locos and it's the last item on page 4.

vroc3349

Great looking loco and thanks for the url.

I sure hope they are offering this loco with all the good stuff shown.

Has any one seen one of Bachman's offerings yet?

vroc3349

I sure hope someone gets some pics of the C&S #21 which is listed without a pic on this site.  While I'm not a purist and am satisfied with generalities, I do want to see it with a Bear Trap spark arrester before I buy one.
I am very impresses with Bachman's supply of alternative parts which allow you to make the loco your own.  It's kinda like owning a motorcycle and adding extra or different parts to change the look.
Good for you Bachman.
vroc3349

Well, between the two of you, we've covered it.  Great forum and thanks for the info.

vroc3349

Thanks for the reply
The new pipe I have is formed and long enough to go from the stack back into the cab.  It may not go to the stack at all but your response helps.

Thanks again

vroc3349